Requested actions:
Follow CDC’s updated testing criteria for suspected COVID-19.
- Be aware COVID-19 cases are increasing in Washington and throughout the United States.
- Commercial labs now offer the COVID-19 test, in addition to the University of Washington and State Public Health labs.
- Immediately report these types of suspect cases to the Health Department:
- Healthcare workers.
- Residents of:
- Long-term care.
- Senior or elderly care.
- Congregate living.
- Shelters.
- Jails.
- Inpatient mental health.
- Deaths.
- Report confirmed cases to the Health Department. Confirmed cases can be reported to us via fax to our secure fax line (360) 425-7531.
- Seriously ill patients should be tested.
- Low-risk people with symptoms should stay home until 7 days after symptom onset or 72 hours after they are fever-free, whichever is longer.
- Healthcare systems, including hospitals and long-term care facilities, should consider implementing visitor restrictions, health screening and restricting children in high-risk areas.
Patient instructions
Provide patients with these instructions.
- For symptoms—What to do if you have symptoms and have not been around a person with COVID-19.
- For exposed—What to do if you may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19.
- For confirmed or suspected—What to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19.
Background
Most COVID-19 illnesses are not severe—80% are mild. In outbreak situations, lab capacity can be limited. Healthcare systems can become overwhelmed. Patients who are mildly sick likely do not need a healthcare visit. Direct patients to self-care measures, staying home when they are sick and calling their healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.
Outbreaks of COVID-19 in King and Snohomish counties, along with changes in CDC testing guidance, have exceeded public health’s ability to immediately respond to reports of suspected COVID-19. Hospitals and healthcare providers on the front lines are seeing increased demand on resources.
Contacting the Health Department after business hours
To report, call (360) 414-5599 x 6431 during business hours, (360) 636-9595 after hours. Confirmed cases can also be reported to us via fax to our secure fax line (360) 425-7531.