FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2020
CONTACT:
Heather Thomas, 425.508.4980
hthomas@snohd.org
COVID-19 Outbreak at Stanwood Long-term Care Facility
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The Snohomish Health District is actively supporting mitigation efforts for three affected areas of the Josephine Caring Community in Stanwood. Staff have made multiple site visits since first notified of a case on October 26. The number of cases has steadily increased in the last two weeks, with the number nearly tripling within the last 48-72 hours. As of today, there are 94 total cases: 53 residents and 41 staff members.
“As we learned early on in this pandemic, COVID-19 infections can spread incredibly fast in congregate living environments like these,” said Dr. Chris Spitters. “This is why we have taken such drastic measures in Snohomish County and statewide to protect these vulnerable populations. I implore everyone to double-down their efforts so we can prevent more scenarios like this from happening.”
A COVID-19 focused infection control assessment and response visit will also be held to identify and recommend any additional interventions. The facility is currently implementing crisis capacity strategies to mitigate their critical staffing shortage and meet patient care needs.
The Health District continues to provide guidance on testing, as well as support in completing case investigations and contact tracing related to the outbreak. The facility is handling notifications and tracing for patients and staff, and the Health District will make notifications to those located outside of the facility.
##END##