Updates for COVID-19 in Grant County will be posted as information becomes available.
2019 COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Grant County
| Case Count | Last Updated: 3/12/2020 (17:00) |
|---|---|
| Positive (includes deaths) | 1 |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Negative | 8 |
| Male* | 1 |
| Female* | 0 |
*Sex at birth of positive cases
March 12, 2020 – 12:30 pm
In response to the Governor’s Proclamation to minimize COVID-19 (Coronavirus) exposure in King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties, GCHD staff worked with colleagues at Chelan-Douglas Health District and Okanogan Public Health to create a joint message regarding public health interventions to minimize exposure to COVID-19 for the residents of North Central Washington and to lessen the impact of the outbreak on our communities. As of today, there have been a total of six (6) cases of COVID-19 reported in Eastern WA–one in Grant County, three in Kittitas County and two in Yakima County. See below or click here for the full document.
Joint Public Health Recommendations for COVID-19
Grant County Health District, Chelan-Douglas Health District & Okanogan Public Health – March 12, 2020
On March 11, 2020, Governor Inslee issued a Proclamation to minimize COVID-19 (Coronavirus) exposure, particularly in counties hit hardest by the virus. Starting March 11, 2020, events that take place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are prohibited by the state. This order applies to gathering for social, spiritual, and recreational activities. This includes but is not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers and similar activities.
“This is an unprecedented public health situation and we can’t wait until we’re in the middle of it to slow it down. We’ve got to get ahead of the curve. One main defense is to reduce the interaction of people in our lives.” – Governor Inslee
Currently, COVID-19 has been confirmed in 13 counties in Washington, including three eastern Washington counties—Grant, Kittitas and Yakima—and has resulted in 29 deaths statewide. There is confirmed significant community spread in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.
North Central Washington
Chelan-Douglas Health District, Grant County Health District, and Okanogan County Public Health are urging and recommending residents of our counties voluntarily follow Governor Inslee’s proclamation and reduce large gatherings. The Health Districts are firmly recommending this proactive step to minimize exposure to COVID-19 for our residents and to lessen the impact it has on our communities.
We recognize and understand the substantial impact these actions can have on our residents and communities. We have carefully weighed the risks and benefits of this recommendation. These actions are the most effective tools we have available to help slow the spread of the virus in our communities and protect our vulnerable residents.
Alternatives
If you are hosting an event or gathering, please consider the following alternatives:
- Utilize available technology options (e.g. livestreaming, virtual meetings), or
- Cancel or postpone the event until these recommendations have been lifted
If you have plans to attend an upcoming event or gathering, we encourage you not attend to protect yourself, your family, and the people you come in contact with on a daily basis.
Large events and gatherings
While we are recommending eliminating events on more than 250 people, all gatherings of people can pose risks. Any size gathering should ensure the following:
- Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions are encouraged not to attend
- Recommendations for social distancing and limiting close contact are met
- Employees or volunteers leading an event are screened for symptoms each day
- Proper hand washing, sanitation, and cleaning is readily available
- Environmental cleaning guidelines are followed (e.g., clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily or more frequently)
Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
Remember to take every day preventative action to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; if unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid large gatherings and close contact (less than 6 feet away) with others
- Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces
- Stay home and away from others if you are sick
Schools
At this point, we are not recommending closing schools, but we are watching the outbreak closely and may determine that school closures are necessary. Schools should take steps now to prepare for the possibility of prolonged mandatory closures.
In particular, schools should plan for how to continue to provide non-educational supports for their students such as providing food, developmental disability supports, and school-based healthcare.
Collective action can save lives
We all have people in our lives who are high-risk. We all are one mishap away from needing access to a functioning hospital. We all have a lot at stake.
Giving up social events will not be easy, and the impacts on businesses and jobs may be significant. But this is our best chance to save lives. It is in support of the most vulnerable in our community, and a protection for everyone.
The more united we can be in preventing the spread – be in this together – the greater the benefit for the whole community.
March 10, 2020 – 6 pm
We are continuing to respond to the evolving coronavirus situation.
Case Numbers: There is still only one (1) confirmed case of COVID-19 in Grant County as of today. A table of updated case numbers is now on our website and will be updated as information is received. We also updated the gender information of our case and will continue to report gender and age range of confirmed cases in the future.
