— People with COVID-19 in Northern Idaho soon may have to be sent to Portland or Seattle because the region’s hospitals are nearing capacity.

Kootenai Health hospital said in a statement Wednesday that their hospital is at 99% capacity for patients.

“Because all regional hospitals are experiencing the same situation, there will be limited opportunities to transfer patients to other facilities once at capacity,” the hospital said.

“If there is no room available, Kootenai Health is currently looking at hospitals in Seattle or Portland to find space to transfer patients, but it is very limited.”.

Oregon hospitals have capacity to take in patients, particularly near Portland and in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Health Authority data shows.