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Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced the world-renowned Wadsworth Center — the research-intensive public health laboratory housed within the State Department of Health — is partnering with hospitals to expand surge testing capacity to 1,000 tests per day statewide for the novel coronavirus. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/during-coronavirus-briefing-governor-cuomo-signs-40-million-emergency-management-authorization

At least two New York high schools close after suspected coronavirus case in local community PUBLISHED TUE, MAR 3 20208:43 AM ESTUPDATED 20 MIN AGO Berkeley Lovelace Jr.@BERKELEYJR William Feuer@WILLFOIA Noah Higgins-Dunn@HIGGINSDUNN POINTS A New York City high school is closing Tuesday after a suspected case of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the community. SAR Academy and SAR High School said in a statement that it was a precautionary measure, following guidelines from the New York City Department of Health. At least two New York area high schools closed Tuesday after a suspected case of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the local community. SAR Academy and SAR High School said in a statement that it was a precautionary measure, following guidelines from the New York City Department of Health. The school is located in the Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale, according to its website. It’s a modern orthodox Jewish High School, according to its Facebook page. Another Jewish school outside New York City, Westchester Day School, also announced it would be closed Tuesday due to the potential case at SAR. Westchester Torah Academy was also reportedly closing. The New York City Department of Health did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment. Representatives from Westchester Day School were not immediately available for comment. Reuters first reported the school closure. At least two New York area high schools closed Tuesday after a suspected case of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the local community. SAR Academy and SAR High School said in a statement that it was a precautionary measure, following guidelines from the New York City Department of Health. The school is located in the Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale, according to its website. It’s a modern orthodox Jewish High School, according to its Facebook page. Another Jewish school outside New York City, Westchester Day School, also announced it would be closed Tuesday due to the potential case at SAR. Westchester Torah Academy was also reportedly closing. The New York City Department of Health did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment. Representatives from Westchester Day School were not immediately available for comment. Reuters first reported the school closure. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will hold a press conference to update the public on the COVID-19 outbreak at 9:00 am ET. Over the weekend, New York health officials confirmed the state’s first coronavirus case, a woman who recently traveled to Iran and is currently isolated in her Manhattan home. As of Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are 91 cases of COVID-19 in the United States. At least 48 of those cases are repatriates from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, and the Diamond Princess cruise ship, according to an update on the agency’s website. At least 17 cases — 12 confirmed and 5 presumptive positive — are travel-related infections. Twenty-six cases — 4 confirmed and 22 presumptive positive— are from human-to-human interaction, according to the CDC. This is breaking news. Check back for updates.

SAR Academy and SAR High School said in a statement that it was a precautionary measure, following guidelines from the New York City Department of Health. The school is located in the Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale, according to its website. It’s a modern orthodox Jewish High School, according to its Facebook page. Another Jewish school outside New York City, Westchester Day School, also announced it would be closed Tuesday due to the potential case at SAR. Westchester Torah Academy was also reportedly closing. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/03/new-york-city-high-school-reportedly-closes-after-suspected-coronavirus-case-in-its-community.html

A man in Westchester County has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.The man in his 50s is hospitalized with an underlying respiratory illness.Initial review of his travel does not suggest any direct connection to China or any country on the watch list. He did travel to Miami.He lives in Westchester with his family, and works in Manhattan. https://abc7.com/health/cuomo-positive-case-of-coronavirus-in-westchester-county/5981682/

A man in Westchester County has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. No direct connection to China or other countries on travel list. He did travel to Miami.

