Three new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Nez Perce County

LEWISTON - Public Health -Idaho North Central District (PH-INCD) has confirmed three new cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Nez Perce County.

All of these patients are over the age of 70. This brings the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in north central Idaho to five. PH-INCD area includes Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce Counties.

The investigation into these new cases is in the preliminary stages. The status of these cases are pending investigation. Epidemiologists with PH-INCD have begun their investigation. 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 these individuals is confidential and will not be released.

"We are calling on each of you to follow public health guidance to help protect one another and prevent the virus from spreading. Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19," said Carol Moehrle, Director.

• These actions include
• Stay home if you are sick
• Covering nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
• 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.
• Avoid non-essential travel if possible.

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 our Public Health Hotline at 1-866-736-6632.