STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the South-Central Public Health District is extending nominations for its annual Health Heroes award and introducing a new Facebook spotlight for everyday heroes working to raise spirits during the pandemic.

“This terrible pandemic has brought some incredible health heroes into the light and we want to give people a chance to recognize them,” said Pam Jones, SCPHD Health Board member and chair of the Health Heroes Committee.

To nominate a Community Hero, email a short description of that person’s work, their name and county of residence, along with a picture of the person or the service they have participated in to scphd@phd5.idaho.gov.

A new Community Hero will be spotlighted twice a week on the SCPHD Facebook page.

The District’s Health Heroes, who will be honored when gatherings are permitted, come in four categories:

• Youth: A volunteer 18 years old or younger who has made a big impact on the health of their community.
• Adult Volunteer: A member of the community who has volunteered time on a community project, initiative or organization, helping their community become healthier.
• Adult Professional: Someone who works in the health care or community health and goes above and beyond to help make their community healthier.
• Organization: A group of people who have made a big impact on their community health over the last year.

Nomination forms are at http://phd5.idaho.gov/health-heroes.

HIKING? PEE BEFORE YOU GO

Headed to the woods?

Hikers are being asked to use the restroom before entering the woods and after they leave. And groups are being asked to limit themselves to no more than 10 in a group.

Restricting group sizes will allow the National Forests to open some sites that had previously been closed due to COVID-19, said Dave Rosenkrance, deputy regional forester with the Intermountain Region of the Forest Service.

All closures are being evaluated on an ongoing basis and in accordance with statewide plans.

Campers are advised:

Be self-contained, taking everything you may need to avoid unnecessary stops at stores and gas stations.

Avoid using the forest during high-use periods. If an area is crowded, search for a less occupied location.

Avoid visiting the forest if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing.

Take your trash home with you.

Use the restroom before or after your visit as unmanaged waste creates a health hazard.

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area campgrounds are closed through June 5 due to Idaho’s COVID-19 guidelines. But dispersed camping is open, as are trailheads.

A DAY OFF FROM REPORTING

For the first time since Idaho reported its first two cases of coronavirus on March 14, the Division of Public Health did not offer a new report on Sunday. The Division will make reports only Mondays through Saturdays unless things heat up again.

IDAHO GIVES SETS RECORD

The Idaho Gives campaign has raised more than $2 million for Idaho nonprofits with just over three more days to go. The campaign extended to two weeks this year in light of the pandemic. Money is given to the nonprofit of the donor’s choice.

To donate go to www.idahogives.org.

KEEP YOURSELF SAFE WITH A BUZZING WRISTBAND

Ford Motor Co. workers are testing social distancing watches that vibrate when they come within six feet of each other.

The Samsung Electronics smartwatches, which utilize Bluetooth shortwave, are part of the automotive company’s efforts to keep workers safe when they reopen. Other measures include scanning employees with a thermal-imaging scan and wearing face masks and face shields.

SAY IT WITH ROSES

Navy helicopters showered flower petals on masked hospital workers touted as “corona warriors” as jets roared across the skies in India Sunday to thank health care workers. An Army Band played patriotic tunes, including “May Victory Prevail” from the “Slumdog Millionaire” film as they did.

The country, which has 1.35 billion people, has recorded nearly 40,000 coronavirus cases and 1,301 deaths.

THAT’S NO LIFEGUARD. IT’S THE GRIM REAPER

A lawyer in Florida has been dressing up as the Grim Reaper, scythe in hand, while sitting in lifeguard chairs overlooking Florida’s beaches. His mission: To convince people to exercise social distancing and stay at home. 

BORD FOR EN

A Swedish chef has created Bord for En, or Table for One. He sends diners their meals in a picnic basket reeling it on a rope from restaurant window to their table.

UNITED IN LOVE AND DEATH

A Wisconsin couple married for 73 years died on the same day this week in side-by-side hospital beds. They are among a host of couples married more than 50 years who have died of the coronavirus in the United States.