SANDPOINT — Bonner General Health is readying itself for the possibility of the novel coronavirus turning up in the community.

The hospital erected a tent outside its emergency department on Wednesday as a proactive measure. The tent will enable the hospital to screen and test for COVID-19 in order to avoid contaminating the staff, patients and the hospital.

“To ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, patients, and their families, Bonner General Health has implemented ‘soft’ visitor restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic,” BGH spokeswoman Erin Binnall said in a news release. The restrictions prohibit visitors under the age of 18 unless they have a scheduled appointment, procedure or are in need of emergency services.

Patients are allowed only one visitor in the intensive-care unit, medical surgical and surgery departments. Obstetrician patients are allowed two visitors.

The hospital is urging those who are symptomatic to call BGH (208-263-1441) before coming in for any scheduled, non-emergent procedures. Coronavirus symptoms can include a fever (high than 100.4 degrees), lower respiratory illness (a new cough, new shortness of breath and difficulty breathing) have traveled to affected countries (China, South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy) or affected U.S. cities (Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles and New York City) and been in contact with a person who has COVID-19.

Those with symptoms are urged to stay home and contact their primary care provider to report their symptoms.

Those who are under a doctor’s order for COVID-19 testing are asked to call the emergency department (208-265-1020) prior to arrival at BGH. Upon arrival, call the emergency department and staff will come to the person.

BGH said the majority of patients will be sent home to self-isolate until their test results come back. Patients who are in need of additional care will be transferred in the main emergency department.

The hospital’s announcement coincided with the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare’s disclosure on Friday that a woman in Ada County tested positive for the virus after attending an unspecified conference in New York City. It’s the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the state.

Those with questions about coronavirus or believe they have symptoms may call the Panhandle Health District’s hotline (877-415-5225).

Kochava, meanwhile, is adopting World Health Organization recommendations of social distancing, practicing consistent hygiene and limiting large-group interactions. The company is also implementing a ban on in and outbound travel for employees and candidates until further notice.

Kochava is also implementing office-wide remote work on Monday.

“On behalf of Kochava, we are keeping those directly affected by this virus in our thoughts,” Leslie Amadio, Kochava’s director of public relations,” said in a statement.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.