In north Idaho, the Panhandle Health District says it has detected cases of community transmission in two new counties, Benewah and Bonner. That’s when epidemiogists determine the infection was passed between community members and not initiated from an outside source.
Health district spokesman Katherine Hoyer says Kootenai County has also had cases of community spread. She says it accounts for about 80% of the 97 confirmed north Idaho cases.
“We can kind of see a correlation in the reopening and the increase in our cases. But we’re really glad to see it’s a relatively low number and that people are taking this seriously,” Hoyer said.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has announced it has 22 confirmations among people associated with the tribe. Hoyer says it’s possible not all of the people who tested positive live in Benewah County.