Submitted by Thurston County
According to Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS), there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 originating in Thurston County. Thurston County is working closely with the state Department of Health (DOH) and other local partners to provide up-to-date, reliable, accurate information to the public and other partners regarding the rapidly evolving situation around the COVID-19 outbreak.
PHSS is monitoring and responding to the situation day and night and working to provide support to the public and our community partners. The county will keep the media and public updated through news releases, social media posts, and website updates as the situation changes.
People who are at increased risk of illness include:
- Healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients
- People who have had close contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients
- Travelers returning from travel in countries with community spread
- Older people with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, people who have weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant
“Due to the nature of how viruses are transmitted, we expect that we will see COVID-19 cases in our community. The vast majority of people who contract this virus will experience mild or moderate symptoms and fully recover,” said Schelli Slaughter, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Director. “In order to slow the spread of the virus and protect those who are at higher risk of complication, we are encouraging people to cover their coughs, stay home if they are sick, and wash hands often and thoroughly.”
Testing for COVID-19
There is criteria that must be met for someone to be tested. PHSS recommends persons experiencing symptoms of an illness and are concerned about fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, call their healthcare provider to seek medical advice and direction.
What about school or event closures?
At this time, Thurston County PHSS officials are not recommending school or event closures. If that changes, the county will notify the public and the media through news releases, social media posts, and website updates.
What can you do right now?
There are many specific actions you can take now to help keep your family safe:
- Wash your hands often! Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice).
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face. Your eyes, nose, and mouth are open doors for germs, especially when you touch them with unwashed hands.
- Avoid people who are sick. Steer clear of illnesses, if 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 and disinfect objects and surfaces often, using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
- Stay home if you’re sick.
- Call first. If you or a family member are sick and plan to seek care, call first. 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.
- Make sure your family emergency plan is in place, should you need it.
For more information on how you can prepare your family or business, read here.
More information on COVID-19 is available at:
- Washington State Department of Health
- Thurston County Public Health and Social Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Washington State Coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline at 1-800-525-0127
Follow Thurston County on social media for the most updated information:
- Facebook – Thurston County Washington
- Twitter – @ThurstonCounty
For questions about the potential isolation and quarantine site at Maple Lane in South Thurston County, please contact Lisa Stromme, Washington State Department of Health, at 360-628-7883 or lisa.stromme@doh.wa.gov.
