Pierce County Prepares For Coronavirus, No Cases Confirmed Yet

TACOMA, WA — As the number of confirmed illnesses linked to the new coronavirus continues to grow in King County, health officials in Pierce County are preparing for the virus's potential spread southward.

On Tuesday, the state Department of Health confirmed nine deaths connected to COVID-19, with eight reported in King County and one in Snohomish County. Statewide, the number of patients diagnosed with the virus has grown to 27.

So far, positive test results have been confined to the two counties, but health officials have acknowledged the likelihood the virus has spread elsewhere without detection.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said Monday it had activated a team to work closely with the community and government agencies to limit the impact of the virus, should it arrive.

"We don't yet have a confirmed case here, but that may change as our region sees more positive cases," the health department wrote. "Diseases don't observe county boundaries, and it's likely we will see positive cases from the close contacts of cases in neighboring counties."

The health department said county staff was working with the state laboratory in Shoreline to test people in Pierce County who meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's criteria. The Shoreline facility is processing up to 200 samples daily, and the University of Washington began running additional tests Tuesday.

People considered at an elevated risk of exposure include:

• Healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients
• People who have had close contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients
• Travelers who recently visited countries with confirmed community spread

Pierce County officials said they would use the same "playbook" they use for responding to other public health risks, like the measles or wildfire smoke, to determine when it might be necessary to close schools or cancel public gatherings. So far, more drastic "social distancing" strategies are not being recommended by any state or local health agency.

In Tacoma, Mayor Victoria Woodards said she would deliver her Wednesday State of the City address by broadcast only, out of an abundance of caution.

"Although there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pierce County, the health and safety of our community is our top priority," Woodards said. "That's why I've decided to embrace a virtual format this year for the State of the City that is consistent with one of the suggested preventative measures being used by city administration."

Steps to prevent the infection and stop the spread of COVID-19
(from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department)

• Wash your hands! Do so often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face. Especially with unwashed hands. Your eyes, nose, and mouth are open doors for germs.
• Avoid people who are sick. Steer clear of illnesses if at all possible.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Hold a tissue over your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Then throw that tissue away and, again, WASH YOUR HANDS!
• Clean things. Disinfect objects and surfaces often.
• Stay home if you’re sick. This isn't the time to tough it out and leave your home if you're not feeling well.
• Call first. If you or a family member are sick and plan to seek care, call first. Our healthcare partners need to prepare for people who are showing symptoms—or direct you to the appropriate resource.
• Stay informed. Follow and share trusted sources of accurate public health information. Our website is a great place to start: www.tpchd.org/coronavirus.

Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to flu or colds and may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell

Monitor the latest information on COVID-19 in Washington and across the United States:

• Public Health Seattle-King County
• Snohomish County Health District
• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention