PHD: Coronavirus-related deaths at 275

Kootenai Health operating at about 80% capacity

PHD: Coronavirus-related deaths at 275

Health officials: COVID won't end on Jan. 1

Kootenai Health and Panhandle Health warn of cramped health care capacity and spreading the virus this New Year's.

State reopening continues into Stage 2

Yesterday Gov. Brad Little announced Idaho will move into Stage 2 of his reopening plan. In his announcement, he encouraged residents and businesses to move forward safely and continue to adhere to social distancing and sanitation guidelines.

Catch up on preventive care

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people decided to delay non-emergent health care appointments until the stay-home orders began to lift. For you and your family, that may have meant avoiding some routine doctor’s visits. But now that restrictions are easing up, it’s time to catch up on any preventive health services you missed.

What we’ve learned from COVID-19

Now that we’re starting to reopen local businesses and are looking forward to gathering in small groups again, you may be eager to get back to the life you were living before COVID-19. But before you do, take a moment to reflect. While many of us have experienced losses or sacrificed privileges by staying home, there may also be some good things we’ve gained over the past months. What new habits or insights can you take with you as you move forward?

How and when to wear cloth face coverings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends every person wear a cloth face covering (cloth mask, bandana, etc.) when entering a health care facility and all public settings where maintaining social distancing is difficult (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.)

Enjoy the outdoors, just do it safely

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. In many areas, people can visit parks, trails, and open spaces as a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air and vitamin D, stay active, and safely connect with others.

LOCAL CORONAVIRUS BULLETIN Recognizing stress - and coping with it

When you hear, read, or watch news about an outbreak like COVID-19, you may feel anxious and show signs of stress — even if the outbreak hasn’t yet directly affected you and you are at low risk of getting sick. These signs of stress are normal, and may be more likely or pronounced in people with loved ones who are immediately affected by the outbreak.

CORONAVIRUS BULLETIN Back to the COVID-19 basics

Now that it has been several weeks of learning about COVID-19 and preparing for its arrival in our community, it might be a good time to revisit some important information about the virus and how to keep each other safe.

LOCAL CORONAVIRUS BULLETIN Respiratory therapists on the front lines

It’s a specialty that often flies under the radar, but respiratory therapists are playing a critical role in caring for COVID-19 patients nationwide.

Slowing spread of COVID-19 with source control

How easily a virus spreads from person to person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected (via coughing or sneezing). People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. However, some people without symptoms may still be able to spread virus.

Feeling sick? How to self-isolate

Now that we’re seeing COVID-19 transmission in our community, it’s important to know what we should do when we get sick. On top of taking care of ourselves, or a sick family member, there are certain symptoms to watch for, and simple tasks we can do at home to prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.

Parents, here’s how to calm coronavirus concerns

With COVID-19 spreading in the U.S., your children may be hearing a lot about the outbreak from TV, the internet, or they may have talked about it in school. It’s possible with all of the information circling around, some of what they hear may frighten them.

Preparing your home for COVID-19

While our health care agencies prepare to care for COVID-19 patients, so can we. Use your extra time at home wisely by preparing your household and family members for what may come. As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here is a checklist from the CDC highlighting ways you and your family can prepare.

Managing fear and stress amid COVID-19

We are living in uncertain times. With neighbors stockpiling supplies and a constant stream of discussion surrounding COVID-19, it’s understandable we may all feel a bit overwhelmed by the unknown of what will happen next. The emotional impact of COVID-19 may cause stress, fear, or anxiety, and these strong emotions can be difficult to process.

Applauding our health care heroes

In times like these our health care workers prepare to do what no one else wants to — show up to work