Idaho Panhandle Health District

Longtime north Idaho residents may recall that, about a generation ago, their region suffered a communicable disease outbreak that has some similarities to our current Covid pandemic.

Two retired public health nurses have just published a book that looks back at that time.

Idaho Governor Brad Little says the Gem State will soon drop most of the restrictions related to the Covid vaccine.

“I am glad to announce today that starting Monday, April 5, all Idahoans, regardless of their age, medical condition or occupation will be able to make an appointment to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Also, starting Monday, March 29, any Idahoan with at least one medical condition will be able to access the Covid-19 vaccine," the governor said.

Spokane County broke the 500 mark in new Covid cases for the first time on Monday.

The weekend numbers started innocently enough with the Spokane Regional Health District recording 146 new cases on Saturday. But then Sunday brought 368 cases, the third highest mark of the pandemic, 514 cases for the two days. And then, Monday nearly matched it, 513 new cases.

The Post Falls City Council today [Monday] said no to a three-month measure that would mandate its residents wear masks in public places.

The proposal comes at a time when the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus continues to climb in north Idaho.

The Idaho Panhandle health board has voted to rescind its rule requiring people wear masks in Kootenai County.

The board had approved an enforceable mask mandate on July 23. It was a time when the Panhandle was approaching the peak of a coronavirus surge. That move was unpopular, so unpopular that even though the Panhandle is enduring another surge, the health board voted to remove the mandate.

Spokane County Health Officer Bob Lutz continued today [Monday] to express cautious optimism about the county’s coronavirus situation.

The health district reported 90 new Covid infections over the weekend, including 24 today [Monday]. Those are some of the lowest numbers since mid-June.