The Yakima Health District was notified on the evening of March 11, 2020 by the Washington State Department of Health Public Health Laboratory that two Yakima County residents tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. One patient is in their 80’s and another patient is in their 60’s. Both individuals were not hospitalized and are currently recovering in their homes.

These two cases in Yakima County were identified through a close-contact investigation of a confirmed COVID-19 case from Kittitas County, as announced on March 7, 2020. Through the contact investigation, eight individuals were identified and tested in the subsequent days. These eight individuals immediately self-isolated under the direction of the Yakima Health District.

Of the eight tests that were conducted, two have come back positive, five were negative, and results on the last test related to this cluster are expected in the next few days. The Yakima Health District will be contacting any individuals who are identified as having been in close contact with the two positive cases.

“While these are the first confirmed cases in our county, community transmission of COVID-19 is likely increasing at this time. As we see the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Yakima County and across the state in the next few weeks, it is important for everyone who feels sick, in any way, to stay home.” said Dr. Teresa Everson, Health Officer at the Yakima Health District.

“The Yakima Health District, together with its healthcare, emergency management and law enforcement partners, has been working for weeks to prepare and respond to this public health threat. We are confident in the strength of our partnerships; however, we need the help of all Yakima County residents to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and reduce the number of people impacted.” said Andre Fresco, Executive Director of the Yakima Health District.

Protect yourself, your loved ones and the community from COVID-19 by doing the following:
• Stay home when sick and keep sick children home from school. Limit close contact with others in your household who are not sick.
• Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older, pregnant, or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

• Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from patients.
• Limit your interactions and practice social distancing. Work with your family, workplace, school and the rest of the community to limit your activities in the upcoming weeks.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Call ahead and do not go to the emergency room unless seriously ill. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
• Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Follow only trusted news sources such as the Washington State Department of Health and the Yakima Health District for the most up-to-date information.

The Washington Department of Health has established a teleconference line for the public with questions regarding COVID-19. This number is (800) 525-0127, phone lines are staffed from 6am-10pm. Interpreter services are available in multiple languages.

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