8 more deaths in PHD attributed to coronavirus

Kootenai Health reported it had 90 COVID-19 patients Monday, its second-highest since the pandemic began as it continues to operate near capacity. Thirty-six patients required critical care.

The Panhandle Health District reported 114 new cases Monday, including eight more deaths attributed to the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the PHD and Gov. Brad Little released statements Monday sharing their support of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals ages 16 and older. The vaccine will be marketed as Comirnaty.

“This approval should increase public confidence in the safety of the vaccine and encourage more individuals to be vaccinated,” said Don Duffy, PHD interim director.

PHD continues to encourage those 12 years of age and older to be vaccinated.

Little said close to 800,000 Idahoans and more than 200 million Americans have received the COVID-19 vaccine safely, “and the FDA full approval for the Pfizer vaccine helps impart additional confidence for Idahoans still on the fence about getting the shot.”

“President Donald Trump last year boldly moved our country forward with Operation Warp Speed – the first-ever public-private partnership of its kind – to enable faster approval and production of COVID-19 vaccines during the global pandemic,” Little said. “Today, we reached the culmination of President Trump’s leadership.

“It is a proud moment in our nation’s history,” Little added.

In Kootenai County, 673,392 people, 44% of the 12 and older population, have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In the PHD, 82,393 people, 39% of the 12 and older population, are fully vaccinated.

Both are below national averages.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 60% of the population 12 and older nationwide is fully vaccinated, while 71% have received at least one dose of the vaccine.