COVID-19 Case updates COVID-19 test results have come back from the Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirming four additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents. With these four new results, the total number of cases in King County is 14. Today’s results include 2 additional deaths, along with an individual who was previously reported as ill but who has now died. This brings the total number of deaths in King County from COVID-19 to five. “We have the best people in the world right here in King County responding to this crisis,” said Patty Hayes, RN, MN, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We will get through this by staying informed and united. There are things each one of us can do to take control and reduce the impact of this disease in our community.” The four new cases are in: A male in his 50s, hospitalized at Highline Hospital. No known exposures. He is in stable but critical condition. He had no underlying health conditions. A male in his 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20 A female in her 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20 A female in her 80s, a resident of LifeCare, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. She is in critical condition. In addition, a woman in her 80s, who was already reported as in critical condition at Evergreen, has died. She died on 3/1/20 10 other cases, already reported earlier by Public Health, include: A female in her 80s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. This person has now died, and is reported as such above. A female in her 90s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition A male in his 70s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition A male in his 70s was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. He had underlying health conditions and died on 2/29/20. A man in his 60s, hospitalized at Valley Medical Center in Renton. A man in 60s, hospitalized at Virginia Mason Medical Center. A woman in her 50s, who had traveled to South Korea; recovering at home A woman in her 70s, who was a resident of LifeCare in Kirkland, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth A woman in her 40s, employed by LifeCare, who is hospitalized at Overlake Medical Center A man in his 50s, who was hospitalized and died at EvergreenHealth Public Health is working hard to identify close contacts of these confirmed cases. These close contacts may include family members, co-workers, emergency responders and other contacts. A team of CDC officials is on-the-ground working with Public Health, along with the Washington State Department of Health, our healthcare system partners and many others. The public can help: 1) Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. 2) Stay home when sick. 3) Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth. 4) Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system. 4) Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health’s website (www.kingcounty.gov/COVID) or blog (www.publichealthinsider.com). Originally published at 11:30 a.m. on 3/2/20 https://publichealthinsider.com/2020/03/02/public-health-confirms-four-new-covid-19-cases-bringing-overall-total-to-14-king-county-to-purchase-motel-repurpose-other-properties-in-fight-against-covid-19/

A female in her 80s, a resident of LifeCare, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. She is in critical condition.

COVID-19 Case updates COVID-19 test results have come back from the Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirming four additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents. With these four new results, the total number of cases in King County is 14. Today’s results include 2 additional deaths, along with an individual who was previously reported as ill but who has now died. This brings the total number of deaths in King County from COVID-19 to five. “We have the best people in the world right here in King County responding to this crisis,” said Patty Hayes, RN, MN, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We will get through this by staying informed and united. There are things each one of us can do to take control and reduce the impact of this disease in our community.” The four new cases are in: A male in his 50s, hospitalized at Highline Hospital. No known exposures. He is in stable but critical condition. He had no underlying health conditions. A male in his 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20 A female in her 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20 A female in her 80s, a resident of LifeCare, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. She is in critical condition. In addition, a woman in her 80s, who was already reported as in critical condition at Evergreen, has died. She died on 3/1/20 10 other cases, already reported earlier by Public Health, include: A female in her 80s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. This person has now died, and is reported as such above. A female in her 90s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition A male in his 70s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition A male in his 70s was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. He had underlying health conditions and died on 2/29/20. A man in his 60s, hospitalized at Valley Medical Center in Renton. A man in 60s, hospitalized at Virginia Mason Medical Center. A woman in her 50s, who had traveled to South Korea; recovering at home A woman in her 70s, who was a resident of LifeCare in Kirkland, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth A woman in her 40s, employed by LifeCare, who is hospitalized at Overlake Medical Center A man in his 50s, who was hospitalized and died at EvergreenHealth Public Health is working hard to identify close contacts of these confirmed cases. These close contacts may include family members, co-workers, emergency responders and other contacts. A team of CDC officials is on-the-ground working with Public Health, along with the Washington State Department of Health, our healthcare system partners and many others. The public can help: 1) Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first. 2) Stay home when sick. 3) Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth. 4) Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system. 4) Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health’s website (www.kingcounty.gov/COVID) or blog (www.publichealthinsider.com). Originally published at 11:30 a.m. on 3/2/20 https://publichealthinsider.com/2020/03/02/public-health-confirms-four-new-covid-19-cases-bringing-overall-total-to-14-king-county-to-purchase-motel-repurpose-other-properties-in-fight-against-covid-19/

A male in his 50s, hospitalized at Highline Hospital. No known exposures. He is in stable but critical condition. He had no underlying health conditions.

