Press Release
Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor Inslee Expands Prohibition and School Closures

Kittitas County, WA - 03/13/2020 - At a press conference today, Governor Jay Inslee expanding the state prohibition of gatherings of more than 250, closed all public and private schools within the state, and expanded the directives of nursing/assisted living facilities.

“We understand that a pandemic is scary and we understand that closures and restrictions of this nature are also scary,” states Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson.  “We are committed to our community and we will do our best to try and respond to the concerns of residents.  Your public health staff is also your neighbors and we will continue to work our hardest on your behalf.” 
 
Kittitas County is required to follow the Governor’s actions, which means the following:

• All social, spiritual, and recreational gatherings of more than 250 people is prohibited.
• All public and private schools must be closed no later than Tuesday March 17 and will not re-open until April 24 (unless the closure is extended).
• Expand the directive of nursing/assisted living homes to include adult family homes as well.

 
At this time, the Kittitas County Public Health Department is implementing a health order that will require all healthcare providers in our county to notify of us of all COVID-19 testing that is occurring in the county.  We will monitor the amount of testing that is happening in addition to reporting the positive test results as they occur.
 
We will do our best to be responsive to ongoing needs and provide resources or more information.  Fear is not going to help us fight COVID-19 – accurate information will.  If you have questions about COVID-19, please call the Kittitas County Emergency Operation Center (EOC) at 509-933-8315.
 

• Governor Inslee Expands Prohibition and School Closures.pdf

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