FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2020
Media Contact: Melissa Morin, Communications Specialist
Phone: (360) 778-6022; (360) 594-2504
WCHD RECOMMENDING PERSONAL PREVENTION, NOT CLOSURES
BELLINGHAM, WA - The Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) is reminding Whatcom residents to take steps to protect their health and prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. At this time, WCHD is not recommending other community-based strategies for infection control, such as school closures or canceling large public gatherings or events.
No cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Whatcom County as of Monday afternoon.
“We understand that people are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in our region, and it’s likely that we will see more cases of COVID-19 in the days and weeks to come,” said Dr. Greg Stern, Whatcom County Health Officer. “We are urging community members to practice personal prevention steps such as washing hands frequently and staying home when sick. These actions help to not only keep individuals healthy, but are also important to help slow the spread of disease through our community.”
PERSONAL PREVENTION STEPS:
Everyone should take simple 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 or a family member is sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.
People with mild symptoms should stay home and rest. People who are severely ill or at high risk for severe illness should stay home and
call
their health care provider.
Public health officials do not recommend healthy people wear masks to prevent respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. People who are sick should wear masks when they are seeking medical care. It is important that supplies of masks and other personal protective equipment remain available for health care providers who are evaluating and treating ill people.