Health Advisory: COVID-19 Outbreak



COVID-19 confirmed in Grays Harbor County resident

The person is receiving hospital care.

Grays Harbor Public Health officials are reporting the County’s first case of novel coronavirus
(COVID-19).  The man in his 60s is in isolation and receiving care at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.  He did not travel outside the United States before becoming ill.

Public Health is working with the patient’s family to identify and evaluate persons who had close contact with him while he was contagious.  Persons believed to be exposed will be asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days past their last exposure and report any symptoms to Public Health.

The risk of COVID-19 in Washington is increasing and Public Health expects that more cases will be
identified now that the criteria for testing have broadened. 

The most recent official counts are available on the Washington State Department of Health’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus Oubreak (COVID-19) webpage (doh.wa.gov/coronavirus). Counts are updated daily.

As of March 10, 2020 – New updated interim infection prevention and control recommendations for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in Health care setting can be located at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html

Highlights include:      
Facemasks are an acceptable alternative when the supply chain of respirators cannot meet the demand
Facemasks protect the wearer from splashes and sprays       
Respirators which filter inspired air, offer respiratory protection        
Eye protection, gown, and gloves continue to be recommended

COVID-19 Testing Information for Health Care Providers

State of Washington Public Health Lab – Prioritized populations for testing

Must get approval from Local Public Health and the Washington State Department of Health. Please call 360-532-8631 for approval for the following patients:

Health care workers 
Patients in other public safety occupations (e.g. law enforcement, fire fighter, EMS)  
Patients involved in an illness cluster investigation in a facility or group setting  
Patients with NO health insurance

 Testing at Commercial Laboratories

In general, the Washington State Department of Health does not recommend testing asymptomatic persons, however, you can consider testing asymptomatic persons if they have been in close contact with a confirmed case through commercial laboratories. Any other patients can be tested per healthcare provider judgement.

Many commercial labs are testing for COVID-19 and more are being added.  Please see each laboratory’s test menu for specimen collection instructions, submission forms, and shipping requirements.  As of 3/9/20, the following labs are providing testing.  Many more labs will become available as FDA approves testing facilities.

University of Washington Virology Lab

Laboratory Corporation of America

Quest Diagnostics

Virginia Mason Medical Center

Additional information        
Washington State Department of Health:   https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/HealthcareProviders      
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/guidance-hcp.html          
WA State Department of Health  - Healthcare Provider Resources and Recommendations: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/HealthcareProvider

---

 EPI NEWS is faxed to healthcare offices during events of public health significance.  Please share or post so that others may see this.  Sign up for Epi News by email at:  lleitz@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

Health Alert: Immediate action needed
Health Update: Updated information on Alert or Advisory

Health Advisory: May require immediate action
Info Service: Not of an emergent nature