COVID-19 breaks out in Grant Co. care facility
A long-term care facility resident receives the COVID-19 vaccine in 2020. A recent outbreak has resulted in 45 cases of the virus at a local care facility, with two deaths attributed to it and a third under investigation.
K.C. ALFRED/THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE/TNS
MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Health District released a statement saying there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility in Grant County. The facility was not named in the statement.
“Our recent outbreak is a painful reminder that COVID-19 can still have a devastating impact, especially for older adults and people with underlying health conditions,” Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny wrote in the statement. “Our hearts are with the families and friends grieving the loss of their loved ones who passed away during this outbreak.”
The outbreak has impacted more than 45 residents and staff. There have been two deaths as a result and a third under investigation, according to GCHD.
The facility has implemented measures to prevent the virus from spreading further, according to the GCHD statement. These include isolating infected residents, screening and testing residents and staff and the use of personal protective equipment.
According to the Washington Department of Health, there were 134 hospitalizations from COVID-19 between Aug. 17 and Aug. 23 across the state. Emergency room visits related to COVID-19 more than doubled that week over the week of Aug. 10-16, according to DOH statistics.
In alignment with current Washington State Department of Health guidance, GCHD encourages everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, whenever indicated, to get the current COVID-19 vaccine, according to the statement. Individuals should consult their doctors about the best steps to take to prevent respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
According to the GCHD, getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine is especially important for those who:
• Never received a COVID-19 vaccine
• Are 65 years or older
• Are under 2 years old
• Are at high risk for severe COVID-19
• Are living in a long-term care facility
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant or might become pregnant in the future
• Want to lower their risk of getting Long COVID-19
• Are working/living with people at high risk for severe COVID-19
Most people who are 5 and older just need one updated 2024-25 dose to be up to date, according to the DOH. People 65 years old and older should receive two doses of any 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months apart. If needed, the second dose can be given as soon as two months after the first dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine.
Anybody experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible, the GCHD wrote. Those who test positive and are at high risk of respiratory illness should contact their doctor immediately.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available. For more information, visit www.granthealth.org.