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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 03/12/2020 - Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced on Wednesday March 11, 2020 that events with more than 250 people are prohibited. Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is now recommending that Kittitas County residents voluntarily follow these measures.
KCPHD is recommending that events over 250 people be cancelled. Governor Inslee’s order and KCPHD’s recommendation applies to social gatherings, faith-based gatherings, recreational and sporting events, concerts, fundraisers, and additional similar events. Currently, COVID-19 has been confirmed in 13 counties in Washington, including three eastern Washington counties: Grant, Kittitas, and Yakima. Other counties in eastern Washington, including Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan, are also urging their residents to follow the Governor’s order. Canceling large events is one way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This recommendation is a protective measure and is not meant to cause panic or increase the concern of our residents. “We do not take this decision lightly and understand that this will impact peoples’ plans and time put towards events and gatherings,” states Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson. “Our job is to ensure the health and safety of our community.” KCPHD is still not recommending school closure, although school partners have already started planning for prolonged closures should they need to occur. “With the community spread that we are experiencing, we believe that school is one of the safest places for our children at this time,” explains Dr. Larson. “Data suggest that closing schools prematurely [before known contact to students] will only delay the spread of this disease, not prevent it.” While social distancing is not possible within schools, students remain at low risk within the school buildings. Additional measures per Governor Inslee’s proclamation include:
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Kasey Knutson, Public Information Officer, (509) 962-7515