Providers WA

1/12/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers

doctor writing on a clipboard

Requested actions Be aware, all people in COVID-19 vaccine Phase 1A—people who work in healthcare settings, people who live or work in long-term care, and first responders in emergency medical services—are eligible to receive vaccine. If you need help vaccinating eligible staff, contact the health department. Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the governor’s 1/12/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers

Tdap and Pregnancy Information for Providers

Black woman looking at friend or partner during sonogram

Pertussis is a serious disease for young infants. Pertussis epidemics occur in the United States every 3–5 years. Even though we have a vaccine, pertussis is a common infectious disease. There are 10,000–40,000 cases per year and 10–20 deaths.1 In 2013, there were more than 28,000 cases in the United States. Pertussis is most serious in Tdap and Pregnancy Information for Providers

12/28/20 – WCHD Health Alert: COVID-19 Vaccine

female doctor with white coat and mask

Notice: This WCHD Health Alert replaces the document of the same name posted 12/24/20 WCHD Health Alert: COVID-19 Vaccine Requested Actions Be aware, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 16 years and older. Vaccination has begun in Whatcom County. Be 12/28/20 – WCHD Health Alert: COVID-19 Vaccine

12/24/20 – WCHD Health Alert: Quarantine Guidance

nurse with stethoscope helping patient sitting down

WCHD Health Alert – Quarantine Guidance Requested Actions For those who are able, quarantining for 14 days is the safest option to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 10-day or 7-day (with negative test <48 hours before ending) are options if there are significant barriers to 12/24/20 – WCHD Health Alert: Quarantine Guidance

12/24/20 – WCHD Health Advisory: Be aware of the increased suicide risk in youth during COVID-19

Female doctor with white coat and stethoscope

WCHD Health Advisory Requested Actions Screen patients for suicide risk, particularly children, teens, and young adults. Share information and resources with patients and their families on crisis support and suicide risk factors and warning signs Background Increased concern of suicide risk in youth A convergence of factors may be the cause of an increased risk 12/24/20 – WCHD Health Advisory: Be aware of the increased suicide risk in youth during COVID-19

12/3/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 updates for providers

stethoscope held up by doctor in white coat

Health Advisory: COVID-19 updates for providers Requested actions Be aware, because of the rapidly increasing cases across the state, heightened restrictions continue through Dec. 14. Counsel patients on how to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Test patients with new COVID-19 symptoms and those who had close contact with a person with COVID-19. Be aware, an increased demand for 12/3/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 updates for providers

7/24/20: Health Advisory – COVID-19 Updates for Providers

stethoscope, cotton swabs and tongue depressors sitting on a desk

Published July 24, 2020. Requested actions Be aware CDC updated its COVID-19 isolation duration guidance. Test all patients with new onset of COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of age or health status. Background Last week, CDC updated its guidance on the discontinuation of transmission-based precautions and disposition of patients with COVID-19 in healthcare settings. DOH updated its patient education to reflect 7/24/20: Health Advisory – COVID-19 Updates for Providers

7/17/20: Health Advisory – COVID-19 Updates for Providers

4 doctors talking in a circle while holding a chart

COVID-19 Surveillance and Reporting All lab-confirmed COVID-19 infections are reported to the Washington Disease Reporting System whether tested through public health or commercial labs. Whatcom County Health Department then receives and reports the test results. Fax the COVID-19 Report Form to 360-778-6103 or you can leave us a non-urgent confidential report on our 24-hour Communicable 7/17/20: Health Advisory – COVID-19 Updates for Providers

6/15/20: WCHD Health Alert COVID-19 Update – COVID-19 associated with recent large gatherings

Doctor with a clipboard speaking to a man outside of a hospital

June 15, 2020 Whatcom County Health Department Communicable Disease & Epidemiology Division COVID-19 associated with recent large gatherings At least 15 COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed in Whatcom County over the past week linked to several large gatherings around Memorial Day and the first week of June, with secondary spread within households, among close friends, 6/15/20: WCHD Health Alert COVID-19 Update – COVID-19 associated with recent large gatherings

5/31/20: WCHD Health Alert COVID-19 Update – COVID-19 Reporting and Testing Update

A doctor's desk with swabs and tongue depressors.

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