East Wenatchee - Due to the COVID-19 Omicron surge, Chelan Douglas Health District (CDHD) will receive non-clinical emergency department support at Confluence Health’s Central Washington Hospital from the National Guard.
Governor Jay Inslee made the announcement during a press conference on January 13, stating that National Guard members will also be sent to hospitals in Everett, Spokane, and Yakima, and others will be sent to hospitals in Olympia Richland, Tacoma, and Seattle to set up testing locations outside facilities.
Chelan-Douglas had the highest infection rates since the pandemic yesterday with over 2,000 cases per 100,000 people, and given the infectiousness of Omicron we expect this number will likely rise. CDHD is shifting priorities with staffing related to vaccination, testing, contact tracing, and potential hospital surge planning.
Other key statewide actions issued by Governor Inslee involve deploying the National Guard to help both emergency department personnel and COVID-19 testing teams, pausing non-urgent hospital procedures, and discharging hospital patients to long term care facilities.
The Governor also asked for help from anyone who can assist with vaccinations, testing or work at hospitals or facilities. If you have the capacity and availability to assist, please sign up at https://waserv.org/.
CDHD looks forward to welcoming the National Guard and will update the public as we receive more information. To stay up-to-date on the COVID-19 response, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Public Health Prioritizes Testing Over
Vaccine Efforts
The Chelan Douglas Health District (CDHD) is deciding to prioritize local testing efforts in hopes of getting all infectious individuals isolated at home to help reduce local case rates.
Testing
The Chelan Douglas Health District (CDHD) is now operating a community testing site at the Town Toyota Center on 1300 Walla Walla Avenue in Wenatchee. Due to high demand and limited test supplies, please note the following:
• Testing is only available for symptomatic individuals
• Testing site is open Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Pre-registration is required. Pre-register at www.cdhd.wa.gov. For help with pre-registration call 509-903-3900.
• Testing site will continued to operate as time and supplies allow.
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
If you need medical evaluation for COVID-19 symptoms including difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, a temperature greater than 101 degrees, or severe weakness, go to the Triage Center at Saddlerock EPC Church located at 1400 S. Miller Street in Wenatchee.
CDHD continues to stress the importance of a COVID-19 vaccine and getting the booster as soon as possible. If you are in need of a first, second or booster vaccine, please contact a local pharmacy or your local medical provider.
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