COVID-19 Community Transmission Detected in Washington County

June 18, 2020 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COVID-19 Community Transmission Detected in Washington County

WASHINGTON COUNTY, IDAHO – Community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 in Washington County has been confirmed after the most current case cannot be linked to the county’s other known cases of COVID-19. Community transmission, or community spread, is when public health professionals cannot specify an origin for an infection, such as tracing it to specific travel, family events, social gatherings, or contact with a specific individual.

Washington County saw a sharp increase in cases in May which were all connected to known clusters of cases at workplaces and family events.

“The risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 is increasing in Washington County.  Please do your part to help slow the spread of the virus.” said Nikki Zogg, Southwest District Health District Director. Zogg urges residents to continue to practice COVID-19 risk reduction strategies including:

  • Staying home if sick, even when symptoms are mild.
  • Practicing physical-distancing (maintaining at least 6 feet between individuals).
  • Wearing a cloth face covering or mask when in public settings where physical distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer.

Southwest District Health recently added a data dashboard to its website at https://swdh.id.gov/coronavirus.  The dashboard will be updated weekly and provides information such as symptom onset, case characteristics, and health care data for COVID-like illness.  COVID-19 case counts for the six-county region SWDH serves are also available on the website and are updated by 7 p.m. on weekdays unless otherwise noted. For Idaho information and guidance, please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/.

Residents who have questions may call the Southwest District Health COVID-19 call center at (208) 455-5411 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Media Contact:
Katrina Williams
Southwest District Health
Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov
(208) 455-5317 or (208) 899-1268

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