Notice: This document replaces the WCHD Health Alert of the same name that was posted 12/24/20.
Requested Actions
Be aware, Governor Inslee extended proclamations 20-05 and 20-24 prohibiting certain medical and dental procedures unless certain specific procedures and criteria are met. All Western Washington healthcare facilities should operate in a contingency care phase—provide appropriate clinical care so long as access to PPE is sufficient and, for hospitals, surge capacity is at least 20%.
Background
Proclamations 20-05 and 20-24 prohibit certain medical and dental procedures unless specific procedures and criteria are met.
- Because of rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases across the state, Governor Inslee extended proclamations 20-05 and 20-24, issuing proclamation 20-24.2 on Nov. 25. prohibiting certain medical and dental procedures unless specific procedures and criteria are met. All Western Washington healthcare facilities should operate in a contingency care phase—provide appropriate clinical care so long as access to PPE is sufficient and, for hospitals, surge capacity is at least 20%. Guidance and updates are available on Northwest Healthcare Response Network’s (NWHRN’s) website.
- Proclamation 20-24.2 differs from 20-24.1, issued May 18 in requirements for documentation of contingency care phase plans and procedures, and in clarifying the criteria for conditions that could cause harm within 90 days if a non-urgent procedure is postponed.
Note: Direct questions to Onora Lien, Director of NWHRN, at onora.lien@nwhrn.org.
Additional resources
- Our COVID-19 page for healthcare providers.
- Washington State COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard
- CDC guidance for healthcare providers and facilities
- DOH COVID-19 data dashboard
- DOH COVID-19 page
- CDC COVID-19 page
For more information:
Whatcom County Health Department, 1500 N State Street, Bellingham WA 98225 | 360-778-6100 Main | 360-778-6150 24-hour Communicable Disease Program Report Line | 360-778-6101 Fax