205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
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.
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If you have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please contact the Emergency Operation Center(EOC). The EOC is open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. 509-933-8315 or 509-933-8305.
If you have questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider, or the KVH COVID-19 Clinic at 509-933-8850
For more information, please visit www.kittitasemergency.org
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For current and historical related data, such as Covid-19 tests and confirmed cases, please visit:
Kittitas CountyCommunity Impact Dashboard
The dashboard will be updated Monday – Friday by noon, daily.
KCPHD staff conducted a recent analysis of Washington State Department of Health’s data, which shows that Kittitas County is actually testing more people per capita than most of the state. As of today, the average testing per capita is 493.5 per 100,000 people, and Kittitas County has tested 768.9 per 100,000 people. Meaning we are #5 in the state for the highest testing rate per capita (behind only Ferry, Columbia, Snohomish, and Jefferson counties).
Get Trusted Information! As more is known about COVID-19 and more resources become available, changes occur rapidly. Updated information that is trusted by the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is here:
Statewide Stay-at-Home Order Extended to May 4th 04/03/2020
With the continued need for social distancing, Governor Jay Inslee announced yesterday, April 2nd 2020, that he would be extending the Washington State’s stay-at-home order until May 4th, 2020. Kittitas County also feels strongly that the stay-at-home order should stay in place and Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson has also extended our local stay-at-home health order.
Kittitas County Jury Service Temporary Policy 04/01/2020
Kittitas County Superior Court and District Court Judges' additional jury excusal reasons in response to Corona Virus (Covid-19)
COVID-19 Testing Parameters in Kittitas County Explained 03/30/2020
In Kittitas County, testing eligibility for COVID-19 is based on the parameters currently set by Dr. Mark Larson, Health Officer for the Kittitas County Public Health Department. To date, testing is being done for people who are symptomatic and at risk (over 60 years old, pregnant, or underlying health condition), healthcare workers who have been potentially exposed, and for individuals who may be linked to a cluster of people who have COVID-19.
Construction is not Considered Essential during the Stay-At-Home Health Order 03/26/2020
Most construction is not considered essential and personnel in the construction field should stay at home. On March 25, Governor Inslee provided Construction Guidance to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy Proclamation (20-25), which states, “In general, commercial and residential construction in not authorized under the Proclamation because construction is not considered to be an essential activity.”
Vacation Rentals and Homes in Violation of Stay-at-Home Health Order 03/25/2020
Under the stay-at-home health order from March 24 to April 3rd, property owners of vacation rentals and homes are to stop providing services that invite people into Kittitas County. Vacation properties are non-essential services and booking a vacation rental at this time is in direct violation of the March 23rd stay-at-home order from the Health Officer, as well as Governor Inslee’s Stay Home – Stay Healthy proclamation that goes into effect on March 25 at midnight.
Kittitas County COVID-19 Count Remains at Six 03/25/2020
Kittitas County has six cases of COVID-19 as of March 25th, 2020. The information on the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) website had an error listed in the case count, which has since been updated. Kittitas County does not have 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this time. The Washington State Department of Health immediately corrected their error as soon as we notified them.
County Clerk, Superior Court, Lower District Court 03/24/2020
Courts Closed to Public Access Until Further Notice
Kittitas County Health Order Effective Today 03/24/2020
The Kittitas County Health Order requiring residents of Kittitas County to stay at home is effective beginning today and remains in place until April 3, 2020 at 11:59 pm. The health order requires every person living in Kittitas County to stay home in response to the spread of COVID-19. The local health order aligns with the statewide requirements put into place by Governor Inslee as well.
Kittitas County Press Conference to Address COVID-19 Health Order 03/23/2020
Kittitas County will host a press conference today March 23, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. outside of the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Public Safety Building located at 307 W Umptanum Road in Ellensburg, Washington. The press conference will address the Health Order and supporting Resolution that is slated to go before the Kittitas County Board of Health at 3:00 p.m. today.
Kittitas County has Additional Positive COVID-19 Patient 03/23/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified of a fifth patient who tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is a 59 year old male. The patient is stable, but the individual’s household members are also sick at this time.
Kittitas County Fair Livestock Events 03/20/2020
Dear 4-H and FFA Members, Families and Volunteers: As we learn more about COVID-19 and the implications of its spread throughout our community, state and nation, we are obligated to follow the recommendations of our public health officials. As with others, the Fair Board’s primary focus and responsibility is the health and safety of our children and community.
Health Order Requires Central Washington University to Implement Measures to Curtail the Spread of COVID-19 03/20/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) has implemented a health order requiring Central Washington university implement measures to curtain the spread of COVID-19. On March 19, 2020 KCPHD signed the health order, which requires the following:
COVID-19 Community Spread is Occurring in Kittitas County 03/18/2020
Kittitas County is experiencing community spread. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. Everyone in Kittitas County should proceed as though everyone has COVID-19.
