Health Update: COVID-19 Outbreak

Current situation:

Persons Under Investigation in Grays Harbor County

At the time of this writing, two Grays Harbor County residents are under investigation and will be tested for COVID-19.  Public Health is working with their health care providers and close contacts to put infection control measures in place.  Neither of the individuals report contact with a known case of COVID-19 or travel to areas with known sustained community transmission.

 What’s the Current Risk?

The risk of exposure is increasing for people who live in Washington State.  Our knowledge of COVID-19 is still rapidly evolving.  The risk assessment will be updated as needed.

 COVID-19 in Washington Test Results

Statewide case counts are changing rapidly.  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 at 11am daily.

 Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation (PUI):

As of February 27, 2020, CDC has updated their Criteria to Guide Evaluation of PUI for COVID-19. Specifically, they have updated the list of affected geographic areas with widespread or sustained community transmission to now include:

·         China

·         Iran

·         Italy

·         Japan

·         South Korea

 The Washington State Public Health Laboratory will provide COVID-19 testing only for patients who meet the following criteria.  If you are evaluating a patient who meets these criteria, contact public health at (360)532-8631 to arrange testing.

Criteria to Guide Evaluation of PUI for COVID-19

  For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html.

 Additional information:

For the latest screening guidance and information, go to:

·         Washington State Department of Health:   https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/HealthcareProviders

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/guidance-hcp.html  

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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