BGH to limit entry, screen visitors; FBCS goes online

SANDPOINT — After taking students online last week due to the flu, Forrest Bird Charter Schools announced Friday the school would be going online for the rest of the semester due to concerns over the novel coronavirus.

Also on Friday, Bonner General Health announced it was limiting entry to the hospital to certain access points and screening all who entered. In addition, First Presbyterian Church announced it was canceling some events and switching to online services and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho announced a decision to close portions of the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa.

Erin Binnall, Bonner General Health public information officer, said beginning at 7 a.m. today, March 21, the hospital is limiting entry into the building to certain access points and screening everyone who enters — employees, providers, patients, and the limited permissible visitors allowed.

No visitors will be allowed inside the hospital until further notice.

“As the situation regarding the novel coronavirus continues to evolve, so does Bonner General Health’s response,” Binnall said in a Friday press release.

The announcement follows measures the hospital has already taken, including “soft” visitor restrictions, high-alert procedures in the Emergency Department, and adhering diligently to Panhandle Health District and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines, Bonner General officials said they are taking more precautionary steps to help protect staff, patients, and community.

Exceptions to the “no-visitor” policy include obstetric patients, who may have one support person; and pediatric patients, who may have parents/guardians (limit two).

To enter, all approved visitors must meet all five of criteria:

• No travel in the last 14 days

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Free of fever for 72-hours (by report or measured if available)

• Free of an acute severe cough

• Free of shortness of breath

Binnall said visitors also must follow staff instructions regarding hand washing and the use of equipment.

Bonner General is prepared for any coronavirus cases that might be reported in the community, and is responding appropriately, Binnall said. In addition, the hospital and its staff are committed to protecting the well-being of staff, patients, visitors, and community.

The increased safety measures do not mean people cannot access the hospital, she said. If they need medical care, the hospital is there to help in all ways. If people have concerns are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, their first step is to call their primary care provider before going to their office.

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

Binnall said as the hospital continues to provide care to all other emergency patients, BGH needs those coming to the Emergency Department with COVID-19 symptoms to follow the below guidelines.

• Call ahead of time to the Emergency Department at 208-265-1020.

• Upon arrival at the hospital, stay in your car, and call 208-265-1020, a staff member will come to the patient.

“The Bonner General Health team values the trust our community places in us, and we appreciate your understanding as we adjust our visitation procedures during this time,” Binnall said. “Bonner General Health continues to work diligently with our local agencies and regional partners to prepare for coronavirus and screen for any potential cases. We all must do our part to keep ourselves, family, and community members’ safe.”

If you have any questions or think you may have symptoms, call the Panhandle Health District Hotline at 1-877-415-5225.

An effort to keep students and staff and their families safe, Forrest Bird Charter Schools announced Friday that the schools would be moving to all online instruction until May 7. that allows students to gain full credit for the second semester, which ends April 24.

“During this time of closures, self-quarantines, and isolations, schools are faced with making difficult choices,” FBCS Administrator Mary Jensen said. “The FBCS Board of Directors met [Friday] to make some of those difficult decisions. They reviewed the CDC recommendations for school closures and the information provided by the U.S. Department of Education and the Idaho Department of Education in order to make informed decisions for the school while keeping the safety and physical health of the students and their families in mind.”

By switching to all online through May 7, FBCS will have reached the minimum state requirements for grades sixth through 12 of 990 hours. On May 8, students will be on an early release to summer break and will not have classwork to complete, Jensen said. Teachers will continue to provide services, such as weekly phone calls to advocacy and advisory students. In addition, services will include Canvas student get-togethers with Vicki Veskecy twice a week, online activities for students to opt into, and Facebook Live feeds until the June 5.

“These activities will be optional but will allow students to continue to connect socially and continue educational activities with peers and staff,” Jensen said.

Students enrolled in IDLA classes will continue with their courses until the end date of those courses and will receive credit for those course if they earn a passing grade. An announcement for the school’s 2020 graduates is expected Monday, she said.

“I do want to reassure our graduates who have been in good standing for graduation and who pass their Trimester 2 classes will still graduate,” Jensen added.

While the board approved the plan to go online, Jensen said the board reserves the right to begin live, in-school classes if the outlook over the COVID-19 pandemic improves.

“Please know that the FBCS staff miss educating the students in the school building,” she said. “We will continue to reach and connect with our student on a regular basis.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic changes, First Presbyterian Pastor Andy Kenally said church officials are monitoring the recommendations of government, the Presbytery, and actions of other congregations in the region. Friday, the Session decided to suspend all in-person gatherings, including worship and the Lenten devotionals, effective immediately. In addition, the office is closed to the public and the staff will have limited hours to promote social distancing.

“This will be until further notice,” Kenally said.

A planned presentation for Sunday’s worship service by Presbyterian Women has been canceled and the presentation has been posted to the church’s website and Facebook page. Kenally said the church will utilize the Zoom app for its Tuesday afternoon book study, contemplative prayer group, and Sunday school. Participants will be sent an email with links and will need to download the Zoom app., and there is a phone connection for audio for those who don’t have a webcam.

Kenally said anyone who has any questions, can call the church and leave a message at 208-304-5488. After this Sunday, he said will use Facebook Live to host and post an abbreviated service, such as prayer, scripture, and sermon.

“When it comes to suspending all in-person events, gatherings, and meetings, Session does not make this decision lightly,” Kenally said. “It’s not something I’ve encountered in 25 years of active ministry in the church. Not being together is a challenge, adding a layer of complication and stress. This year, Lent has us “giving up” more than we would have anticipated. But even in the midst of struggle, God is present, and grace abounds. May our Lenten journey recognize a simplicity that opens us to the Spirit’s movement in new, creative ways.”

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho announced Friday it had decided to close portions of the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa due to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of their guests and team members.

As a result, casino rooms will be closing at midnight on Saturday night. In the interim they will be continuing to observe social distancing, with limited active machines to accommodate spacing between guests. In addition, The Springs Restaurant and Lounge will close for dine in service at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. However, to-go orders will still be available during the closure.

The Kootenai Spa will also close at 6 p.m. on Saturday and the pool and fitness center was closed Friday.

These closures will remain in effect for approximately two weeks, with plans to reopen at noon on April 3. The opening date is subject to change, the Tribe announced in the press release.

The hotel rooms will not be closing at this time, in order to accommodate necessary travel needs.

Kootenai Tribal Leadership said all KRI team members will continue to receive their wages and benefits during the temporary closure.

“On behalf of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the management and team members of the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa, the health and safety of our guests and you is our No. 1 concern,” wrote Kootenai River Inn General Manager Tom Turpin in the press release.

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