Kootenai County, ID: Following the afternoon briefing of the Kootenai County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Unified Command, today’s report shows one new case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Panhandle Health District for this week. This places our total of 68 cases, with 64 in Kootenai County and four in Bonner County.
Thanks to our continued efforts locally of heeding the social distancing guidelines we are finding that 65 of our 68 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, 7 of the 68 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.
On May 16th, we begin Stage 2 of Governor Little’s Idaho Rebounds guidelines. This allows more of our local businesses the opportunity to re-open, however, there are guidelines that still need to be maintained. This includes continuing social distancing and limiting the number of individuals in those businesses. Businesses who couldn’t open in Stage 1, but can now, includes hair salons, gyms and restaurants for dine in service. Additionally when we reach Stage 3, bars and night clubs can reopen where originally they couldn’t open until Stage 4.
There are guidelines still being upheld, including the continuance of the 14-day self-quarantine order for individuals from areas with substantial community spread. 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/
Unified Commanders,
Sheriff Ben Wolfinger
Chief Chris Way
Kootenai County Emergency Operations Center