COVID-19 turns up in Benewah Co.
KEITH KINNAIRD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 9 months AGO
FILE - This illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health authorities are preparing for a possible pandemic as they work to contain a respiratory illness in China that's caused by a new virus. Governments are working to contain the virus by limiting travel, isolating sick people and keeping travelers returning from the affected region under quarantine to watch for symptoms. (CDC via AP, File)
SANDPOINT — The number of novel coronavirus cases crept upward over the weekend, according to the Panhandle Health District.
There are 74 cases, with 66 cases in Kootenai County and four cases in Bonner County, the health district said. Benewah County has three cases, the first reported cases in that county since the virus began its grim march through the country earlier this year.
The Panhandle Health District confirmed the first case of novel coronavirus in a female under the age of 18 in Benewah County. The individual has been contacted and advised to self-isolate.
The residency of the 74th case of coronavirus was still being determined on Tuesday afternoon, the health district said.
The virus, which causes COVID-19, has not been detected in Boundary or Shoshone counties, according to Panhandle Health.
PHD epidemiologists will conduct contact tracing and close contacts will be contacted if they are potentially at risk. Additional case-specific information about this individual is confidential and will not be released.
“Our call center is available Monday through Friday to take questions or concerns for our community,” said Lora Whalen, PHD director. “We continue to urge everyone to continue practicing the staged guidelines in Gov. Little’s reopening plan.”
The number of new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases, meanwhile, has slowed slightly. The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare tallied 15 new cases on Tuesday, pushing the statewide total to 2,699 cases. The death toll in Idaho, however, increased to 81, according to Health & Welfare.
The state said 2,100 cases have recovered. There have been 231 hospitalizations across the state and 95 admissions to intensive-care units. The virus has sickened 300 healthcare workers, according to Health & Welfare.
The Northeast Tri-County Health District in Washington state reported 14 cases within its jurisdiction. There are 10 cases in Stevens County, three in Pend Oreille County and one in Ferry County.
No new cases of the virus were reported in Montana on Tuesday. The state has 479 cases, with seven in Lincoln County and none in Sanders County.
Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.
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