First positive case of Novel Coronavirus in Idaho County confirmed

LEWISTON - Public Health -Idaho North Central District (PH-INCD) has confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in an adult in their 70s in Idaho County.

This is the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in north central Idaho. The investigation into this new case is in the preliminary stages.

The patient's healthcare provider acted appropriately ruling out influenza, discussing exposure risk, and appropriately determining that a COVID-19 test was necessary. The patient remains hospitalized. Epidemiologists with PH-INCD will work to determine reasonable risk criteria for locations visited by this patient and any close contacts of that individual who were possibly exposed. If other people are found to have possibly been exposed, public health officials will provide guidance to them and will monitor them closely for symptoms.

Additional case-specific information about this individual is confidential and will not be released.

"Protecting and preserving the health and safety of our residents is at the very core of what we do. We will continue to do everything we can to make sure you have the education and information you need," said Carol Moehrle, Director.

Recommended actions for the public include:

• Avoid non-essential travel if possible.
• Stay home if sick
• Covering nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs using a disinfecting solution
• Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60 percent alcohol.

It is currently flu and respiratory illness season, and flu activity is still high and expected to continue for a number of weeks. Public health officials recommend taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. In order to slow the spread of the virus, the general public should refer to the updated guidance on mass gatherings.

Please visit www.cdc.gov for additional information on mass gatherings. For more information about the novel coronavirus please visit www.idahopublichealth.com or https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/ or call the Public Health Hotline at 1-866-736-6632.

Syringa Hospital and Clinics in Grangeville posted the following on their Facebook page after the announcement above:

"Attention! The second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Public Health District 2 is a person with a residence in Idaho County but, to the current knowledge of the Health Department, has received all of their medical care outside of Idaho County and has been living with family outside of Idaho County as well. This person has not been in any of the hospitals or medical facilities in Latah, Clearwater, Lewis, Nez Perce, or Idaho counties. According to the information the Health Department has at this time, this patient does not present a risk to Idaho County."