Photo credit: M. Staymates/N. Hanacek/NIST Photo caption: This high-speed visualization illustrates airflow when coughing, IT DOES NOT show the movement of virus particles. As you can see, the uncovered cough expels a jet of air, whereas the covered cough stays closer to the face. Masks are Effective. Here’s Why: Facial coverings can help slow the […]
Author: Jessica
11 Nov
News Release: Dr. John McCarthy Announces Retirement as County Health Officer
*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *** November 10, 2020 Okanogan County health officer announces retirement after 16 years of service OKANOGAN – Okanogan County Board of Health announced today that Dr. John McCarthy will be leaving his position as county health officer at the end of 2020. Dr. McCarthy has served Okanogan County for the past […]
03 Nov
MEME Busting: Correcting Misinformation about Masks and COVID-19
A data table from a CDC study has been taken out of context and misrepresented, and is being used to falsely suggest that people who wore masks became ill with COVID-19 more frequently than those who did not wear masks. First and foremost, the CDC has clearly stated that “wearing a mask is intended to […]
29 Oct
Healthy Habits to Boost the Immune System
It’s important that our immune systems stay strong to fight off seasonal illnesses like flu and colds, as well as the COVID-19 virus. While we all need to continue to wear facial coverings in public spaces, maintain physical distancing, and wash hands frequently, we can also take steps to keep our immune systems strong to […]
12 Oct
08 Oct
Flu Vaccine: Think of It as Essential
This year, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated against the flu. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting and spreading the flu to others during the COVID-19 pandemic and help keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed. If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny or stuffy […]
07 Oct
Governor Inslee announces updates to Safe Start reopening plan
On October 6, Gov. Jay Inslee announced several updates to Washington’s Safe Start reopening plan. “We’re doing this now because we have had ongoing conversations with businesses about how to do these activities safely,” Inslee said at a press conference. “Instead of tightening restrictions, we can roll some more back to allow safer operation of […]
01 Oct
Flu Season: The Flu Vaccine is More Important than Ever This Year
Health experts at the CDC and the Washington State Department of Health agree that the flu vaccine is more important than ever this year and that it should even be considered essential. This year, it is especially important to get a flu vaccine for 2 reasons: If we prevent illness and hospitalizations caused by the […]
28 Sep
Okanogan County Public Health Announces the Business Pledge Program
*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *** September 28, 2020 Local businesses sign pledge to be COVID safe OKANOGAN – Okanogan County Public Health is excited to announce the launch of the Business Pledge Program. This voluntary program supports businesses in the county who commit to operating in a COVID safe way. The nine-point voluntary pledge is […]
25 Sep
When will schools reopen?
An interview with Dr. John McCarthy, MD: Okanogan County Health Officer Dr. McCarthy reminds us to make choices that support the community, rather than the individual, to move our schools and economy forward. OCPH Question: What is the role of the Health Officer in Okanogan County? Dr. McCarthy Answer: The role of the health officer […]