Submitted by Thurston County Public Health and Social Services
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) has confirmed the second death of a Thurston County resident, due to complications related to COVID-19. The hospitalized patient was a male in his 80’s, with underlying conditions. He was a resident at Olympics West Retirement Inn in Tumwater, the site of Thurston County’s first long-term care facility outbreak.
“We want to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends who knew him,” said Thurston County Health Officer, Dr. Diana Yu. “This death reminds us that we must remain diligent in our efforts to protect one another from this virus. We must continue to social distance, to wear masks whenever we cannot social distance, and to stay home when we are ill. Washing our hands regularly also remains an important preventive measure.”
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services continues to investigate the recent long-term care facility outbreak at Olympics West Retirement Inn in Tumwater and associated outbreak at an adult family home in Lacey. Further testing of staff and residents at Olympics West Retirement Inn is scheduled for Monday, June 8.
As of Sunday, June 7, there have been 170 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Thurston County. Of those cases, 24 have been hospitalized at some point during their illness, 130 have recovered (been released from public health isolation), and two people have died.
For information and resources on COVID-19 in Thurston County, visit the Thurston County PHSS Coronavirus webpage at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/phss/Pages/coronavirus.aspx, or follow the Thurston County Public Health Facebook or Twitter pages (@ThurstonHealth).
People with any symptoms of COVID-19, such as a fever, cough, trouble breathing, headache, body aches, chills, sore throat, new loss of taste/smell, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and congestion/runny nose, should isolate themselves from others and seek testing immediately through their healthcare provider. Testing is also available through a Providence drive-through testing site in Hawks Prairie. More information on drive-through testing and operation hours are available through Providence St. Peter’s call line at: 360-486-6800.
