Pastor Van Noy continues to recover from virus

Pastor Paul Van Noy of Candlelight Christian Fellowship is continuing to recover from the coronavirus.

“Having been in the ICU now for 11 days … and counting, I am really starting to turn the corner — for the better,” Van Noy wrote. “They tell me it will be a few more days in ICU and then I will move back to a regular room for a couple of days and then to recover at home.”

Van Noy was hospitalized earlier this month when he contracted the virus, as did his wife, Brenda, who has been recovering at home. The church posted the news on its website.

Members of Candlelight and other churches recently held a prayer vigil for Van Noy outside Kootenai Health.

The church also closed briefly following Van Noy’s diagnosis with the virus.

Van Noy said he is thankful for the support.

“I am watching in prayer that there are no new cases and we can all be back together — worshipping together as called — very soon. Please pray for health and strength for all,” he wrote.

The Panhandle Health District on Tuesday reported that Kootenai County had nine new coronavirus cases, a total of 2,362, and 154 active cases.

Bonner County has 266 cases, Shoshone has 210, Benewah 124, and Boundary 50.

The latest positivity rate for the coronavirus in the PHD was 5.2%, tied with District 4 for the lowest in the state, according to the state's coronavirus website. The positivity rate for PHD has steadily declined since it reached a high of 12.5% in late July.

The state's positivity rate for the same week, Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, was 7.4%, the sixth-straight week it has declined.

Health officials remind people to wear masks, wash hands and maintain social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.