Corona Virus

Last update 3/21/20. As the situation evolves in Thurston County information on this page is updated. Sharing accurate information, and new information as it emerges, prevents misinformation from spreading.

About Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). 

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new virus strain that was not identified in humans before December 2019. COVID-19 is a public health concern because little is known about the virus and it has the potential to cause severe illness in some people. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19 infection and there are no medications specifically for COVID-19. 

Situation in Thurston County (updated)

Due to the level of concern about COVID-19, the following are in effect in Thurston County.

• Restrictions on Non-Urgent Medical Procedures statewide by Proclamation of Governor Jay Inslee. (3/19/20)
  
• Mandatory Reporting of COVID-19 Ordered by the Thurston County Health Officer. (3/16/20)
  
• Limitations on Food and Beverage Services and Areas of Congregation statewide by Proclamation of Governor Jay Inslee. (3/16/20)
  
• Limits on Gatherings to 50 people or less statewide by Proclamation of Governor Jay Inslee. (3/16/20)
  
• Closure of all K-12 schools statewide by Proclamation of Governor Jay Inslee. (3/13/20)
  
• Declared county-wide local emergency through a Resolution of the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners. (3/12/20)
  
• Prohibition of events of 250 people or more and required social distancing at events under 250 people through a Resolution of the Thurston County Board of Health. (3/12/20)
  

Preventing Spread of COVID-19 

COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person through droplets from an infected person. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19. 

You can take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following things:

• Practice social distancing. This means keeping a distance of about 6 feet between you and other people.
• Avoid crowds.
  
• Stay home. Skip community events and gatherings.
• If you work, work from home if you can.
  
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid close contact with others.