Test Numbers: COVID-19 testing has become much more readily available to our residents, which we are very thrilled about. Several private labs are now offering the test and healthcare providers can work directly with those labs to submit specimens. Because of this, we are not aware of every test being submitted, and therefore, are no longer able to report the number of people being tested. However, we are keeping in close communication with healthcare providers to ensure they have the most current guidance on testing, treating, quarantining, isolating, etc. We will be updating the table above as results are reported to us.
Long-Term Care Facilities: Among many other things, GCHD staff worked diligently today with owners and managers of long-term care and assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult-family homes and senior centers to provide them with guidance and support they need to prepare and be proactive in protecting residents of their facilities from this virus. Governor Jay Inslee announced new rules today around nursing homes and assisted living facilities that focus on better protecting older adults – a population more likely to be hit by COVID-19 (coronavirus). These facilities are being urged to limit visitors, cancel or postpone activities and institute active monitoring of symptoms in their residents. Our thoughts are with the families and staff of the long-term care facilities affected by this outbreak on the west side of the state, as well as our public health colleagues responding to this outbreak from King and Snohomish counties.
March 9, 2020 – 6:30pm
FAQ: Why aren’t you closing schools?
Currently there is not widespread community presence of COVID-19 in Grant County. Most information about school closures come from influenza outbreaks; this is a different virus. In general, school closures are not recommended now because current evidence indicates young people have a far lower risk of serious illness from this virus than other people AND children out of school often congregate in multiple locations in the community, potentially getting exposed or passing the virus. When schools do close, often caregivers for dismissed children are elderly (i.e. grandparents) which could increase the risk of spread to that high-risk group. School closures have other impacts on working parents, and parent healthcare workers may not be able to come work as a result. It also affects vulnerable children who rely on school meal programs. Overall, school closures can be disruptive and costly for families. The exact timing of school closures is also uncertain. School closures for viral illness are most effective when they last for longer than 4 weeks and when community spread is increasing. If schools are closed too early, it may not be an effective strategy to reduce infections. Even with the best timing, school closures for COVID-19 may have only modest effect in rural communities.
We consider both the potential benefits and negative consequences of closures when we make recommendations. Working with the WA Department of Health, CDC, and statewide Health Officers, we are assessing the need for school closures weekly. As we learn more about this virus and as the situation in our county changes, it may still become our recommendation to close schools.
Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with healthcare providers about whether their children should stay home, especially when the virus presence is increasing.
March 9, 2020 – 3:00pm
We received feedback and questions regarding a statement in our recent media release comparing coronavirus (COVID-19) to seasonal flu (influenza), in terms of how “deadly” it is. To clarify, that statement was referring to the “mortality rate” of coronavirus. Mortality rate means, how many of those patients with confirmed COVID-19 died of the virus. Doctors and scientists are working on estimating the mortality rate of COVID-19, but at present, it is thought to be higher (between 2% to 4%) than that of most strains of the flu. Each year, seasonal influenza affects millions of Americans and kills hundreds of thousands, however, the average mortality rate is around 0.1%. So yes, influenza affects MANY more people than coronavirus has, but currently, the mortality rate of influenza is much lower than coronavirus.
Find the most recent COVID-19 case numbers:
U.S.case counts (CDC website): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
Washington State case counts: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
March 9, 2020 – 2:50pm
Returning Travelers Advisory:
Travelers who have recently returned from countries with widespread, ongoing community spread of COVID-19 (“Level 3 Travel Notice” countries)—currently China, South Korea, Iran and Italy—are advised to stay home for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, trouble breathing).
https://www.cdc.gov/…/travele…/after-travel-precautions.html
March 8, 2020 – 4:00PM
First Grant County Resident Death from Coronavirus (COVID-19)
GRANT COUNTY, WA – Grant County Health District (GCHD) has received notice that the patient with confirmed COVID-19, previously reported, has sadly passed away. GCHD has and will continue to follow up with close contacts of this patient.
“I will start this press release by stating our hearts are with the family, friends, and Central Washington Hospital staff,” states Theresa Adkinson, Health District Administrator. “I speak on behalf of our staff, Health Officer, and Board of Health, we are so sorry for your loss.” “Please heed our advice and review the remainder of this press release and the important information we need you to follow.”
