Clallam Health and Human Services was notified today, Wednesday, March 18, of the first positive COVID-19 test for a Clallam County resident. COVID-19 is the illness caused by novel coronavirus. The person who tested positive for COVID-19 is a male resident in his 60s.

The individual is home and recovering well. He has cooperated with all self-isolation procedures and worked to keep his community safe during his infectious period. This person’s exposures trace back to King County. We do not believe that this case demonstrates evidence of community transmission in our area.

To protect the affected individual’s privacy, Clallam Health and Human Services will not release additional details about the person unless it is imperative to protect public health. We do not have evidence of public exposures at this time. Clallam Health and Human Services has notified a small group of individuals who were identified as having had close contact with the case. These individuals are being asked to self-quarantine or isolate at home.

Symptomatic individuals will also be tested for the virus. “We anticipated we would start to see more cases here and we are. We are very happy to hear that this gentleman is doing well. We recommend all Clallam County residents do what you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying home when you are sick, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing.” Please check Clallam County Coronavirus Information for updates.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH Clallam Health and Human Services recommends all community members take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:  Wash your hands frequently  Avoid touching your face  Cough and sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue, then throw away the tissue  Avoid close contact with people who are sick  Stay home when you are sick  Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces  Practice social distancing

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL SICK? Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Most people who have COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, similar to a cold or flu. Some people are at higher risk for serious illness, including:  People with underlying health conditions  Older adults  Pregnant women

If you are sick, you should stay home and rest. If you feel you need medical evaluation or are at high risk for complications, stay home and call your health care provider for guidance. See the Department of Health’s guidance for people experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. COVID-19 TESTING COVID-19 tests are in very limited supply.

At this point in Clallam County, we are only testing hospitalized patients, first responders, healthcare workers and patients or staff in long term care facilities. We hope to expand these criteria when we get access to more testing kits. STAY INFORMED  Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Page  Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center: 1-800-525-0127  Clallam County Corornavirus Information  Clallam County Hotline: 360-417-2430; answered Mon – Fri 9 am – 5 pm ### Media contact: ccem_ pio@co.clallam.wa.us