Kootenai County, ID: Following the afternoon briefing of the Kootenai County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Unified Command, today’s report shows no new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Panhandle Health District. However, we did have one new case yesterday. This places our total of 66 cases, with 62 in Kootenai County and four in Bonner County.
Thanks to our continued efforts locally of heeding the social distancing guidelines we are finding that 48 of our 66 cases are no longer being monitored. This is defined by the Panhandle Health District as a person who has stayed home for the recommended period of time and have not had a fever for at least 72 hours. Details on any new cases are posted and updated in real time on www.panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19/.
As of today, 5 of the 66 cases have resulted in hospitalizations. This does not mean these patients are currently hospitalized, only that they were hospitalized for COVID-19 and are also confirmed positive with COVID-19.
Today, we began Stage 1 of Governor Little’s Idaho Rebounds guidelines. This allows many of our local businesses the opportunity to re-open and prosper, however, there are guidelines that still need to be maintained. This includes continuing social distancing and limiting the numbers of individuals in those businesses.
There are guidelines still being upheld, including the continuance of the 14-day self-quarantine order for out-state residents. This will continue until Stage 3, which is scheduled to begin on May 30th. For further specifics regarding Idaho Rebounds guidelines please follow https://rebound.idaho.gov/
Additionally, we will move forward to releasing a once weekly briefing report, which will occur each Friday. However, if situations dictate we will release more information as needed.
Unified Commanders,
Sheriff Ben Wolfinger
Chief Chris Way
Kootenai County Emergency Operations Center