CDHD Activates Emergency Response to COVID-19

Wenatchee, WA – Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) has responded vigorously to the COVID-19 epidemic, and is formally announcing activation of its emergency response. This means a systematic process for managing the many simultaneous tasks involved. It includes reassigning staff as needed, which means temporarily reducing or stopping usual duties. CDHD will issue regular updates, and sponsor regular conference calls for important community sectors such as schools, healthcare organizations, businesses, elected officials and others.

The COVID-19 epidemic is an important and serious matter, but it is also important to keep a calm and clear perspective. Almost everyone who catches the virus will recover. We can expect more fatalities than in an average influenza season, but there is no indication this will resemble a Hollywood disaster scenario.

We urge the public, the media and community leaders to rely on credible sources of information such as local health departments, the Washington State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local healthcare organizations including Confluence Health, Columbia Valley Community Health, and Seattle Children’s, and major university medical centers like the University of Washington.

Links to additional resources can be found at:

Chelan-Douglas Health District

Washington State Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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