SANDPOINT — If you’re worried you have been exposed to the novel coronavirus or have symptoms that match, first stay home.

Second, call your primary care doctor and report your symptoms. Third, if you decide to, or have been advised to head to the hospital, call ahead before you arrive at Bonner General Health’s Emergency Department.

“When you arrive at the Emergency Department, stay in your car, call the Emergency Department at 208-265-1020, and staff will come to you,” BGH spokeswoman Erin Binnall told the Daily Bee.

Bonner General is continuing to monitor the rapidly-changing novel coronavirus closely. “Bonner General has high-skilled, trained clinical and support staff, ensuring all precautionary measures are being followed to ensure the safety of patients and staff,” she added.

Coronavirus symptoms can include a fever (higher than 100.4 degrees), lower respiratory illness (a new cough, new shortness of breath and difficulty breathing), travel 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 contact with a person who has COVID-19.

If you are experiencing any of these following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, or have had contact with a person with COVID-19, it’s important to follow the steps outlined to ensure appropriate care, Binnall said.

“Bonner General Health’s top priority is to ensure the safety for all patients, staff, and our community,” she said. “We thank everyone for doing their part to keep yourself, family, and community members safe.”

Bonner General Health is ready for the possibility of the novel coronavirus turning up in the community and drafted these steps as the fastest, best way to screen and test for COVID-19 in order to avoid contaminating the staff, patients and the hospital.

The hospital implemented ‘soft’ visitor restrictions this week in response to the coronavirus pandemic to ensure the safety and well-being of its staff, patients, and their families. The restrictions prohibit visitors younger than 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.

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 Idaho Department of Health & Welfare’s disclosures Friday of an Ada County woman who tested positive for the virus and a Saturday announcement of a Blaine County woman who has tested positive. Both women are under self-quarantine at home and did not need to be hospitalized.

Three individuals in Spokane County tested positive for the virus, according to an announcement by that state’s health department.

One is a female in her 40s, another is a male in his 50s and health officials had no information about the third patient.

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

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.