Seal covid19 stamped on a medical document, positive test for coronavirus and fountain pen. Macro shot.

Kittitas County Public Health Department Receives Record Number of Positive COVID-19 Cases in One Day

Kittitas County, WA – 01/05/2022 – The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) received a record number of positive COVID-19 cases today. So far today, KCPHD has received approximately 160 positive cases, which require contact from KCPHD personnel. Every staff person on site is assisting with contact investigation and contact tracing.
With the increase, there will be a longer wait time for notification.  If you have symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you stay at home.  Signs and symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nasal congestion, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or skin rashes.

“With this level of cases, if you have COVID-like symptoms, you should act as though you are positive for COVID-19 and you should stay away from others as much as possible,” states KCPHD Director Tristen Lamb.  The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has guidance for people who have or think they may have COVID-19 at www.doh.wa.gov.  With recent changes around isolation and quarantine on the federal and state level, there is confusion and inconsistencies depending on whether you are considered general public, healthcare, or a student.  “Our priority is to help at the local level to continue to navigate this pandemic,” states Lamb, “and provide the best customer service we can for individuals we are contacting with positive test results.”

Please practice frequent handwashing, wear a proper face covering, and stay home when you are sick. COVID-19 vaccinations are available for everyone 5 years of age and older. Everyone 16 years and older who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is eligible for a booster.  DOH continues to provide a vaccine locator tool online to find appointments.

The risk for sever illness from COVID-19 increases with age. Other health conditions may also increase the risk of severe illness. Please visit www.cdc.gov for more information.

As of today, the CDC COVID-19 County Check tool shows that Kittitas County community transmission remains high. Please use vetted websites such as Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Washington State COVID-19 website for more information regarding COVID-19.