By Greg Bluestein Helena Oliviero Two people who live in the same household in Atlanta are the first in Georgia to test positive for the new coronavirus, Gov. Brian Kemp and state officials announced Monday evening at a hastily arranged press conference. The two, who live in Fulton County, showed symptoms of the illness shortly after one of the people returned to Georgia after a trip to the Italian city of Milan, officials said. Dr. Kathleen Toomey, head of the state’s public health department, said the patient who recently traveled to Italy detected the illness quickly, and “astutely” consulted medical officials. She stressed it was a travel-related case and not one linked from person-to-person contact in Georgia. “I want to reassure you that they’re at home, in home isolation with other household members, with minimal symptoms so they’re not hospitalized,” she said. “The message to the public is still low-risk, low-transmission.” State health officials have long braced for the possibility of local cases of the virus, which has infected nearly 90,000 people worldwide. More than 90 confirmed cases of the disease have been reported in the U.S., including six fatalities, as the virus spreads despite efforts to contain it. The illness, known as COVID-19, is characterized by fever and coughing and, sometimes, pneumonia and shortness of breath. Most of the cases have been in China, where more than 80,000 have been sickened and at least 2,800 people have died. But it continues to spread globally and the total of confirmed cases outside of China has surpassed 7,000 cases in 58 countries. Flights have been canceled, travelers have been quarantined and lives turned upside down. The governor urged people who are exhibiting symptoms to call their medical provider, which “is exactly what happened in this case.” State officials would not disclose where the two people lived. Kemp on Friday named a task force made up of several of his administration’s top deputies, along with health and school officials, to identify the best ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Georgia. And President Donald Trump is set to visit the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday as he tries to calm growing fears about the outbreak. He’s also issued new restrictions on foreign travel and warned that additional cases of the illness are “likely.” A testing glitch The virus has already disrupted lives in Georgia. More than 1,000 travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport, have been screened for the illness. Metro Atlanta school districts have sent emails to parents encouraging hygiene and warning of potential contingency plans should it become necessary to temporarily close. The state’s efforts to test for the disease were complicated by a major glitch in testing. The Georgia Public Health Lab recently received a flawed diagnostic kit from federal officials, meaning that all testing must be at the CDC. The agency is awaiting new tests from the CDC, said state health department spokeswoman Nancy Nydam, and it should take about a week to conduct a quality assessment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also said it will allow hundreds of labs to test for the virus. The governor said he recently briefed Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the White House’s response to the disease, about Georgia’s two cases. “We’re preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” he said. “This is not something we’re just now thinking about.”

The two, who live in Fulton County, showed symptoms of the illness shortly after one of the people returned to Georgia after a trip to the Italian city of Milan, officials said. https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/kemp-expected-address-coronavirus-late-night-press-conference/VqbHGt7Z0p8U9KTx6bClJM/

PLACER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTS FIRST CONFIRMED CASE OF COVID-19 Highlights: The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Placer County is a health care worker who had close contact with a confirmed case in Solano County The individual is in isolation at home and close contacts will be quarantined and monitored The immediate risk to the general public in Placer County is relatively low, but now is the time to prepare for the likelihood of local community transmission unrelated to this case Placer County Public Health reports first confirmed case of COVID-19 Placer County Public Health has received confirmation that a Placer resident has tested presumptively positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), pending confirmatory testing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is the first confirmed case in Placer County. The individual is a NorthBay VacaValley Hospital health care worker who had close contact with a confirmed case in Solano County, prior to that case being transferred to another hospital and later tested for the virus. The Placer County patient is currently isolated at home with mild symptoms. No further details about this case will be shared to protect patient privacy. “We have expected to see cases of COVID-19 in Placer County and have been planning and preparing accordingly,” said Placer County Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson. “Given recent evidence of community spread occurring elsewhere in California, we are now encouraging the public to prepare for the likelihood of local community spread here as well, unrelated to this case.” In coordination with partners at the CDC, the California Department of Public Health and Solano County Public Health, Placer County Public Health is tracing individuals who have had close contact with this new case and are at risk of infection. Those individuals will be quarantined and monitored. “As always, our top priority is the health and safety of our patients, our staff, physicians and the community,” said Aimee Brewer, president of NorthBay HealthCare Group. “We are tracing all contacts this worker had in our organization and sharing that information with public health officials in both Solano and Placer counties. We are working with the California Department of Public Health, the CDC and local public health departments to ensure we are following the most up-to-date protocols and procedures for dealing with this evolving situation.” Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe and include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. “As this case illustrates, health care workers are often on the front lines when we battle infectious diseases like COVID-19,” said Sisson. “But each one of us also plays a role in keeping our community healthy and safe. We understand folks may feel some anxiety about this evolving situation, but there are simple ways to turn that anxiety into action.” Members of the general public should take simple steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses including COVID-19: Washing hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available; Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing; Staying home if you are sick; and Regularly cleaning surfaces touched by many people. Healthy people do not need to use a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. People who are sick and must go out can wear a face mask to reduce the spread of germs. In addition, Placer County Public Health recommends residents start thinking about preparedness in the event of local community spread, planning ahead for potential disruption to daily life at work, school or home. Public Health is working with partners in health care, education, business, law enforcement and others to prepare. Please visit Placer County’s novel coronavirus web page for preparedness resources and updates.