We know that COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is in our communities, and likely above the number of cases we already know. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate and most people who get this virus will recover and be just fine, however, it does have a higher death rate than seasonal flu. The elderly, anyone with reduced immune system, or other serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease will be at a higher risk of more severe illness.
There are many conversations in the community and on social media regarding whether this is serious. Yes, many of our residents will recover quickly with mild to moderate symptoms. However, we all need to take precautions to protect our most vulnerable populations and slow this disease. This illness can be fatal. Please heed our advice.
GCHD is asking that the public do their part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:
High Risk People: People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with a lot of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
- People 60 and older
- People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes
- People who have weakened immune systems
- People who are pregnant
Workplace: Workplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so. Taking these measures can help reduce the number of workers who come into contact with COVID-19 and help minimize absenteeism due to illness.
Events: If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings. This recommendation is for both private and public events.
If you can’t avoid bringing groups of people together:
- Urge anyone who is sick to not attend.
- Encourage those who are at higher risk for coronavirus to not attend.
- Try to find ways to give people more physical space so that they aren’t in close contact as much as possible.
- Encourage attendees to maintain good healthy habits, such as frequent hand washing.
- Clean surfaces frequently. Standard cleaning products are effective against COVID-19.
Schools: GCHD is not recommending closing schools and childcare at this time. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, GCHD will work with the school or facility to determine the best measures including potential closure. Closure is not recommended now mainly because current evidence indicates young people have a far lower risk of serious illness from this virus than other people and children out of school often congregate to multiple locations in the community, potentially getting exposed or passing the virus. Parents of children with reduced immune system or with chronic diseases should discuss with their provider the possibility of keeping the child out of school or childcare.
Healthcare and Long-Term Care (Nursing homes): Generally, avoid medical settings unless necessary. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed. If you are feeling sick call your doctor’s office first before going in.
Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from other patients.
Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
Everybody Can Do Something! Every person can make a difference by doing the following:
- Avoid going out if you feel sick.
- Wash hands often and vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, saturating the skin surface and rubbing for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact (less than 6 feet away) with others.
- If you have a cold or cough and need to see a provider, always call first to be sure they know you are coming so their staff can take appropriate precautions.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Don’t shake hands, bump elbows.
- Use sanitizing wipes or solutions (normal household products work) on frequently touched surfaces and objects at home and at work.
- Take good care of yourself to stay healthy, including adequate sleep and good nutrition.
We would like to thank all of our staff, healthcare partners, Grant County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Division, volunteers, and the community for your amazing cooperation. We are all in this together and it takes a dedicated team like you to slow the spread of this virus in our community.
Additional Resources:
Washington Department of Health: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
COVID-19 FAQ: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/NovelCoronavirusFactSheet.pdf
GCHD: http://granthealth.org/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/
Consultation:
- Healthcare Consultation:
Maria Vargas, Community Public Health Manager
(509) 766-7960 ext. 19 or mvargas@granthealth.org
- Media Inquiries:
Theresa Adkinson, Administrator
(509) 793-3520 during non-business hours 509-766-7960 ext. 24 during business hours.
- Grant County General Public: (509) 766-7960 ext. 39 or email to info@granthealth.org
- Chelan-Douglas Health District: Veronica Farias (509) 886-6427
- Samaritan Hospital: Gretchen Youngren (509) 793-9647
- Central WA Hospital/Confluence Health: Andrew Canning (509) 436-6806 Ext. 66806
March 6, 2020 – 5:30PM
March 6, 2020 – 4:00pm
Grant County Health Advisory for Community Mitigation of COVID-19
Aviso de Salud Del Districto De Solud Del Condado De Grant County Medida De Mitigacion Comunitania Para COVID-19
We know that COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is in our communities, and likely above the number of cases we already know. Most cases of COVID-19 are mild to moderate and most people who get this virus will recover and be just fine, however, it does have a higher death rate than seasonal flu. The elderly, anyone with reduced immune system or other serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease will be at a higher risk of more severe illness.
We will not be able to stop COVID-19 completely, but there are things that we can do as a community to reduce the number of cases and the impact it has on Grant County. Grant County Health District is recommending, but not requiring, the following steps to minimize public contact and spread of novel coronavirus:
High Risk People: People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with a lot of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
• People 60 and older
• People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, respiratory illness and diabetes
• People who have weakened immune systems
• People who are pregnant
Workplace: Workplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so. Taking these measures can help reduce the number of workers who come into contact with COVID-19 and help minimize absenteeism due to illness.
