Lummi announces 1 more positive test for coronavirus, as total for tribe rises to 17
The Lummi Public Health Department announced Tuesday, March 21, that one additional Lummi community member has tested positive for COVID-19, the new coronavirus.
The person is a tribal member who lives on the Lummi Reservation, according to a release posted on Facebook.
The new case increased to 17 the total linked to Lummi Nation.
Lummi public health officials said they were working to identify all close contacts of the newly diagnosed member and instruct them to self-quarantine. They also offered to test those who were exposed and experiencing symptoms.
Whatcom County has a total of 139 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, March 31. So far, seven county residents who have tested positive have died.
The Lummi case revealed Tuesday isn’t included in the most recent Whatcom County numbers.
More than 857,900 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide, with more than 42,100 deaths as of Tuesday night, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 189,000 confirmed cases, with at least 3,800 deaths.
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.