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Placer County is a health care worker who had close contact with a confirmed case in Solano County https://www.placer.ca.gov/6428/First-confirmed-case-of-COVID-19

PRESS RELEASE Press Release First Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19 Identified by Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory CDC to conduct additional testing to confirm state’s possible second case FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/02/2020 Department of Public Health BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health today announced its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 since testing started Friday, February 28, at the State Public Health Laboratory. The woman is in her 20s and lives in Norfolk County. She recently traveled to Italy with a school group and was symptomatic. She is recovering at home. The individual’s test results came back positive just this evening. Specimens will be sent to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and, if confirmed, this would be the second confirmed positive COVID-19 case in Massachusetts since the outbreak started in the US in January. The risk to the public from COVID-19 remains low in Massachusetts. “We are grateful this individual is recovering,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. ``We understand the concern this new virus is causing, and our state’s ability to quickly test for the virus is a positive development. The risk to the public from COVID-19 remains low in Massachusetts.” Since January, Massachusetts public health officials have tested 12 residents, including the first confirmed case and now the first presumptive positive case. Of those 12, three people have been tested since Friday when the State Public Health Laboratory began testing patients for COVID-19, in accordance with CDC guidelines, after the US Food and Drug Administration gave its approval to use the test kits. As of last week, 608 people have been subject to self-quarantine in Massachusetts because of COVID-19. Of those, 377 people have completed monitoring and are no longer quarantined, while 231 are currently quarantined. This information will be updated each Wednesday. Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses and are generally spread through respiratory secretions (droplets from coughs and sneezes) of an infected person to another person. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, pneumonia (fluid in the lungs). Information is still limited about how this novel coronavirus spreads. More information on COVID-19 is available at mass.gov/2019coronavirus. There have been more than 60 U.S. cases of COVID-19 confirmed. Globally, more than 80,000 cases have been confirmed. Earlier today, the CDC reported four COVID-19-related deaths for a total of 6 deaths in the U.S. Although the risk of the novel coronavirus to Massachusetts residents remains low, and the risk of the flu is high, people are advised to take many of the same steps they do to help prevent colds and the flu, including: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes and face. Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Stay home when feeling sick. Get a flu shot. Clinicians who have patients they think may have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must contact DPH via the 24/7 EPI line (617-983-6800). The State Lab has an adequate supply of test kits from the CDC for testing. The anticipated turnaround of test results from the State Lab is 24 hours, depending on testing volume. Individuals who are in voluntary self-quarantine continue to be monitored by their local boards of health. DPH will release updated statewide monitoring data weekly, beginning Wednesday, March 4. People who have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19 and who have symptoms of the disease (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should reach out to their healthcare provider and call ahead before going to a healthcare facility. For more information on COVID-19 visit mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

The woman is in her 20s and lives in Norfolk County. She recently traveled to Italy with a school group and was symptomatic. https://www.mass.gov/news/first-presumptive-positive-case-of-covid-19-identified-by-massachusetts-state-public-health

