By Ashlynn Danielson, Tulalip Tribes Emergency Preparedness Manager
Earlier this week, we informed you that there were two patients exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 who were transported from Tulalip to a hospital. As of this morning, we do not have confirmed positive cases of COVID-19.
Local medical systems do not have control over whether a patient is tested. When a patient meets the threshold and is tested, we do not have control over how quickly the results are processed. Typically it takes 72 hours for test results to come back to the Department of Health and longer if it was sent to the University of Washington lab for testing. As soon as results are received, the patient is notified immediately, then the patient’s primary care provider or the local Chief Medical Officer. Tulalip’s Chief Medical Officer is Dr. John Okemah.
When there is a positive test, the Department of Health mobilizes to track and notify the patient’s recent social contacts. The Department of Health monitors those likely to become infected and will request that they report any new symptoms and stay isolated in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Close personal contact does not mean passing by someone at the grocery store or another common area. Personal contact means that you have been in close proximity for 10 minutes or more, with someone who was exhibiting active symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath).
For reliable information to some of the frequently asked questions about whether you are at risk for COVID-19, please visit the following websites.
What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Snohomish County Health District has set up a hotline (call 1-800-525-0127 then press #,) where you can speak with a medical professional and ask them any questions about COVID-19. We ask that you utilize this hotline, which is staffed with active medical reserve volunteers, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Tribal staff is also ready to take calls; however, because of staffing limitations, you may have a delayed response.
Our goal and plan are to be as transparent as possible. We will share new information as soon as possible. Please continue to check in with Tulalip News, subscribe to our emails for the most current information. You can also subscribe to our text alert line (text STORM to 30644), which is where we will send new information.
We will get through this together!