PHD confirms first COVID-19 related deaths in Bonner County

The Panhandle Health District (PHD) is reporting the first and second deaths related to COVID-19 in Bonner County. The individuals, a man and a woman, resided in Bonner County and were in their 80s. Out of respect to them and their families, no additional details will be released.

There have been a total of 68 COVID-19 related deaths in our area. Forty-four of the deaths have occurred among Kootenai County residents, three deaths have occurred in Benewah County, one death among a Boundary County resident and 18 of the deaths have occurred among Shoshone County residents.

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Lora Whalen, PHD director.

PHD urges 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, health care providers, and our community at large to help prevent the further spread of this virus. The Panhandle area covers the five 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 two to 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 through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-415-5225.