SANDPOINT — Panhandle Health District reported the area’s first death delated to COVID-19.

The individual was from Kootenai County and in his 70s, said Katherine Hoyer, health district public information officer, adding the man had been hospitalized due to complications with COVID-19.

Out of respect to the man and his family, no additional details will be released, Hoyer said.

“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and neighbors who are grieving,” said Lora Whalen, PHD director. “We’ve all seen reports of COVID-19 related deaths in other states and counties, but losing a friend, and neighbor, reminds us how important it is to continue working to protect each other during this pandemic.”

PHD officials urged all residents to take precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes, practicing physical distancing, wearing cloth face coverings in public places, practicing good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, sanitizing high-touch surfaces regularly and isolating immediately if you show symptoms of COVID-19.

Three new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus were tallied in the region on Monday, according to the Panhandle Health District,

The new cases bring the regional total to 126 confirmed cases, with 99 cases in Kootenai County. Bonner County has seven confirmed cases and Benewah County has 10 cases. There are another 10 cases of undetermined primary residency, according to Panhandle Health.

The virus, which causes COVID-19, has not been detected in Boundary or Shoshone counties.

The virus has caused 14 hospitalizations and 100 people are no longer being monitored, the health district said.

Fifteen of those confirmed to have had COVID-19 are 18 years old and under, 58 are between the ages of 19 and 49 and 51 are above the age of 50. Two of the cases have an undetermined age, Hoyer said.

“PHD will continue to monitor the situation closely and are working with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, city leaders, our tribal communities, schools, emergency management, first responders, healthcare providers, and our community at large to help prevent the further spread of this virus,” said Hoyer.

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Some of the symptoms include fever of chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, a headache, a new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare reported 54 new confirmed or probable cases of the virus on Monday, pushing the statewide case total to 3,462. The virus is blamed for 88 deaths in the state, according to Health & Welfare.

The Northeast Tri-County Health District in Washington state reported 19 cases of coronavirus on Monday, There are 15 cases in Stevens County, three cases in Pend Oreille County and one case in Ferry County.

The state of Montana reported eight new confirmed cases, bringing the statewide total to 609 cases. There are seven cases in Lincoln County and none in Sanders County, according to the Montana State Department of Public Health.

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19 or call the Panhandle Health District Hotline Monday – Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 877-415-5225.