Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
in Chelan/Douglas County
Updated Daily with new data
This is an evolving situation. This page will be updated as more information is available.
For non-urgent COVID-19 questions or concerns, please leave a message at 509-886-6476 and someone will return your call within the next business day. If you need immediate medial attention, please call 911.
If you need immediate medical attention, please call 911.
For CDHD’s latest public health communications, please visit: CDHD’s News & Media.
General COVID-19 Information
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus that was not identified in humans before December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 is commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
COVID-19 Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Recent loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
COVID-19 Prevention
The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the virus:
Masking
Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman issued a Statewide Order (20-03) mandating the use of cloth face coverings in most public areas as of June 26, 2020. As of July 7, 2020, businesses are required to enforce the use of face coverings by all customers or clients. Click here for an overview of COVID-19 statewide face covering requirements. Visit the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Cloth Face Coverings Webpage for additional rules that apply to employers and employees, resources and guidance for the general public and frequently asked questions related to masks and face coverings.
Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control. This recommendation is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of masks is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
Be a Protector – Not an Infector!
Resources/Links
Masking Survey
Masking Locations
| Agency | Call |
|---|---|
| Chelan-Douglas Health District | 509-886-6400 |
| Chelan Co. Emergency Management | 509-667-6863 |
| Douglas Co. Emergency Management | 509-884-0941 |
| CAFÉ (Community for Advancement of Family Education) | 509-667-1926 |
| Serve Wenatchee | 509-663-4673 |
| Cashmere Chamber of Commerce | 509-782-7404 |
Local Case Count & Data
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has spread throughout Chelan and Douglas Counties since our first case was reported on March 16. Confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have all had a positive molecular test for COVID-19. Only one positive test is counted per person, no matter how many positive tests they may have. This page includes daily case count updates Monday through Friday, and more comprehensive weekly updates every Wednesday.
Confirmed COVID-19 Cases In Chelan & Douglas Counties
| County of Residence | Total Positive Cases as of May 5 | New Cases Received May 5 |
New Cases in Last 7 Days (By Tested Date) (Apr 29 – May 5) |
New Cases in Last 14 Days (By Tested Date) (Apr 22 – May 5) |
Currently Hospitalized | Total Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelan | 6851 | 8 | 38 (47.7 per 100,000) |
100 (125.5 per 100,000) |
1* | 65 |
| Douglas | 3645 | 5 | 25 (57.1 per 100,000) |
58 (132.6 per 100,000) |
2* | 19 |
| Total | 10,496 | 13 | 63 (51 per 100,000) |
158 (128 per 100,000) |
3** | 84 |
* Includes all residents of Chelan-Douglas hospitalized with COVID that are reported to CDHD
**Total COVID-positive patients hospitalized in Chelan-Douglas, which includes residents from surrounding counties
Resources
Local COVID Stories
Reopening Status
Healthy WA – Roadmap to Recovery
Gov. Jay Inslee announced that Chelan and Douglas Counties are progressing to phase 3 of the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery. The governor also announced that a new third phase of the Roadmap has been added, and effective Monday, March 22, the entire state will enter Phase 3.
Read the governor’s full announcement here.
Reopening Guidance and Resources
Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers
- County Phase Status (“Roadmap to Recovery”)
- Outdoor and Open-air Structures (with FAQ)
- Facial Coverings Guidance for Businesses
- Voluntary Contact Information
- Guidance for Fairs and Special Events
Reopening Guidance and Resources
Healthy Washington Requirements
COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers
On March 11, 2021, Governor Inslee announced the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan will be transitioning from a regional approach to a county-by-county evaluation process.
The full Healthy Washington phased chart is available here.
