First COVID-19 related death in Benewah County confirmed

Panhandle Health District (PHD) and Benewah Community Hospital (BCH) are reporting the first death related to COVID-19 in Benewah county. The individual resided in Benewah County and was in his 60s. He had been hospitalized due to complications with COVID-19. Out of respect to him and his family, no additional details will be released.

This is the nineteenth death in our area. Sixteen of the deaths have occurred among Kootenai county residents and two of the deaths have occurred among Shoshone county residents.

“BCH is saddened to hear that one of our community members has passed away from COVID-19,” said Chuck Lloyd, CEO Benewah Community Hospital. “BCH had the honor of caring for this community member for a short period of time before they were transferred to a higher level of care. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. BCH is committed to ensuring that our community, staff, and healthcare providers remain safe and healthy.”

PHD and BCH urge all residents to take precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19. This includes, practicing physical distancing, wearing cloth face coverings in public places, practicing good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, sanitizing high-touch surfaces regularly and isolating immediately if you show symptoms of COVID-19.

PHD will continue to monitor the situation closely and are working with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, city leaders, our tribal communities, schools, emergency management, first responders, healthcare providers, and our community at large to help prevent the further spread of this virus. The Panhandle area covers the 5 northern counties, Kootenai, Bonner, Benewah, Boundary, and Shoshone.

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

-Fever or chills

-Cough

-Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

-Fatigue

-Muscle or body aches

-Headache

-New loss of taste or smell

-Sore throat

-Congestion or runny nose

-Nausea or vomiting

-Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms.

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit panhandlehealthdistrict.org/covid-19 or call the Panhandle Health District Hotline Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at 877-415-5225.