Seven COVID-19 cases found in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District announced late Monday that seven cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Grant County, with several more under investigation.

“The additional confirmed and suspect cases have been tied to case clusters in the communities of Quincy and Mattawa, which is evidence of community spread,” said Amber McCoy, an environmental health specialist with the GCHD. “However, it is likely that cases will be confirmed in additional Grant County communities in the next several days.”

McCoy said the health district is working to identify and “quarantine all those who had close contact with these individuals.”

“With increasing number of COVID-19 cases, GCHD urges Grant County residents to take very seriously the recommendations to limit social contacts and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the community,” McCoy added.

The health district is also advising residents to “be patient and kind” and check in on friends and neighbors.

“Start with a call or text. Practice social distancing but make sure they are well. Many in our community are scared or need help,” McCoy said.

The health district also wanted to remind residents that the emergency measures such as school and business closures, and banning gatherings of over 50 people, are “temporary but essential to slow this virus spread so the most vulnerable in our community can get the care they will need from our health care system.”

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