***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** November 30, 2020 Eleven resident deaths related to outbreak OKANOGAN — Okanogan County Public Health (OCPH) has received confirmation of the death of eleven (11) North Valley Extended Care residents related to a recent COVID-19 outbreak in the facility in Tonasket, Washington. A total of 32 residents have tested positive for COVID-19. […]
Author: Jessica
25 Nov
Gather Safely: A Checklist
Thanks to our friends at Chelan County PUD and Chelan-Douglas Health District for this safety checklist. For the holiday, it is safest to gather with just your own household. If you are gathering with others, please take the safety steps listed on this checklist. >> Click here to download this checklist <<
19 Nov
New COVID-19 Restrictions for Washington State
Edited November 23, 2020 COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising very quickly across the state. Okanogan county is also experiencing hotspots in our community. Because of these concerning trends, Governor Inslee announced new restrictions for the state effective November 17 through December 14. Public Health agencies are supporting the Governor’s announcement and asking that restaurants […]
13 Nov
News Release: Health Officials Urge Caution as COVID-19 Cases are Predicted to Rise in Okanogan County
*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***November 13, 2020 Recent cases traced to family gatherings and travel OKANOGAN – Okanogan County Public Health (OCPH) is asking residents to exercise caution around the upcoming holiday. There are concerning increases in COVID-19 cases in neighboring counties and states, and travel over the holiday could negatively impact case rates in […]
13 Nov
Masks are Effective in Slowing the Spread of COVID-19. Here’s why:
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 […]
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