State of Illinois Public Health Officials Announce New Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Case In Illinois 2nd Mar, 2020 Patient’s presumptive positive test will be confirmed by the CDC CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) are today announcing that a fourth Illinois patient has tested positive for COVID-19. The tests conducted in Illinois resulted in presumptive positives for COVID-19. The positive test results will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lab. The individual is a woman in her 70s and is the spouse of the third case – a man in his 70s. This fourth case is quarantined at home and is complying with health officials. Both cases are reported to be in good condition. Public health officials are working to identify and actively monitor individuals who were in contact with both patients in an effort to prevent additional transmission. Public health officials will reach out to individuals who may have been exposed. Governor JB Pritzker has requested that hospitals across the state implement additional testing to improve surveillance for COVID-19. Illinois was the first state to provide COVID-19 testing and Gov. Pritzker announced two more IDPH labs in central and southern Illinois that will be able to test specimens this week. Illinois’ previously confirmed two cases of COVID-19 and both patients made a full recovery. Symptoms reported among patients have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Right now, the virus has not been found to be spreading widely in the U.S., and the risk to the general public remains low. Public health officials are encouraging the public to not alter their daily routines and remain vigilant about keeping germs from spreading, by covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands with warm soap and water, and staying home when sick. For more information, contact: Illinois Department of Public Health: Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-800-889-3931, Email [email protected], or Visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus Cook County Department of Public Health: Call 708-633-4000 or Visit https://www.cookcountypublichealth.org/communicable-diseases/novel-coronavirus

The individual is a woman in her 70s and is the spouse of the third case – a man in his 70s. http://www.dph.illinois.gov/news/state-illinois-public-health-officials-announce-new-presumptive-positive-covid-19-case-0

Two New Cases of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County Media Statement: County of Santa Clara Public Health Department Reports Two New Cases of COVID-19 The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department confirms two new cases of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County. This brings the total number of cases to nine. The eighth case is an adult male household contact of a confirmed case in another county. He is under home isolation. The ninth case is an adult male household contact of a previously confirmed case in Santa Clara County. He is also under home isolation. Due to medical privacy requirements and to protect their identity, further information about these cases will not be released. An increase in cases is not unexpected. The Public Health Department will continue to identify anyone who has come into contact with these cases. The department will also be conducting community surveillance to determine the extent of possible disease spread in our community. Individuals and organizations need to take action to help slow down the spread of the disease. For individuals, the recommendations are simple, but very important: Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently, especially after you touch common surfaces, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, light switches, countertops, and tables. It is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Always cover your cough and stay home when you are sick.   Stay away from people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick. Work on not touching your face because one way viruses spread is when you touch your own mouth, nose or eyes.  If you do need to touch your own mouth, nose or eyes, wash your hands before you do so. Start thinking about family preparedness, how to take care of sick family members while not getting infected. Think about a room to isolate a sick person. There are practical measures that can help limit spread by reducing exposure in community settings: Schools: should plan for absenteeism and explore options for learning at home and enhance cleaning of surfaces. Businesses: whenever possible, can replace in-person meetings with video or telephone conferences and increase teleworking options, as well as modify absenteeism policies and enhance cleaning of surfaces. No media availability. Follow our Twitter for updates: @HealthySCC Last updated: 3/2/2020 10:30 AM

The ninth case is an adult male household contact of a previously confirmed case in Santa Clara County. He is also under home isolation. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/news/Pages/two-new-covid-19-cases-3-2-2020.aspx

