BONNERS FERRY — The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a hitch in the giddyup of life in Boundary County.

North Idaho Panhandle, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the seven local Public Health Districts updated guidance for event and venue managers. Any gathering of 50 or more people is being asked to be postponed or canceled, and Boundary County is responding.

Boundary County School District canceled classes starting Wednesday, March 18, along with all extracurricular activities, such as sports.

The Boundary County Library closed on Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m. This closure will remain in effect until at least April 6, paralleling the closure of Boundary County School District 101.

“Considering the breadth of library users (Montana, Idaho and British Columbia, Canada) and with the health of our community in the forefront, this decision has been made through careful consideration and in accordance with The White House Coronavirus Guidelines for America,” the Boundary County Library wrote in its press release.

Due dates of previously checked out materials will extend to April 6, and the Book Drop is closed to reduce risk to staff. There are no late fees at this time.

The library encourages people to visit their website for online opportunities: boundarycountylibrary.com.

Other changes to note:

• The Boundary County Courthouse is encouraging voters in to take part in #VoteEarlyIdaho and vote absentee for the May 19 Primary Election. Visit https://idahovotes.gov/vote-early-idaho/ for more information.

• The Bonners Ferry Special Olympics Annual Penguin Plunge scheduled for this Saturday, March 21 has been postponed. “This event is not time critical,” read the press release. “After all, Penguins plunge into the ocean at any time.”

• The Community Room at South Boundary Fire station in Naples has been closed to meetings and public events, including Job Service that is there on Thursdays. For Job Services, call 208-457-8789.

• The Boundary County Community Restorium is temporarily halting normal visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel to the facility until further notice. Visitor restriction is one of several measures the facility is taking to protect its residents from potential exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). The decision to restrict visitors was made in coordination with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Visitation during a compassionate care situation (e.g., end-of-life) will be made on a case-by-case basis and will include screening of all visitors for fever or respiratory symptoms and will require protective equipment to be worn. Anyone with questions can call the Community Restorium at 208-267-2453.

• The annual Second Chance Benefit Bake Sale will be postponed to a later date in April, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ladies hope to break their former record of $1,706, that they raised last year for Second Chance Animal Adoption and feel that the pandemic may slow sales. For more information: rlwerder@hotmail.com.

• The DYW program has been postponed until some time after April 30. They don’t know exactly when it will be rescheduled to at this point, but will reevaluate once school is back in session.

If you have any cancellations or closures to announce, please email information to mbateman@bonnersferryherald.com.