Important Reference Documents
- County Phase Status
- County Phase Metrics (“Roadmap to Recovery”)
- Outdoor and Open-air Structures with FAQ (Updated April 12)
- Facial Coverings Guidance for Businesses
- Voluntary Contact Information
- High Risk Worker Proclamation FAQ
Healthy Washington Requirements
The following business activities must adhere to the occupancy and operation requirements outlined for their region’s Healthy Washington phase:
Spectator Events
- Spectator Events – Updated April 19
Religious and Faith-Based Organizations
- Religious and Faith-Based Organizations – Updated March 23
Professional Services
- Professional Services – Updated March 19
Personal Services
- Personal Services – Updated March 19
Eating and Drinking Establishments
- Eating and Drinking Establishments – Updated March 17
Weddings, Funerals and Events
- Weddings, Funerals and Events – Updated March 23
Sports, Recreation and Fitness
- Fitness and Training – Updated March 26
- Outdoor Recreation – Updated March 23
- Water Recreation – Updated March 23
- Sporting Activities – Updated April 19
- Sporting Activities FAQ – Updated March 24
- Racing: non-motorized and motorized – Updated April 19
- Golf – Updated March 18
Indoor Entertainment Establishments
- Indoor Entertainment – Updated March 24
- Bowling – Updated March 18
- Card Rooms – Updated March 18
- Movie Theaters – Updated March 19
- Museums – Updated March 19
Outdoor Entertainment Establishments
- Drive-In Theaters and Events – Updated March 23
- Zoos and Aquariums – Updated March 18
All employers must follow COVID-19 prevention protocols for employees as required by the Department of Labor and Industries. Industry-specific workplace requirements are listed below:
Additional Industry Requirements
- Agricultural Industry
- Agricultural Events – Updated March 19
- Agritourism – Updated March 19
- Car Washes
- Construction
- Cruises
- Domestic Services
- Fairs and Special Events
- In Store Retail – Updated March 17
- Libraries – Updated March 22
- Manufacturing
- Miscellaneous Venues – Updated March 19
- Motion Picture Industry
- Outdoor Maintenance/Landscaping
- Pet Grooming
- Professional Photography– Updated March 19
- Real Estate – Updated March 17
- Theater and Performing Arts – Updated April 7
- Transportation
- Vehicle and Vessel Sales
- Workforce Education Programs
For additional industry-specific safety practices, including those for Farm and Agricultural Workers, Food Workers and Establishments, schools, healthcare providers, and others, please visit the Department of Health’s Resources and Recommendations Page.
COVID-19 Testing Information
Anyone can be tested. CDHD highly recommends testing for:
- Anyone who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, even if their illness is mild.
- Anyone who has been in close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19.
- Anyone who has attended an event or social gathering with many people
Free Drive-thru Testing Dates/Locations
| Location | Dates | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Department of Transportation Building 1551 North Wenatchee Ave Wenatchee, WA |
Tuesday – Saturday | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Lifeline / Drive-thru Pre-Registration Here |
Locations of Test Sites
| Facility | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Confluence Health | (509) 663-8711 Option 1 |
| Cascade Medical Center | (509) 548-5815 |
| Columbia Valley Community Health | (509) 699-1372 |
| Lake Chelan Community Hospital/Clinic | (509) 682-2511 or (509) 682-3300 |
Case Investigations & Contact Tracing
Public health professionals perform case investigations and contact tracing to help slow and prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. When public health learns that someone has tested positive for COVID-19, an interviewer reaches out to talk to that person, usually by phone – this is known as a case investigation.
When talking to the person who tested positive for COVID-19, interviewers work to determine their close contacts – anyone who has been within six feet of them for 15 minutes or more while they were infectious. Interviewers then reach out to inform close contacts of possible exposure. This is the next step to prevent the spread of disease, known as contact tracing. Interviewers do not reveal the name of the person who tested positive for COVID-19 when speaking with close contacts.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
There is a lot of information on the internet and in the media about COVID-19 vaccines. Chelan-Douglas Health District is working with local and regional vaccine providers partners in following the Washington State Department of Health, CDC, FDA and ACIP guidelines in allocation, distribution and administration plan. Our goal is to ensure that a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all who wish to receive it, when they are eligible to, following the state phase eligibility guidance.
