The board that governs Idaho’s Panhandle Health District has approved a mask mandate for all five counties of north Idaho. The board had approved a previous mandate for Kootenai County only on July 23, then rescinded it on Oct. 23.
The mandate is good for 60 days and will be reviewed at the board's next meeting in January. Board member Jai Nelson implored members to do their job, saying the board's careless attitude in rescinding the previous mandate helped to drive the infection rate higher.
Board members Glen Bailey and Allen Banks had argued mask mandates in other places have had little effect in lowering infection rates. Bailey said people should continue to do things to stop the spread, including masks. But requiring them won't solve the problem.
Board member Walt Kirby, an outgoing commissioner in Boundary County, refused to vote. He said he has taken abuse and been threatened after two previous mask mandate votes. He says he believes people should wear masks.
Board members voting for: Shoshone County Commissioner Mike Fitzgerald, Dr. Richard McLandress and Jai Nelson from Kootenai County, Benewah County Commissioner Marlow Thompson. Against: Bonner County Commissioner Glen Bailey and Dr. Allen Banks from Bonner County.
The vote came after Jeff Lee from the health district reported Idaho's Covid positivity rate is about 2.7 times that of Washington. Kootenai County's is 1.5 times that of neighboring Spokane County. All five north Idaho counties are at the highest risk level for schools, businesses.