Local News

Okanogan County Public Health Covid-19 Update 3-17

Mar 17, 2020

Yesterday, Governor Jay Inslee announced emergency strategies to increase social distancing in Washington State. He ordered statewide closure of:

Restaurants, food courts, bars and taverns, wine, beer, and spirits tasting venues, doughnut shops, ice cream parlors, and coffee shops

Theaters, bowling alleys, gyms and fitness centers, non-tribal card rooms, museums, art galleries, tattoo parlors, barbers, hair salons, and nail salons

The ban DOES NOT apply to:

Take-out, delivery, and drive-thru food and beverage services

Grocery stores and pharmacies

On-site food service for childcare services and school-based food programs for K-12 schools

Many local restaurants are now offering take-out and delivery options.

The Governor also announced the prohibition of gatherings of more than 50 people. These new orders went into effect at midnight last night and will be in place through March 31.

We understand these actions present challenges for everyone. The state compiled a list of resources for businesses and workers.

While Okanogan County currently has no confirmed cases, all of us need to stay away from others in order to slow the spread of the virus and preserve the health care system’s capacity to treat people at highest need. The research and disease transmission modeling is showing that we can slow the spread of the virus and reduce the number of people who get sick only by implementing the social distancing measures.

We are urging residents to do their part to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following:

High risk people: People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible. High risk people include:

People older than 60 years

People with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes

Pregnant people

People with weekend immune systems

Workplace: Workplaces should allow people who can work from home to do so, especially high risk people. Direct staff to stay home when they are sick.

Events: All gatherings larger than 50 people are banned statewide. All gatherings with under 50 people are prohibited unless criteria from the CDC for public health and social distancing are met.

Schools: The Governor has ordered the closure of all public and private K-12 schools March 17 – April 24th. Local schools are planning for abilities to deliver essential services during this time.

Healthcare: Generally avoid medical settings unless necessary. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed. If you are feeling sick, CALL your doctor’s office first before going in – they may have specific instructions for you to minimize exposure. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

Testing: Testing is available to those who meet the criteria. If you are sick with cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, CALL your regular doctor to see if you should be tested.

Places of worship: Gatherings of more than 50 people are currently prohibited in Washington State. Gatherings of less than 50 people must take preventive action to protect vulnerable populations, increase hand hygiene, and increase social distancing. Communion and other interpersonal practices often include shared food and beverage cups/utensils, shaking hands, and hugging which increases the chance of virus spread. Suspend these practices or create alternate practices that reduce personal contact.

Stocking up on supplies: Grocery stores will continue operating and providing services. There is no need to hoard food or supplies. Everyone needs to only buy what they need. Remember when you overbuy, those things are taken away from your neighbors and others who need them.

Everyday preventive actions:

1. Stay home when you are sick

2. Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash

3. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; if unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

5. Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects at least daily