— from San Juan County Communications —
San Juan County Health & Community Services received notification from the State Department of Health at 3:44 p.m. today that test results for coronavirus (COVID-19) were negative for the Person Under Investigation from San Juan County.
“We are relieved for this patient and their family, and that the risk to the general community remains low. Our local public health officials have been working closely with the CDC and Department of Health throughout the week. We have also been communicating daily with the patient’s family and the out-of-county hospital where the patient has been receiving care, to monitor the safety and health of the patient,” stated county Health Officer Dr. Frank James. “While preparing for the worst, we are fortunate not to have any COVID-19 cases in San Juan County at this time.”
San Juan County Health & Community Services continues to monitor returning travelers from affected areas. Currently no travelers are deemed a risk to the public. The public may access up-to-date information on the epidemic, as well as tools and resources for providers on the county website. Additionally, the Department of Health has set up a 24-hour hotline for the public to call for further information related to this outbreak: 1-800-525-0127.
If you are experiencing fever and a cough, AND you have either traveled from China within the last 14 days, or have had close contact with a confirmed case, contact your health care provider immediately. Individuals who suspect they may have been exposed and have developed symptoms should CALL their health care provider before going to seek medical attention, so the health care provider can take appropriate precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.
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That’s great news, but the latest word from the Seattle Times has a prominent Orcas Island couple returning here from the Holland American Westerdam cruise ship, which had docked in Cambodia after being denied landing at several ports in Southeast Asia. And a woman who was also on that ship tested positive (twice) for the virus when she passed through Kuala Lumpur this weekend. I hope our health officials are monitoring this unfolding situation.
Thank you, Michael, for mentioning the Westerdam and the island folks who were aboard. I agree with you.