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Washington State COVID-19 Vaccination Plan:
Emergency Assistance
The COVID-19 Emergency Isolation and Quarantine Housing Program (I&Q Facility) is funded and managed by Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD). Please note: this is not an alternative homeless shelter. Public members will not be enrolled in the program without a formal referral.
In order to stay at the I&Q Facility, a referral from a Primary Care Physician (PCP) must be provided. The referral should be clear on the guest’s COVID-19 status with a recommendation to isolate or quarantine. CDHD will take these recommendations and make the placement according to guest eligibility and willingness to agree to the terms of an Occupancy Agreement.
Once placed into the program, guests are expected to isolate or quarantine in the room and abide by the Occupancy Agreement that they have signed. Guests will receive three (3) meals per day during their stay, provided by Central Washington Hospital. The meals will be delivered once a day at the beginning of the day (8:30am – 9:30am). It is the duty of the guest to list all food allergies known ahead of time. Guests will participate in regular daily vital signs/symptoms check twice a day by Lifeline and will be connected to medical professionals when necessary.
Definitions
- Isolation – Specifically for a COVID-19 positive person needing to separate from people as to not spread the virus.
- Quarantine – People exposed to COVID-19 and waiting test results that need to restrict their interactions with others to decrease possible transmission.
Eligibility
This program will serve community members who:
- Have tested positive for COVID-19 and live in a situation where they cannot self-isolate or quarantine within their homes without exposing others in the household (medical recommendation to self-isolate or quarantine).
- Have been exposed to COVID-19 and have received a medical recommendation to self-isolate or quarantine but cannot self-isolate or quarantine within their homes without exposing others in the household.
Before eligible individuals are placed, they will consent to:
- Motel, Hospital and CDHD isolation and quarantine guidelines.
- Abide by Occupation Agreement
- Abide by Care Overview
- Release of Information
- Be able to self-monitor of temperature and symptoms
- Be able to self-administer own medications
- Calling “911” if symptoms become unmanageable
- Refraining from using motel amenities, other than what is provided in the room.
- GUESTS WILL NOT GO INTO THE LOBBY
Referral
Eligible referral partners include (but not limited to): CDHD, Confluence Health, Cascade Medical, Lake Chelan Health, CVCH.
- Medical Provider’s Letterhead
- Medical Provider’s Signature
- Agency Name
- Agency County
- Agency Contact Person
- Agency Contact Number and Email
- Guest’s Name
- Guest’s Date of Birth
- Guest’s Phone Number
- Guest’s Physical Home Address
- Guest’s Preferred Language
- Guest’s COVID-19 Status
- Recommendation for isolation or quarantine (list length of stay).
- List any known food allergies
- List any known underlying health conditions
- List any mental/behaviors concerns
Please note that medical need is the primary factor in determining eligibility for emergency housing during this time. Homelessness is a secondary factor in determining eligibility. Making this referral does not guarantee entry into the Emergency Housing Facility. You will be contacted within 24 hours of the status of your referral submission. Thank you for your compassionate self-care and patience during this unprecedented time.
Email documents to the contacts below (i.e., medical referrals, signed HIPAA release, etc.) that provide medical and/or housing eligibility for the referred individual in order for CDHD to make an EMERGENCY HOUSING placement.
I&Q Facility Contact Information
Gay Jackson-Allbee, PHN
509-886-6456
Gay.jackson-allbee@cdhd.wa.gov
Jim Kaing
509-741-6227
Jim@ServeWenatchee.org
Food Assistance
The COVID-19 EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM is being provided by Chelan and Douglas Counties and Serve Wenatchee Valley has been contracted by the county to manage this program. The goal of this program is to encourage those in isolation or quarantine to stay home with a secure access to food so they can focus on getting well, while at the same time, protecting the health of their community by staying home. To learn more, visit: COVID-19 Food Assistance Program — Serve Wenatchee Valley or call 509-663-4673.
