Possible COVID-19 Case In Yakima County
Yakima County health officials are investigating a possible case of coronavirus. They say the Yakima County Health district was notified on February 28 of a person who has a travel history and symptoms consistent with the virus. The officials decided to perform a test and send the results to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). The specimen will be tested and will determine whether the patient has COVID-19 or coronavirus.
The most recent test in the area was of a student at Central Washington University in early February. That test turned out negative.
Results of the Yakima test are expected within 3 to 5 days.
The press release from the district did not say if the person is self quarantined.
The release says "the Yakima Health District has spent the past several weeks preparing for the possibility of Yakima County being affected by the outbreak.
YHD will continue to work with our partners to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is contained, should it appear in the community.
Nationally, screening processes have been put in place for U.S. residents who are returning from areas experiencing active spread of COVID-19. These processes are in place to quickly identify and prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. “At this point in time, we are asking the public to continue to practice protective measures. These measures include: washing hands often with soap and warm water; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; clean surfaces after touching; avoid contact with people who are sick; stay home while you are sick, and avoid close contact with others; and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing."
Currently a total of three cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Washington State.