Lummi announces 2 more positive tests for coronavirus, as Whatcom’s total rises to 50
The Lummi Public Health Department announced Monday that two additional Lummi community members have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing Whatcom County’s total cases of the novel coronavirus to 50.
The Lummi said in a release posted to Facebook March 23 that the Nation’s sixth and seventh cases both live in Whatcom County.
“The Public Health team is taking immediate steps to identify close contacts and instruct them to self-quarantine and is prepared to offer testing to those that were exposed and experiencing problems,” the release stated. “The Public Health Department will also work closely with Whatcom County offices to track any affected individuals.”
The two new coronavirus cases were not included in the total count released by the Whatcom County Health Department on Monday, Whatcom Unified Command spokesperson Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald in an email. She said those cases would likely be added to the total released Tuesday at noon.
The county health department reported Monday that 48 Whatcom residents have been diagnosed with the respiratory illness — the fourth-highest total among Washington state’s 39 counties behind King, Snohomish and Pierce.
On Sunday, the Lummi Indian Business Council ordered a shelter-in-place for all Lummi Nation community members living on the reservation in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
On Monday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a two-week stay-at-home order for the entire state, except for “essential” employees. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, March 26.
Overall, the Washington State Department of Health reported 2,221 cases and 110 deaths at 3 p.m. Monday.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