Congregate Facilities
Schools & Childcare
Our local schools and childcare centers are an important part of the infrastructure in our communities and they play an important role in preventing the spread of illness. They continue to collaborate, share information, and review plans with public health officials at Chelan-Douglas Health District in order to protect their school and childcare communities and our communities at large.
Schools and childcare providers reporting positive cases and/or requesting COVID-19 guidance, please call:
- 509-886-6143 (English)
- 509-886-6144 (Spanish)
School Guidance
Key Principles for Reducing Potential Exposures in Schools and Childcare Settings
- Keep ill persons out of school and childcare – educating students, families, and staff to stay home when ill
- Cohorts – conducts all activities in small groups and avoid mixing with other groups
- Physical distancing – minimizing close contact (less than 6 ft) with other people
- Hand hygiene – frequent washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand gel
- Protective equipment – use of cloth face coverings
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection – especially of high-touch surfaces
- Improve indoor ventilation
- Isolation – of sick people and those who have been exposed to COVID-19
Additional Guidance and Resources
Child Care, Youth Development, and Summer Day Camps During the Covid-19 Outbreak (PDF)
Guidance for Graduation Ceremonies during the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)
Guidelines for Student Housing – Higher Education Institutions (PDF)
Higher Education Facilities (PDF)
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Guidance
If your school sets up a temporary child care center, please follow CDC guidance for administrators of child care programs and K-12 schools.
Living Centers
Long-term care facilities are at high risk for severe COVID-19 outbreaks due to their congregate nature and vulnerable population (e.g., older adults with multiple co-morbidities). These resources are intended to help long-term care facilities take the appropriate steps to prepare for and respond to cases of COVID-19 in their facility, and thereby protect the health of residents and staff.
Long-term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes, etc.) reporting positive cases and/or requesting COVID-19 guidance, please call:
- 509-886-6145 (English)
- 509-886-6146 (Spanish)
Staff Guidance
Information for Providers and Long-Term Care Professionals
Healthcare Workers in Nursing Homes
Recommendations for Long Term Care Facilities During COVID-19 Outbreak
Visitor Guidance
Additional Guidance and Resources
Businesses & Employers
The governor’s new regional-based Healthy Washington plan goes into effect January 11. Detailed guidance and information is available on the governor’s website. If you think a business isn’t operating in compliance with the State’s guidance, you can anonymously report a violation here.
Guidance & Resources
Local Chambers of Commerce
| Chamber | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce | 509-662-2116 |
| Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce | 509-548-5807 |
| Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce | 509-682-3503 |
| Cashmere Chamber of Commerce | 509-682-3503 |
Community Resources
Resources in Chelan and Douglas Counties
Resource Guides
For additional resources, please visit: https://www.wenatcheewa.gov/services/your-community-resources.
Event Guidance
CDHD will help public individuals and event planners navigate state requirements for public and private events. The CDHD’s role will only be guidance and will not be approving events. See these links for information and tools on having a COVID-19 “safe” event.
Chelan-Douglas EOC Webpage
Local Healthcare Centers
Local Agencies
State and Federal Agencies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coronavirus?
A coronavirus describes a large number of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory illness. There are coronaviruses that have caused severe illness, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The new name for novel coronavirus 2019 is now COVID-19.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Other less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Is there a treatment for COVID-19?
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19.
How do I know if I need to be tested for COVID-19?
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19
- People who have had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with someone with confirmed COVID-19
- People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. If you do get tested, you should self-quarantine/isolate at home pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or a public health professional.
What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
Take precautions anytime you feel sick by staying away from others and wearing a face mask if you must get within six feet of someone else. Contact you doctor and let them know that you think you have COVID-19 symptoms and would like to get tested for the virus. The WA DOH has guidance available for people who have or think they may have COVID-19:
What are the steps in contact tracing?
What is a case investigation?
A case investigation is part of a process to support people who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19.