Events: If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings. This recommendation is for both private and public events.
If you can’t avoid bringing groups of people together:
• Urge anyone who is sick to not attend.
• Encourage those who are at higher risk for coronavirus to not attend.
• Try to find ways to give people more physical space so that they aren’t in close contact as much as possible.
• Encourage attendees to maintain good healthy habits, such as frequent hand washing.
• Clean surfaces frequently. Standard cleaning products are effective against COVID-19.
Schools: GCHD is not recommending closing schools and childcare at this time. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, GCHD will work with the school or facility to determine the best measures including potential closure. Closure is not recommended now mainly because current evidence indicates young people have a far lower risk of serious illness from this virus than other people. Parents of children with reduced immune system or with chronic diseases should discuss with their provider the possibility of keeping the child out of school or childcare.
Healthcare: Generally, avoid medical settings unless necessary. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed. If you are feeling sick call your doctor’s office first before going in.
Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from other patients. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
Everybody Can Do Something! Every person can make a difference by doing the following:
• Avoid going out if you feel sick.
• Wash hands often and vigorously with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, saturating the skin surface and rubbing for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact (less than 6 feet away) with others.
• If you have a cold or cough and need to see a provider, always call first to be sure they know you are coming so their staff can take appropriate precautions.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Don’t shake hands, bump elbows.
• Use sanitizing wipes or solutions (normal household products work) on frequently touched surfaces and objects at home and at work.
• Take good care of yourself to stay healthy, including adequate sleep and good nutrition.
(Thanks to Public Health Seattle King County for the advisory language above.)
March 6, 2020 – 2:40pm
The presumptive positive case reported on 3/5/20 was confirmed overnight and is the first official case of COVID-19 from Grant County and the on the east side of the state.
The patient is still hospitalized and in isolation. GCHD is continuing to investigate potential close contacts of this individual to ensure those exposed are in quarantine and determine if anyone else is at risk of exposure.
We appreciate everyone’s efforts to stay informed and willingness to put into action the protective measures necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Everybody can do something to help minimize the impact of this outbreak.
Theresa Adkinson, Administrator of GCHD, had this to say about the COVID-19 response efforts thus far:
“GCHD has skilled, compassionate staff with an amazing support system of community agencies responding to COVID-19. I am so proud to call this community my home. We understand the stress and public spotlight this has caused for the families and patients being tested. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of them. We will get through this by staying informed, taking appropriate precautions and community unity.”
COVID-19 Response Updates will be posted regularly on our website: http://granthealth.org/updates-for-covid-19-in-grant-county/ and shared on the GCHD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GCHD.WA/
March 5, 2020 – 11:30am
COVID-19 Test Presumptive Positive in Grant County Resident
at Central Washington Hospital; Patient at Samaritan Hospital Negative for the Virus and Quarantines Lifted
GRANT COUNTY, WA – GCHD was notified late Wednesday evening that a Grant County Resident being treated for possible COVID-19 at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee is presumptive positive for the virus. Testing was conducted at the University of Washington and is waiting for confirmation at the State Public Health Lab. The patient is isolated in critical condition.
If confirmed, this will be the first case of COVID-19 from Grant County, and the first detection of COVID-19 on the east side of our state. The individual, a resident of Quincy in their eighties, did not report any recent travel outside the county, indicating the illness may have been acquired locally. Those who had close contact with the patient have been asked to quarantine. The investigation for the source continues.
The patient tested for COVID-19 from Samaritan Hospital was negative and quarantines for those exposed to that patient were lifted. See Samaritan Hospital’s release here: https://bit.ly/32XAAcn
These two patients are the ones reported as possible cases earlier in the week. Currently, there are no new patients from Grant County under official investigation of COVID-19, but we expect that to change as this global situation continues to evolve.
On the west side of the state, cases of COVID-19 continue to rise—39 cases total, 10 deaths—and it is likely that more cases will be confirmed in our communities in the future. GCHD, together with its healthcare, emergency management and law enforcement partners, has been working aggressively to respond to this threat. However, help from everyone is needed at this time to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and reduce the number of people impacted.
GCHD is asking that the public do their part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:
• Call ahead and do not go to the emergency room unless seriously ill. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
• Stay home when sick and limit close contact with others in your household who are not sick. • Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from patients.
• Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing with soap and warm water, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
• Limit your interactions and practice social distancing. Work with your family, workplace, school and the rest of the community to limit your activities in the upcoming weeks.
• Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Follow GCHD on Facebook and check our website regularly for updates.
Who Should Be Tested for COVID-19
We know many people are wondering, if they have fever and a cough, do they need to get tested for COVID-19? Right now, our state lab still has limited capacity to run these tests and are prioritizing the tests for people with underlying health conditions or serious illness. The University of Washington has also recently started testing and additional testing options may become available in the future, but, for now, if you have mild symptoms (cough, fever), you need to stay home, stay away from people. A test, whether it’s positive or negative, won’t change that advice or treatment plan.
March 4, 2020 – 10:00pm
GCHD was notified late this evening that a Grant County resident hospitalized at Central Washington Hospital tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. We understand the community’s need for information and we will provide an update tomorrow morning.
March 4, 2020 – 1:35pm
Test results for the two Grant County patients being tested for COVID-19 have not been received yet. We will share the results as soon as they are made available to us.
Please continue to do your part to help keep our communities healthy:
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water (20 seconds); use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash high-touched surfaces, such as door knobs, frequently.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick;
• Stay home and avoid close contact with other while you are sick. If you need to seek medical care, call your doctor first before going in.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• When possible, avoid crowded areas and stay 6 ft away from others (“social distancing”)
March 3, 2020 – 2:40pm
Healthcare Personnel in Quarantine
Several healthcare workers involved in the care of the patient being treated for possible COVID-19 have been put into quarantine as a precaution. Quarantining healthy individuals who are exposed to a contagious disease is standard protocol used to prevent the spread of disease and follows CDC guidance for COVID-19 prevention. These individuals are being asked to do the quarantine at their homes and avoid contact with persons outside of their immediate families, for 14 days, and will be monitoring for symptoms.
GCHD is hopeful that testing results from the WA State Public Health Lab will be made available this evening. If the results are negative, the quarantine will be lifted. “We’d like to thank the affected healthcare workers and Samaritan Hospital for helping keep our community safe while we wait for these results”, stated Grant County Health Officer, Dr. Alexander Brzezny.
“Quarantine” is different from “Isolation”. Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. “Isolation” is used to separate ill people from the well.
• Second Person Under Investigation for COVID-19 from Grant County
As of late yesterday afternoon, there is a second patient being tested COVID-19 at a different healthcare facility. There is no link between the two patients at this time. Test results for this individual are expected within two days.
Please continue to do your part to prevent the spread of illness by:
• Washing hands frequently
• Staying home if you are ill (if you become ill with more severe symptoms, call your doctor before going in)
• Covering your cough and sniffles with a tissue
• Avoiding crowded places (stay > 6 ft away from others when possible)
• Avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands
• Cleaning high-touched surfaces (like door knobs) frequently
March 2, 2020 – 2:20pm
One Person Under Investigation for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Grant County
GRANT COUNTY, WA – On March 1, 2020 the Grant County Health District (GCHD) was notified of an individual showing symptoms consistent with possible COVID-19. Following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Washington Department of Health (DOH) guidance, GCHD submitted a specimen to the Washington State Public Health Laboratories for testing.
Results are expected within 3-5 days. GCHD will notify the individual and the public with results when available. GCHD continues to prepare for the possibility of Grant County being affected by this outbreak. GCHD has been communicating with local healthcare and emergency response partners to ensure that effective prevention and response strategies are in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when it arrives. If someone feels sick and are at risk for COVID-19, they should call their healthcare provider before going to get care and tell their doctor about their symptoms and travel.
Their healthcare provider can give instructions so that others are not exposed. Currently, testing is only available at the state laboratory, not in Grant County. Health care providers must follow CDC guidelines when requesting testing for COVID-19. Those guidelines state that a person must be showing certain symptoms and must have traveled to a high risk area or lack another diagnosis. People should continue to practice protective measures for sickness. These measures include:
• wash hands often with soap and warm water (20 seconds);
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands;
• avoid contact with people who are sick;
• stay home and avoid close contact with other while you are sick;
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
In light of recently reported cases from our state, it is also appropriate to follow DOH recommendations and plans on social distancing and other methods of reducing the spread of this virus even now.