From the Kittitas County Public Health Department:
Kittitas County, WA – 03/30/2020 – In Kittitas County, testing eligibility for COVID-19 is based on the parameters currently set by Dr. Mark Larson, Health Officer for the Kittitas County Public Health Department. To date, testing is being done for people who are symptomatic and at risk (over 60 years old, pregnant, or underlying health condition), healthcare workers who have been potentially exposed, and for individuals who may be linked to a cluster of people who have COVID-19.
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. There is no medication to treat COVID-19, so a test result will not change how your healthcare provider will manage your symptoms. Testing parameters are in place to preserve resources while providing information that would require a changed response from the healthcare system.
“We would test more people if we could,” said Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson. “With the limited supplies and resources available, we are still recommending testing of high risk populations only.”
For example, someone who has an underlying health condition would need additional assistance to manage other conditions, which may be exacerbated by COVID-19. Healthcare workers who are exposed and quarantined require testing to determine whether they can return to the workforce. A group or “cluster” of positive cases might occur that we can identify and address; specifically, people who are experiencing homelessness.
For questions about what to do if you have symptoms, think you have been exposed, or have COVID-19, please use the resources provided via the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) at www.doh.wa.gov or you can contact the Kittitas Valley Healthcare COVID-19 Clinic at 509-933-8850 to ask regarding testing.
If you have questions, please call the Emergency Operation Center at 509-933-8315 or 509-933-8305. Please watch our county website along with our social media for updated information at www.co.kittitas.wa.us or Facebook.
