On July 10, 2020, at 0815 hours, Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) reported (7) additional lab confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Three hours later, by 1115 hours, (21) twenty-one additional lab confirmed positives were reported to CCHHS. Initial contact tracing information suggests many of the new (21) twenty-one cases participated in or attended 4th of July social gatherings.
Officials continue to see a dramatic increase in the number of new cases in Cowlitz County and steps must be taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 if we want to be able to safely move to Phase 3. Health officials urge Cowlitz County residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary. Any gatherings should be limited to no more than five people from outside of the household – the largest gathering size allowed under Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.
Cowlitz County’s case numbers are going up and this is a dangerous time for gatherings. Residents should not disregard physical distancing and are reminded that COVID-19 is primarily spread through close contact with respiratory droplets expelled when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or talks. Even people who do not have symptoms may be infected and can spread the virus to others. Gathering with others presents an opportunity for the virus to spread.
Cowlitz County residents must take steps to keep themselves healthy and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Everyone should continue to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings in public. Remember to wash hands frequently, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces and stay home when sick.
Cowlitz County Health and Human Services and the Incident Management Team will continue to provide local updates on the Cowlitz COVID-19 coronavirus webpage at www.cowlitzcovid19.com.
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Previous Press Releases: www.cowlitzcovid19.com
Cowlitz County COVID-19 Contacts:
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| Cowlitz COVID-19 Info. Line | 1-888-683-8676 |
Noncompliance Inquiry Line
(Business/Individuals) | 1-888-230-4970 |
| Noncompliance Inquiry Form | www.cowlitzcovid19.com |
Public Information Officers Contacts:
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| (PIO) Main Line | (360) 577-3107 |
| (PIO) Email (questions) | imt.pio@co.cowlitz.wa.us |
| (PIO) Media Line | (360) 442-7082 |