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 number of new cases reported today is 25. With adjustments to data reported on previous days, the total number of cases is now 35,801. According to our most recent report there has been three new deaths recorded for a total of 544 COVID-19-related deaths and 57 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized. Full details and additional demographics for Spokane County’s COVID-19 case results can be found at srhd.org, and are updated daily.

Today’s case data does not accurately reflect the true case count, according to SRHD officials. WDRS issues caused cases to be held up, and officials estimate the true case count to be closer to 100. Tomorrow’s case count will show the correction, and it will not greatly impact our two-week trend metrics.

Due to the high volume of COVID-19 case information we are currently receiving, updates to data pertaining to deaths may be delayed by one to two days. We appreciate your patience as we work to provide the most accurate information possible.

Roadmap to Recovery

DOH announced that based on Governor Jay Inslee’s Roadmap to Recovery phased reopening plan, the East Region, which includes Spokane County, will move to Phase 2, effective February 15, 2021.

See the Roadmap to Recovery Dashboard

Metric goals in order for a region to advance into Phase 2 include:

• Trend in 14-day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100K population Decrease: -10% or more

• Trend in 14-day rate of new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100K population Decrease: -10% or more

• Average 7-day percent occupancy of ICU staffed beds Low: Less than 90%
• 7-day percent positive of COVID-19 tests Low: Less than 10%

More information can be found on the new Roadmap to Recovery dashboard that provides a detailed overview of the metrics used for measuring regional progress.

Phase 2 allows some relaxation in regulations, but masks and physical distancing are still required statewide for all activities. Some of the changes include but are not limited to:

• Indoor social gatherings with people outside of the household is permitted in Phase 2 with a maximum of five people from outside the household and limit of two households.
• Indoor dining is permitted with a maximum 25% capacity and an 11 p.m. close. All other indoor activities must also follow a 25% capacity limit. This includes retail, entertainment and grocers, as well as personal and professional services.
• Indoor fitness must also follow the 25% capacity limit.
• Moderate risk indoor sports and all outdoor sports gain flexibility to have league games and competitions, which will help ensure opportunities for kids to be active, especially important during winter months and as kids navigate virtual or hybrid schooling.

SRHD Interim Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez commented on the announcement, “Everybody has worked really hard to get us here, and we need to continue working hard to increase testing and vaccination efforts, provide the necessary supplies, and follow the public health measures. Moving to Phase 2 shows that we are trending in the right direction, and we can continue this momentum by taking mitigation efforts seriously. Continue to wear masks, physically distance, avoid large gatherings and wash your hands often.”

For more information on Phase 2 guidelines visit Governor Inslee’s website.

Mass Vaccination Site

SRHD also confirmed 687 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered on February 10, at the Spokane Arena mass vaccination site. This brings the total of doses administered at the mass vaccination site to 8,166. People who qualify for a vaccine under current phase guidelines should check with their health care provider first about scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who are unable to schedule with their health care provider can schedule an appointment at the Spokane Arena mass vaccination location. Scheduling for the fourth week of vaccinations at Spokane Arena will open on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 5 p.m. at chas.org/covidvaccine. Those having technical issues or who need registration assistance can call 509.444.8200.

COVID-19 Recommendations

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 cannot 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 Roadmap to Recovery plan to reopen Washington.