YAKIMA, WA- On February 28, 2020 the Yakima Health District (YHD) was notified of an individual whose recent travel history and symptoms were consistent with possible COVID-19. The Yakima Health District decided, out of an abundance of caution, to collect a specimen to send to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). This specimen will be tested and will determine whether the patient has COVID-19. Results are expected from DOH within 3-5 days.

The Yakima Health District will notify the individual and the public with results when available.

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 our 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, “ said Dr. Teresa Everson, Yakima Health District Health Officer.

On January 21st, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced the first case in the United states COVID-19 in a Snohomish County resident. On February 28, 2020 DOH announced two additional cases in the state of Washington. One case is believed to be travel related. Health officials are working diligently to identify how the second patient was exposed. This brings the total COVID-19 cases in Washington State to three.

The Yakima Health District website is your source for public health information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. For more information on the current coronavirus outbreak: Yakima Health District WA State Department of Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.