Coronavirus Outbreak At Salish Lodge Infects 25

SNOQUALMIE, WA — Public Health - Seattle & King County is investigating a coronavirus outbreak linked to the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, officials announced Wednesday night.

The agency said at least 23 cases were diagnosed among staff members, and two were diagnosed in guests. Anyone who visited the lodge during the following dates should seek testing and closely monitor their health for COVID-19 symptoms:

• From September 16-30, anyone who visited should get tested for COVID-19, monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and avoid close contact with others. Public Health recommends that anyone who visited the lodge during this time should quarantine and stay away from others for 14 days.
• From September 5-15, anyone who visited and did not develop symptoms of COVID-19, does not need to be tested for COVID-19 or quarantine for 14 days unless recommended or required by your health care provider or public health officials.

According to public health experts, the ideal time to get tested is five to seven days after having visited the hotel. Anyone who experiences any of the symptoms should seek testing immediately. Testing options can be found on the King County website.

Investigators said management is fully cooperating with public health officials to enact recommendations, test all staff members and further reduce the risk of transmission. The hotel will remain closed out of an abundance of caution until public health officials determine it is safe to reopen.

Public Health also shared a statement from Salish Lodge & Spa general manager Alan Stephens:

"At Salish, it is always our mission to take care of our team members and guests in every way we can. We have done everything possible to protect our guests and team members since the beginning of the pandemic, including elevating our health, hygiene, safety and sanitation protocols and following health agency guidance. We have further intensified these efforts by proactively partnering with Public Health – Seattle & King County to provide widespread and expedited testing for our team members, as well as engaging a third-party for full-property sanitization on top of our already elevated standards."

COVID-19 reminders from Public Health - Seattle & King County:

COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact (within about 6 feet) from person-to-person. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. COVID-19 may also be spread by a person touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.