Idaho reports first 3 COVID-19 deaths; Kootenai County confirms 10th case
Jared Brown | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 10 months AGO
Idaho reported its first three deaths due to COVID-19 Thursday afternoon, after Kootenai County confirmed one new case.
Two men in their 60s and 80s died in Blaine County, one of the first areas in the state to report community transmission last Thursday. Officials did not know if the men had underlying health issues.
More than 60 of the state’s 130-some COVID-19 cases were in Blaine County as of Wednesday.
A Canyon County man in his 70s who had underlying health conditions also died, according to the state health department.
“This is very sad news, and we send our condolences to the families and friends of each of these individuals,” Elke Shaw-Tulloch, an Idaho public health administrator, said in a statement. “This underscores the importance of Gov. Little’s order to stay home – we all have to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.”
Little’s stay-home order issued Wednesday will be in effect for at least three weeks and requires all nonessential businesses to close unless they can offer remote work options. Grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants that offer to-go and delivery services will remain open.
The new Kootenai County case brings the local total to 10 patients, while Shoshone, Benewah, Bonner and Boundary remained without confirmed cases Thursday, according to the Panhandle Health District.
The new Kootenai County patient is in her 50s and self-isolating at home, according to the health district. Officials are working to determine who came into close contact with her while infected.
No Kootenai County COVID-19 patients were hospitalized as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the health district.
This story is developing and will be updated.
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