What Spokane health officials had warned earlier this week — that the novel coronavirus is most certainly here but not yet identified — was confirmed earlier today: Three cases of COVID-19 had been discovered among Spokane County residents.
Spokane Regional Health District is reaching out to people who may have come in contact with the infected individuals, according to a media release issued earlier today.
“As our team of experts works with community partners to learn more about these instances, our first priority remains public safety,” says Dr. Bob Lutz, Spokane County's health officer, in a press release. “The important thing we need to do now is take the recommended measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 through personal and community preparedness measures. As this situation evolves, we will continue to communicate with DOH and the public.”
Lutz adds: “We are coordinating with partner agencies to monitor for the disease in the county and are meeting regularly with our government officials and community leaders to provide guidance and make decisions while ensuring public health is the foremost consideration."
As officials test more potential cases, they expect to find more people infected with COVID-19.
Additional resources from the Department of Health:
• What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
