Coronavirus Guide: Staying up-to-date on cases, who to call and how to prepare
With a rising number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Washington and hand sanitizer flying off the shelves, it’s hard not to feel panic when you, yourself, develop a slight cough.
We’ve compiled a list of coronavirus resources in one place, so when you hit the web in search of answers, you won’t have to search far.
First thing’s first: How to keep track of cases in your area.
The Washington State Department of Health updates confirmed cases and deaths by county daily.
As of Saturday, there are 4,896 positive cases statewide, the majority of which are in King County. The death toll now sits at 195. There are between 116-136 confirmed cases in Spokane County, though they recently faced technical issues with their reporting equipment. Four people have died from the virus in Spokane.
You can keep tabs on those numbers HERE.
There are 415 cases in Idaho, with 29 confirmed in North Idaho. Seven people have died.
Say you start to feel sick… What do you do?
While you can get the flu year-round, health officials say its peak season typically lasts until May. That’s also when allergy season picks up.
That’s why it’s important to know the difference between coronavirus-like symptoms and what could be bad allergies.
READ: Is it allergies, the flu, or coronavirus? How to tell the difference
If you do wake up feeling sick, health officials say the first thing you should do is call your healthcare provider.
READ: Spokane woman turned away from Providence medical center
When it comes to coronavirus, its treatment actually draws similarities to treating the flu.
“It’s probably a lot like the flu in that we know it’s a respiratory virus, so things like antibiotics don’t work. It’s a lot of supportive care,” UW Medicine Assoc. Professor John Lynch said.
That means drinking plenty of fluids and making sure you get as much nutrition as you can.
You’ll also want to make sure to wash your hands on a regular basis.
RELATED: Preparing and preventing; stopping the spread of coronavirus
What are local leaders doing to stop the spread?
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee held press conferencees this week to address what they’re doing to stop the spread statewide.
Inslee and state health officials introduced new guidelines for nursing homes, and announced an expansion of state policies to help Washington workers and businesses.
He also ordered all restaurants and bars to close statewide, and banned gatherings over 50 people.
RELATED: Inslee orders all restaurants, bars to close statewide, bans gatherings over 50 people
Additionally, all K-12 schools across the state are closed through late April.
READ: Gov. Inslee orders all schools statewide to close through April
READ: Inslee: Coronavirus cases could grow to 64,000 by May if action isn’t taken
Some local universities are also taking precaution.
University of Washington opted to host all classes online after an employee tested positive for the virus. Washington State University, Eastern Washington University and Gonzaga University have also moved to online classes.
REALTED: WSU to move classes online following spring break due to coronavirus concerns
READ: EWU follows WSU, moves all classes online for remaining year over COVID-19 concerns
Lastly: Prepare, but don’t hoard
If you went to a grocery store lately, you might have noticed empty shelves where Clorox wipes would ordinarily be.
Health officials say there’s a difference between preparing and hoarding. Be sure to take only what you need.
If it’s hand sanitizer you’re after, HERE’S a homemade alternative.
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