Two COVID-related deaths reported in Bonner County


SANDPOINT — Two people, a male and female in their 80s, have died from COVID-19, Panhandle Health District officials reported Wednesday.

Out of respect to the individuals, both Bonner County residents, and their families, no additional details will be released, PHD officials said.

The region has a total of 68 COVID-19 related deaths. Forty-four of the deaths were in Kootenai County, three in Benewah County, one in Boundary County, and 18 deaths in Shoshone County.

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

PHD officials urge all of the region's 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 is working with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, city leaders, tribal communities in the region, schools, emergency management, first responders, healthcare providers, and the community at large to help prevent the further spread of this virus.

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. COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue and muscle or body aches. Other symptoms include headache, a new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. The 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 to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 877-415-5225.