FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2021
CONTACT: Heather Thomas, 425.508.4980
hthomas@snohd.org
Attendees of Arlington Basketball Tournament Should Consider Testing
Health District also shares reminders to stay healthy given high transmission levels
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The Snohomish Health District has identified at least one confirmed case associated with the 3on3X Basketball Tournament held at the Arlington Airport on August 14 and 15. Other investigations are pending and staff are working with event organizers to get a list of all participants. However, not all spectators can be identified, and the Health District is unable to exclude the possibility that transmission occurred at the event.
The Health District suggests that attendees consider pursuing COVID-19 testing if they attended the tournament, especially if they are not completely vaccinated or have developed COVID-like symptoms since the event. This suggestion applies to players, coaches, volunteers or spectators. Testing can be obtained at one of the Health District’s community-based testing locations at www.snohd.org/testing or calling 425.339.5278, or by contacting their healthcare provider or another testing facility.
The average incubation period for COVID-19—or the amount of time from exposure to first development of symptoms, varies. It is usually 4 to 6 days but can range from 2 to 14 days.
Resources:
With Snohomish County considered a high transmission area and hospitals operating at or above 90 percent capacity, the Health District now recommends the following regarding large gatherings:
- Consider avoiding large gatherings, especially if you are not completely vaccinated, are immunosuppressed, or are advanced in age. This is particularly true for indoor settings or crowded outdoor settings where social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Remain home if you are ill.
- Ensure masks are worn properly, keep at least 6’ physical distance, and wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
- Enable WA Notify on your smartphone so that you can be alerted if you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
- Consider seeking testing 3 to 5 days after attendance, particularly if unvaccinated.
Event organizers should be ensuring that all state and federal guidance for large gatherings are being followed. If they become aware of a confirmed cases linked to their event, they should contact the Health District promptly by emailing CDQuestions@snohd.org or calling 425.339.5278.
Testing remains critical tool in fight against COVID-19
As the Delta variant spreads throughout every region in Washington, demand for COVID-19 testing increases. With that, many people are turning to various over-the-counter, at-home tests when they have symptoms or when they need a test for other reasons. These tests can be convenient and improve access to testing but it is important to ensure people are still using the right kind of test, taking steps to get care and isolate from others if they are positive, and positive results are reported to the state.
Reporting helps the Department of Health (DOH) determine how and where the virus is spreading so resources can be allocated to reduce the spread. Now, it’s easier than ever for people who buy home tests to report their own results. Thanks to a partnership with Washington 211, it is now possible to report a positive test result from an at-home test through the state’s COVID-19 hotline. Hotline personnel will determine next steps based on ZIP code so results can be recorded and reported, and can guide callers through any questions they may have.
The state hotline, 1-800-525-0127, is available Monday from 6 AM to 10 PM, and Tuesday to Sunday (and observed holidays) 6 AM to 6 PM. Language assistance is available.
The main types of tests to detect COVID-19 infections are molecular tests, including PCR tests, and antigen tests.
- Molecular tests look for genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19; these results can take a little longer, but they are the most accurate tests available.
- Antigen tests look for certain proteins on the virus surface; the results come in faster, but they are generally less accurate than molecular tests in most circumstances. Over-the-counter tests are generally antigen tests.
Antigen tests are most accurate for people with symptoms, but they can still produce false negative or false positive results. With those tests, if you are symptomatic and you get a negative result, it’s advisable to get a confirming molecular test to be sure. Also, if you are asymptomatic and get a positive antigen result, you should again get a confirming molecular test.
Relatedly, over-the-counter tests are generally approved for serial testing; please follow the instructions on the test for any repeat testing as indicated to improve accuracy.
If someone tests negative, but is symptomatic, they should get a confirming molecular test before resuming normal activities. If they test positive and have economic or other challenges, like getting groceries, medications or many other needs, help is available through Care Connect Washington. When someone with a positive OTC test result submits their test result via 211, they are able to be connected to corresponding case and contact tracing and resources via Care Connect Washington.
Testing is an important tool to help Washington get back to normal, and everyone should do their part by getting a test when they’re symptomatic or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Ivermectin should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) warns people should not take ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19, following the Health Alert Network advisory released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug used commonly in humans and animals. Although it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of some parasitic worms, external parasites and skin conditions, evidence shows it is ineffective against treating the COVID-19 virus and the side effects can be potentially dangerous.
Side effects may include, but are not limited to, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial or limb swelling, dizziness, seizures, confusion, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and liver injury (hepatitis). Drugs prescribed for animals are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals and therefore may be toxic to humans. The FDA has received multiple reports of people who were hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for horses. In July 2021, poison control centers across the country reported a five-fold increase in the number of calls for human exposure to ivermectin.
Despite the dangers, nationwide the CDC has seen a sharp increase in both providers prescribing and patients requesting ivermectin for COVID-19. According to the CDC, during the second week of August more than 88,000 prescriptions were reported nationwide, which is 24-times higher than the number of prescriptions written before the pandemic and more than double the previous peak of prescriptions written in early January 2021. The FDA has established a cross-agency task force that closely monitors for fraudulent COVID-19 products that claim to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated is the most safe and effective way to protect yourself and prevent severe sickness and death from COVID-19. Everyone 12 and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to make an appointment today.
COVID TESTING SITE SCHEDULE
The Everett AquaSox have a home playoff game on September 3, so the Everett testing site will be closed that day.
The remaining schedule for the week of August 30 is as follows:
- Everett site located at 3715 Oakes Avenue – Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Lynnwood Food Bank site at 5320 176th St SW – open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments for testing are required, and registration is available at www.snohd.org/testing.
Those without internet access or needing language assistance can reach the Health District’s call center at 425.339.5278 to schedule a testing appointment. The call center is staffed 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers after hours or on weekends can leave a message, which will be returned on the next business day.
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