Full Notification

Adams County Now Has THREE Confirmed Cases of COVID-19
 
Adams County Health Department (ACHD) was notified this morning by Washington State Department of Health of two additional lab-confirmed positive test results for COVID-19. The two new cases, while not linked to the first case reported on March 21^st, brings the case count for Adams County to three. At the time of this writing, all three persons with confirmed COVID-19 infections are in self-isolation in their homes with monitoring by ACHD staff.
 
ACHD staff are working closely with these individuals to identify and contact those who may have come in contact with them during the past 14 days. All persons identified as close contacts will be asked to stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days from their last date of exposure. Close contacts are defined as: a person who has been within about 6 feet of a person with confirmed COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) infection for a prolonged period of time or has had direct contact with secretions from a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection.
 
Adams County has several PUIs (person under investigation for COVID-19) waiting for test results. Additional cases are likely as testing continues.
 
People most at risk of infection with COVID-19 have underlying health conditions, are those with weakened immune systems, are over the age of 60, or are healthcare workers or first responders who were in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, AND have symptoms such as:
 

• Cough AND
• Fever
• Shortness of Breath

 
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, CALL AHEAD before you go to your healthcare provider, urgent care or emergency department. A healthcare provider will determine if you should be tested for COVID-19.
 
The Washington State Department of Health has provided the following guidance to help people who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, are concerned that they were in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, or who have tested positive themselves:

1. What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
2. What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
3. What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19

ACHD continues to strongly urge the public to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:

• Observe all social distancing measures and executive orders by Governor Inslee

• Stay 6 feet away from each other
• Avoid gatherings of any kind to the fullest extent possible
• Those 60 and older should stay at home with the exception of essential tasks
• Use facemasks when in public (It is inappropriate for the general public or workplaces to divert any healthcare supplies, including surgical masks or other PPEs (personal protective equipment) for public use. It is therefore explicitly recommended that businesses and the public use non-traditional face covers or cloth masks instead.)
• Stay home when sick and cover your coughs and sneezes
• Wash your hands often; use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean frequently touched surfaces often

 
We are all at risk but every one of us can help protect our family, friends, and neighbors. By minimizing the contact between us and following the simple measures outlined we can limit the number of infections and keep all of us safer.
 
COVID-19 Resources:
WA State Department of Health:              https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
Centers for Disease Control:                       https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Adams County Facebook:                            https://www.facebook.com/adamscountywagovernment/
Adams County COVID-19 Updates:          https://www.co.adams.wa.us/news_detail_T15_R84.php
 
 
For further information contact:
Adams County Health Department at 509-488-2031
Karen Potts, RN; Community Health Director/ Public Information Officer 509-659-3320
Vicki Guse, Administrator; Adams County Integrated Health Care Services 509-488-2031