Possible Coronavirus case in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District says it is investigating a possible case of the Wuhan coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Grant County.

According to a health district press release, district officials were informed on Sunday, March 1, “of an individual showing symptoms consistent with possible COVID-19.” The district took a sample from the infected individual and sent it to the Washington State Public Health Laboratory with results expected “within 3-5 days,” the press release added.

“GCHD will notify the individual and the public with results when available,” the press release said.

The health district gave no other details.

The Health District said it “continues to prepare for the possibility of Grant County being affected by this outbreak,” and district officials are working “with local healthcare and emergency response partners to ensure that effective prevention and response strategies are in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when it arrives.”

Over the weekend, Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in Washington after a nursing home patient in Kirkland died. According to the Washington State Department of Health, as of early Monday, five people have died is Washington as a result of COVID-19, with 18 confirmed cases.

According to the GCHD, anyone who feels sick and believes they may be at risk for COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider before going to get care and should tell their doctor about both their symptoms and their travel history.

The GCHD also says people should “continue to practice protective measures” including regular hand washing with soap and warm water, avoid touching their eyes or noses with unwashed hands, avoid contact with people who are sick, stay home if you are sick, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached at cfeatherstone@columbiabasinherald.com