Two New Cases of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County Media Statement: County of Santa Clara Public Health Department Reports Two New Cases of COVID-19 The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department confirms two new cases of COVID-19 in Santa Clara County. This brings the total number of cases to nine. The eighth case is an adult male household contact of a confirmed case in another county. He is under home isolation. The ninth case is an adult male household contact of a previously confirmed case in Santa Clara County. He is also under home isolation. Due to medical privacy requirements and to protect their identity, further information about these cases will not be released. An increase in cases is not unexpected. The Public Health Department will continue to identify anyone who has come into contact with these cases. The department will also be conducting community surveillance to determine the extent of possible disease spread in our community. Individuals and organizations need to take action to help slow down the spread of the disease. For individuals, the recommendations are simple, but very important: Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently, especially after you touch common surfaces, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, light switches, countertops, and tables. It is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Always cover your cough and stay home when you are sick.   Stay away from people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick. Work on not touching your face because one way viruses spread is when you touch your own mouth, nose or eyes.  If you do need to touch your own mouth, nose or eyes, wash your hands before you do so. Start thinking about family preparedness, how to take care of sick family members while not getting infected. Think about a room to isolate a sick person. There are practical measures that can help limit spread by reducing exposure in community settings: Schools: should plan for absenteeism and explore options for learning at home and enhance cleaning of surfaces. Businesses: whenever possible, can replace in-person meetings with video or telephone conferences and increase teleworking options, as well as modify absenteeism policies and enhance cleaning of surfaces. No media availability. Follow our Twitter for updates: @HealthySCC Last updated: 3/2/2020 10:30 AM https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/news/Pages/two-new-covid-19-cases-3-2-2020.aspx

The eighth case is an adult male household contact of a confirmed case in another county. He is under home isolation. https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/news/Pages/two-new-covid-19-cases-3-2-2020.aspx

FIRST DEATH FROM CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY RESIDENT. FOURTH CASE ANNOUNCED. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2020 CONTACT: Heather Thomas, 425.339.8688, [email protected] First Death from Coronavirus (COVID-19) of Snohomish County resident. Fourth case announced. *Updated at 3:32 p.m. March 2 SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The Snohomish Health District has received notice of a new case of COVID-19. The presumptive positive test result came back from the State Public Health Laboratory, bringing the total number of cases in Snohomish County to four. The District has also just learned that one of its cases previously reported has sadly passed away. New case information: A female in her 40s, currently hospitalized with underlying health conditions. Updated case information: Previously announced male in his 40s hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland has died. The patient was a Snohomish County resident. He was not an employee at LifeCare. He did have underlying conditions. No additional details are available at this time. Previously announced cases: Original case in January, fully recovered Student at Jackson High School announced Friday, isolating at home The Health District is leading the effort to as quickly as possible identify close contacts of the new confirmed case. At this time, it appears to be another case of community transmission. How the public can help: Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. Healthcare providers and employers should not be referring individuals to the Snohomish Health District. We are not a healthcare facility. The District will coordinate with healthcare providers to determine if testing requests met criteria. Healthcare providers should not be sending patients to the hospital unless they meet hospital admissions criteria. Providers should refer to health alerts being sent for clinician guidance. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your regular doctor first. Stay home when sick. Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check the Health District’s website (www.snohd.org/ncov2019) or follow on social media. As we anticipate more cases, the Health District will no longer issue press releases for each individual case. Updates will be posted on the website at www.snohd.org/ncov2019 by 4:00 p.m. each day. The Board of Health will receive a briefing today at 5:00 p.m. with latest updates. That meeting will be livestreamed through the Snohomish Health District’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SnohomishHealth.

A female in her 40s, currently hospitalized with underlying health conditions. http://www.snohd.org/civicalerts.aspx?AID=268

