KXLY
January 21, 2021 6:54 PM Esther Bower
SPOKANE, Wash. Spokane County has gone from over 500 COVID cases just two weeks ago to 104 reported cases.
Today marks one year since the first case of COVID was discovered here in Washington. After a holiday surge, hospitals were feeling the strain of lessened resources and exhausted staff.
However, due to the community’s response in wearing masks, social distancing and staying away from vulnerable populations, there’s hope on the horizon. Doctors say the community’s commitment has been a huge help.
“Due to a high rate of compliance, we did not stretch our capacity. That is fantastic for us, and we do want to thank you all Washingtonians for doing your part. It was due to you that our systems were not overwhelmed, and honestly we can’t thank you enough,” said Dr. Elizabeth Wako, the chief medical officer for Swedish First Hill.
Kootenai Co. sheriff won t enforce COVID-19 mandates, says most people recover from virus
Incoming Kootenai County Sheriff Robert B. Norris said “it is not law enforcement’s job to get between you, your health and your doctor. Author: Megan Carroll Updated: 6:16 PM PST January 11, 2021
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho Kootenai County’s incoming sheriff said he will not enforce mandates aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, claiming that most people who contract the virus experience flu symptoms and recover.
In a statement released on Monday, Sheriff Robert B. Norris wrote that there is “no provision in the Constitution that suspends people’s rights during a ‘declared emergency.’”
KOOTENAI CO., Idaho — Kootenai County’s new sheriff said Monday he will not enforce the current mask mandate. The mandate, which applies to five North Idaho counties, was put into place by the Panhandle Health District in November. At the time of the decision, all five counties were in the “red” risk category. That remains true; in its latest update,.
Idaho Governor Brad Little held a State of the State address Monday, confident in their COVID-19 response and unveiling the "Building Idaho's Future" plan.
KXLY
January 1, 2021 6:40 PM Kaitlin Knapp
Updated:
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho There’s a new sheriff in North Idaho, and he’s already making some changes starting with two community projects.
Sheriff Robert Norris was sworn in as interim sheriff on Friday. His official four-year term doesn’t start for another 11 days. He was elected in November, replacing Sheriff Ben Wolfinger, who retired after eight years as sheriff.
Norris has 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt. He worked for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before moving to Kootenai County in 2013 where he served on the county’s search and rescue team.