Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Home MenuHuman Coronavirus
Decisive steps to contain COVID-19.
Your family’s health is our top priority as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pierce County.
Public health follows a playbook for viral outbreaks.
COVID-19 transmission is widespread in our region. Decisive action is required.
Social distancing and basic hygiene are the best steps you can take to protect yourself.
Gov. Inslee ordered:
- Closures of bars, restaurants, and other entertainment and recreational facilities.
- Schools to close for 6 weeks.
- Canceled gatherings of 50 or more people
Cases in Pierce County
We confirmed 8 new cases in Pierce County on March 20, bringing our total to 83, 1 death. The University of Washington virology lab and the state Public Health Laboratories have tested 1,695 of our residents. You can learn basic information about each positive case.
Answers to your questions
This outbreak is fluid. Our staff and the Washington State Department of Health are working to answer your questions:
- DOH’s call center is open 6 a.m.-10 p.m., 7 days a week. Call (800) 525-0127 and press #.
- For non-health issues like business support, planning or general questions, call (855) 722-5378.
- What to do you if you:
Our FAQs answer dozens of your most-asked questions. You can find some of our more-asked answers below or visit our FAQ page for many more.
FAQs
-
What should I do if an employee or someone I know is being tested?
-
What are COVID-19 symptoms?
-
How does COVID-19 spread?
-
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
-
What type of cleaning and disinfecting products should I use?
-
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
-
I need to get groceries. Are grocery stores closed?
-
My event has less than 50 people. Do I have to cancel or reschedule?
-
Schools are closed and I have to work. Where can I find out information for childcare?
-
What if an employee tests positive for COVID-19?
-
What is included in the statewide closure of entertainment, leisure and non-essential services?
Prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pierce County
Follow basic steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:- Wash your hands with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes.
- Stay home if you have a fever or cough or experience shortness of breath.
- Cover sneezes and coughs with your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used surfaces such as tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, mobile devices and keyboards.
- Avoid sharing personal items like water bottles, eating utensils or towels.
- Avoid large social gatherings and crowds.
Stay up to date
We offer several ways for you to stay informed:
- Check this page often. We update it regularly.
- Subscribe to the Your Reliable Source blog.
- Track the statewide investigation.
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Learn more
- Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19).
- United Way Pierce County.
- CDC travel advisories page.
- Operation Suds handwashing education materials.
- Blog: Help us protect our most vulnerable populations.
- Blog: Simple steps to prevent COVID-19.
- Blog: Social distancing is good right now. Social isolation is not.
- Blog: Skip the trip to our office—use our online resources instead.
- Blog: How we investigate COVID-19.