Casino worker is first confirmed coronavirus patient in eastern Oregon Oregon's third coronavirus patient was taken to the hospital from a youth basketball game in Weston in Umatilla County. By Fedor Zarkhin – The Oregonian/OregonLive March 2, 2020 at 3:35pm Oregon’s third presumptive coronavirus case is a casino worker who attended a youth basketball game at a Umatilla County middle school, authorities announced Monday as one of the state’s top health officials said he expects more cases to develop, including ones that could prove fatal. Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state’s health officer, said the virus will continue to spread in Oregon but that the health system is prepared for the disease. “We know that people are scared,” he said. “We are learning more and more about this disease every day.” Of the three Oregon patients, one has mild symptoms but the Oregon Health Authority has declined to give out the conditions of the other two, who are receiving hospital treatment. Sidelinger continued to urge calm and advise regular hand-washing, even as the epidemiologist acknowledged that having multiple cases of unknown origin in the state could mean that the coronavirus is “fairly widespread in our community." But the majority of people who get sick worldwide have a mild course of the disease, Sidelinger said, and those who need to be hospitalized usually have underlying symptoms. Health officials currently are monitoring 86 Oregonians for symptoms because of their travel patterns or their contact with people known to have COVID-19. They will be tested for the disease only if they develop symptoms within 14 days their last potential exposure. The man from Umatilla County with coronavirus was taken Saturday from the basketball game at Weston Middle School in Weston, a tiny town near the Oregon-Washington border, to a hospital in Walla Walla, Wash., officials said. The school gym is closed for a deep cleaning, said authority spokesman Robb Cowie. The gym is detached from the main school building. West Middle School enrolls 250 students in grades four through eight. People who attended the game have a low risk of exposure to the virus and there is no risk of exposure at the main school, state health officials said. The Governor’s Office told the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation that a Wildhorse Resort and Casino employee had tested positive for the coronavirus, tribal officials said Monday. The tribes’ board of trustees ordered closed Nixyaawii Community School in Pendleton, as well as Head Start, a daycare and a senior center to sanitize the buildings. The casino, on the tribes’ reservation east of Pendleton, is also closed at least until it’s sanitized. The casino employee with coronavirus is the same person who attended the youth basketball game. Chuck Sams, a tribal spokesman, said the man’s position doesn’t put him in “general contact” with casino patrons. The reservation is home to about 3,000 residents; he said about 30,000 people live in the surrounding 50-mile radius. “The information just went out” this morning, Sams said. “The community is very concerned.” Saturday’s basketball tournament at Weston Middle School was part of a recreational league for girls in grades four through six that featured a team from Weston as well as teams from Helix, Powder, Heppner and other Umatilla County towns. The games drew primarily the players and their family members, said Athena-Weston Superintendent Laure Quaresma. Quaresma said no students in her district’s schools have shown signs of the illness and the schools haven’t done anything new apart from reminding employees, students and parents of the symptoms to watch for and the best tools, including hand-washing, to prevent illness. The health authority is working with Umatilla County and Washington state to trace people the patient may have had contact with after symptoms first appeared, Cowie said. The agency will announce other potential exposure sites if it finds any. Oregon residents who attended Saturday’s game can call 211 if they have questions, Washington state residents can call 800-525-0127 and Walla Walla County residents can call 509-524-2637. Washington’s public health laboratory did the test for COVID-19 on the new Oregon patient, who was one of state’s pending cases. The person is now at Providence St. Mary Medical Center. Cowie did not release the person’s condition or age. This patient’s case is unrelated to the two others in Oregon, and the state is treating it as a “community transmission,” meaning health officials don’t know how the person became infected. The new case is Oregon’s second that is unrelated to travel or contact with a person known to be sick. Cases of unknown origin create the risk that other people could be infected and not know it, potentially exposing others to an infection. The Northwest outbreak and officials’ reaction to it are escalating rapidly. The country’s first six coronavirus deaths were reported in Washington over the weekend and into Monday, when four new deaths were announced. King County is planning to buy a hotel to house patients that will be available by the end of the week, County Executive Dow Constantine said at a Monday press conference. “We have moved to a new stage,” Constantine said. Oregon’s new case indicates a substantial geographic spread to the disease within the state. The state’s two other cases are Washington County adults – the first presumptive COVID-19 patient lives in Washington County but works at Forest Hills Elementary School in Lake Oswego in Clackamas County and the second patient is a “household contact” – a family member – of the first one. The first patient was isolated in the hospital and the person didn’t need medical attention and was isolated at home, the Oregon Health Authority said. Clackamas County on Monday declared a state of emergency as a precaution, allowing it to access state resources, said county spokesman Tim Heider. “There is no public health emergency,” he said. “This is just a vehicle to provide that additional assistance.” The declaration also doesn’t change the status of Lake Oswego schools, said district spokeswoman Mary Kay Larson. The district has closed the 430-student Forest Hills Elementary through Wednesday for cleaning and to allow a two-week coronavirus incubation period to run its course from the last time, Feb. 19, the infected employee was at the kindergarten-through-fifth-grade school. There are a growing number of people in the United States with coronavirus infections of unknown origin. Most of the other 86 U.S. cases stem from travel abroad. https://www.malheurenterprise.com/posts/6799/casino-worker-is-first-confirmed-coronavirus-patient-in-eastern-oregon