PRIEST RIVER — While city and police department remain open for business, public access to Priest River City Hall and Priest River Police Department is on hold effective immediately.

“With the national, state, and local emergency declarations regarding COVID-19 and the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the city of Priest River will be modifying our operations until at least April 6,” Priest River Mayor Jim Martin said in a press release.

Martin said the city made the decision out of an “abundance of caution for [its] citizens and employees” due to the potential threat posed by the novel coronavirus.

Staff will still be available to answer questions via telephone and email, and utility payments can be made at the drop box in front of City Hall, by calling 208-448-2123, by going online at priestriver-id.gov, or by mail at Box 415, Priest River, ID 83856. In addition, Martin said information will be posted at all the entrances to the buildings with contact phone numbers to ensure Priest River citizens will still be able to reach officials and employees.

In the meantime, Martin said city employees are being diligent in sanitizing buildings and vehicles. “We will continue to communicate with local health officials and will continue to monitor the situation and provide any needed support and resources to keep our community safe,” he added.

Martin reminded everyone that if they are sick or showing symptoms, to stay home and contact your health care provider.

“Also, be extremely vigilant in washing your hands and follow the recommendations from the CDC,” Martin said.

The city’s announcement follows an announcement across the Idaho-Washington border by the Northeast Tri County Health District advising the Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s emergency proclamation went into effect at midnight Tuesday, March 17. The immediate two-week closure includes restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities, as well as additional limits on large gatherings. The new orders are in effect in Washington through March 31, 2020.

“If we are living a normal life, we are not doing our jobs as Washingtonians,” Inslee said. “We cannot do that anymore. We need to make changes, regardless of size. All of us need to do more. We must limit the number of people we come in contact with. This is the new normal.”

COVID-19 has been confirmed in many Washington locations, including in eastern Washington, and has resulted in 42 deaths. There continues to be confirmed significant community spread in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. In addition, there have been nine cases of COVID-19 cases reported in Idaho.

“While areas of northeastern Washington are not currently experiencing known community transmission, we will continue to take sensible action to slow the spread of the illness,” NETCHD officials said in a press release. “Therefore, NETCHD is expecting residents of Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens counties to abide by Governor Inslee’s proclamation and follow the mandated closure of all restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities, as well as the additional limits implemented on large gatherings.”

The health district officials said they recognize and understand the substantial impact these actions can have on area residents and communities. “However, these actions are the most effective tools we have available to help slow the spread of the virus in our communities and protect our vulnerable residents and healthcare systems,” they said.

Coronavirus symptoms may appear between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus and include fever — greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit and lower respiratory illness — a new cough, new shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Individuals are also at risk if they have traveled to affected areas within the previous 14 days or have had close contact with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 patient within the previous 14 days

Collective action can save lives, the health district officials said.

“We all have people in our lives who are high-risk,” they said in the release. “We all are one mishap away from needing access to a functioning hospital. We all have a lot at stake. Giving up social events will not be easy, and the impacts on businesses and jobs may be significant. But this is our best chance to save lives. It is in support of the most vulnerable in our community, and a protection for everyone.”

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