News Flash

Media Releases

Posted on: August 27, 2021

Attendees of Arlington Basketball Tournament Should Consider Testing

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.

##END##

 

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Media Releases

Board of Health Meeting - December 13

Posted on: December 9, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - November 8

Posted on: November 4, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - October 11

Posted on: October 7, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - September 13

Posted on: September 12, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - July 12

Posted on: July 8, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - June 14

Posted on: June 10, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - May 10

Posted on: May 9, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - March 8

Posted on: March 4, 2022

Statewide Mask Orders to End March 21

Posted on: February 17, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - February 8

Posted on: February 7, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - January 18

Posted on: January 15, 2022

Board of Health Meeting - December 14

Posted on: December 10, 2021

Recipe for a Safer Thanksgiving

Posted on: November 19, 2021

Don’t Forget to Register for v-safe

Posted on: November 12, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - November 9

Posted on: November 6, 2021

Tips for a Safer Halloween

Posted on: October 15, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - October 12

Posted on: October 11, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - September 14

Posted on: September 13, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - July 13

Posted on: July 12, 2021

Staying Healthy and Cool in the Heat

Posted on: June 25, 2021

Life After the Vaccines

Posted on: June 11, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - June 8

Posted on: June 7, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - May 11

Posted on: May 10, 2021

It Takes All of Us. Take Your Shot.

Posted on: April 30, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - April 13

Posted on: April 12, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - March 9

Posted on: March 8, 2021

COVID Vaccines and Visiting with Elders

Posted on: February 19, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - February 9

Posted on: February 8, 2021

Play it Smart this Super Bowl Sunday

Posted on: February 5, 2021

Board of Health Meeting - January 19

Posted on: January 17, 2021

COVID-19 Updates in Snohomish County

Posted on: December 22, 2020

COVID Vaccines Arrive in Snohomish County

Posted on: December 18, 2020

COVID-19 Updates in Snohomish County

Posted on: December 11, 2020

Give Thanks, Not COVID

Posted on: November 13, 2020

Board of Health Meeting - October 13

Posted on: October 12, 2020

Tips for Celebrating Halloween Safely

Posted on: September 30, 2020

Board of Health Meeting - September 8

Posted on: September 7, 2020

Board of Health Meeting, August 11

Posted on: August 10, 2020

COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Update

Posted on: August 3, 2020

Board of Health Meeting - July 14

Posted on: July 13, 2020

Board of Health Meeting - June 9

Posted on: June 5, 2020

Drive-up COVID-19 Testing Schedule

Posted on: May 29, 2020

Drive-up COVID-19 Testing Schedule

Posted on: May 18, 2020

Stay Home, Stay Healthy Updates

Posted on: May 1, 2020

Board of Health Meeting, April 14

Posted on: April 13, 2020

Board of Health Meeting, March 10

Posted on: March 9, 2020

Board of Health Meeting, December 10

Posted on: December 6, 2019

Flu season arrives in Snohomish County

Posted on: December 2, 2019

Prepare for Flu Season

Posted on: October 14, 2019

Board of Health Meeting, September 10

Posted on: September 9, 2019

Board of Health Meeting, July 9

Posted on: July 5, 2019

Board of Health Meeting, June 11

Posted on: June 10, 2019

Board of Health Meeting, May 14

Posted on: May 10, 2019

Board of Health Meeting, April 9

Posted on: April 5, 2019

Board of Health Meeting, March 12

Posted on: March 8, 2019

Board of Health Meeting, Feb. 12

Posted on: February 8, 2019