Infected outside county:

Two positive COVID-19 cases found

Jana Mathia, Gazette Editor | Mar 26, 20200

Two people living in Whitman County have now tested positive as of Tuesday afternoon. The first case was reported Sunday. The patient is a female in her 20s. She has recovered and is self-isolating at home. The second confirmed case was announced Monday morning. The patient is a woman in her 70s.

The source of infection for both positive cases is known and originated outside of Whitman County. Whitman County Public Health has completed contact tracing for each of the positive cases.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) stated this week testing capacity has increased within Whitman County.

“People most at risk are those who have traveled to an area of high community transmission and who have symptoms of cough, fever and shortness of breath. If you think you are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms, call ahead before you go to your healthcare provider, urgent care or the emergency department,” stated a press release from EOC.

Pullman Regional Hospital announced it is opening a COVID-19 Triage & Testing Center Monday, which will serve as a centralized area for evaluation of patients with potential COVID-19.

The triage center is designed to screen those patients experiencing respiratory symptoms or who think they may have COVID-19 symptoms. PRH noted that testing is not guaranteed and will only occur if a patient meets criteria. Patients do not need a doctor’s order to come to the Center.

The Center will run seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be located behind the hospital by the Emergency Department.

The Washington Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. Those with questions about how the virus is spread and what to do if showing symptoms can call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.