Media Contact: Kelli Hawkins | khawkins@srhd.org | (509) 324-1539, c (509) 994-8968

Spokane, Wash. – Today, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) has confirmed new positive cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Spokane County. The total number of cases is now 19,950. According to our most recent report there have been 293 COVID-19-related deaths and 128 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, 102 of which are Spokane County residents. Full details and additional demographics for Spokane County’s COVID-19 case results can be found at srhd.org, and are updated Mon.-Fri.

SRHD officials said today’s positive COVID-19 case data was impacted by the outbreak at Airway Heights Corrections Center (AHCC). Those positive case results are expected to be spread out over a few days. Today, they estimate that at least 238 of the positive cases reported are connected to the AHCC outbreak.

In addition, disease investigators continue to see increases in cases linked to gatherings in personal settings that took place over the Thanksgiving holiday.

SRHD officials also expect to see increased positive case counts with increased community testing. Results from the initial testing at the CHAS Testing Site at the Spokane Arena are expected to impact positive case data in the next few days.

Due to the high volume of COVID-19 case information we are receiving at this time, updates to death and hospitalization data may be delayed by one to two days. Health officials appreciate your patience as we work to provide the most accurate information possible.

SRHD emphasizes the importance of taking the recommended measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 including physical distancing and wearing masks while indoors in both private and public places where you are in the company of others outside of your household.

Individuals who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, regardless of age or health status, should be assessed for COVID-19 testing.

Generally, people with the following new symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are eligible for testing.

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Individuals who have been informed that they were in close contact with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, or who work in a high-risk environment (such as a long-term care facility), are also encouraged to be assessed for testing.

If you think you are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 or have symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, call ahead before you go to your healthcare provider, urgent care, or the emergency department. You can also call your health insurance’s nurse hotline or triage; the number can be found on their website or on the back of your insurance card.

Information and locations for community screening and testing for COVID-19 can be found online: https://srhd.org/covid-19-driv...

The Washington State Department of Health has provided the following guidance to help people who have symptoms of COVID-19, are concerned that they were in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, or who have tested positive themselves:

1. What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
2. What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
3. 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

SRHD continues to encourage people to take the following steps to stay healthy:

• Wear a mask or face covering when indoors at public places where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing of at least six feet. This helps protect others from you unknowingly infecting them with COVID-19.
• Stay home when you are sick. Staying home when ill prevents the spread of infections to others.
• Use good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene in all community settings, including homes, childcare facilities, schools, workplaces and other places where people gather. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and put the used tissue in a waste basket. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60-95% alcohol) if you can’t wash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth: Germs often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
• Support each other, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality, and including individuals who have become ill. Show compassion and support for individuals and communities most closely impacted and anyone who might be sick.
• Follow the guidance required by the governor’s Safe Start plan to reopen Washington.