The Best Thing You Can Do right now is Self-Quarantine 03/18/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is fielding many questions about whether someone should quarantine right now. Our overall answer to the community would be that if you are able to self-quarantine today – to do so. KCPHD understands that staying home from work is not a possibility for everyone, and KCPHD staff is taking all necessary precautions while they remain at work.
In Person Services Temporarily Closed at the Kittitas County Public Health Department 03/18/2020
In an effort to respond to concerns regarding COVID-19, the Kittitas County Public Health Department building will be closed to the public. Anyone who needs services from our front desk staff can call staff at 509-962-7515 and staff will make an appointment to provide the service safely. The service level remains the same at this time.
Kittitas County now has Four Positive COVID-19 Patients 03/18/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified of a fourth positive test result for COVID-19 in our county. The fourth patient is female and was in close contact with the third patient. At this time, all of the individuals who have tested positive are in stable health.
Treasurer's Office Closure 03/17/2020
Kittitas County Treasurer's Office Outlines Services During Closure
Lower Kittitas District Court 03/17/2020
Press ReleaseLower Kittitas County District Court For Immediate ReleaseLower Kittitas County District Court issues emergency order
Superior Court Emergency Administrative Order 03/17/2020
Due to public health concerns the Kittitas County Superior Court is temporarily closed to the general public. Although the general public is discouraged from visiting the Court, the Court does remain open to deal with issues involving domestic violence, threats to physical security, threats to loss of housing, or other emergencies. Attorneys or individuals with pending cases should review the attached appendix for further detail. As the situation changes, the Court remains open to modifications to comply with this rapidly changing environment. Please review the Superior Court website for the most recent information.
UPPER KITTITAS CO DISTRICT COURT-Emergency Administrative Order 03/17/2020
On March 16, 2020 an Emergency Administrative Order for the Upper Kittitas County District Court, Cle Elum Municipal Court & Roslyn Municipal Court was issued by presiding Judge Darrel R. Ellis.
Kittitas Valley Event Center Closure 03/16/2020
Gov. Jay Inslee released statement last night as follows:“Given the explosion of COVID-19 in our state and globally, I will sign a statewide emergency proclamation tomorrow to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities. “Restaurants will be allowed to provide take-out and delivery services but no in-person dining will be permitted. “The ban will not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies. Other retail outlets will have reduced occupancy.“Additionally, all gatherings with over 50 participants are prohibited and all gatherings under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met. “These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the disease. I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges."
Kittitas County Superior Court Suspends Jury Service 03/16/2020
Kittitas County Superior Court suspends jury service through April 10, 2020.
Governor Inslee Expands Prohibition and School Closures 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.
Kittitas County Resident with Definitive Exposure to COVID-19 03/13/2020
A King County resident who was tested in Kittitas County has tested positive with COVID-19. That King County resident had close contact with a 20 year old Kittitas County resident. The Kittitas County resident had definitive exposure to a person with COVID-19 and is in voluntary self-quarantine.
Updated Recommendations for Kittitas County Residents 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.
Kittitas County Board of Commissioners Address Outbreak Response 03/11/2020
The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) has been working closely with Human Resources and other county offices to ensure that Kittitas County as an employer is ready to respond to the community spread of COVID-19. Continuity of Operations is essential to providing governmental services to our community.
Kittitas County now has Three Positive COVID-19 Patients 03/11/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified of a third positive test result for COVID-19 in our county. The third patient is male and 56 years old. At this time, the third positive test result appears to be unrelated to the two previous cases.
Kittitas County now has Two Positive COVID-19 Patients 03/11/2020
This morning, the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified of an additional positive test result for COVID-19 in our county. The patient is a family member of the first positive case. Currently, the 67 year old female patient who is positive for COVID-19 is being evaluated for hospitalization. The second patient who is positive is stable and does not require hospitalization at this time. “We are coordinating with our healthcare responders and the family to ensure everyone’s health and safety,” states Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson.
Positive COVID-19 Contact Investigation is Underway 3 of 3 03/07/2020
New information to share with the public is:• Three people employed at a local business were notified of close contact with patient.• Symptomatic close contacts who have been tested will be required to stay home in isolation until test results are returned.• Anyone who gets tested for COVID-19 will be required to isolate until results are returned.• Frequently asked questions about symptoms and testing are available at www.doh.wa.gov. Informational sheets include the following:o What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease.o What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19.o What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.• As of today, KCPHD is not requiring or recommending any event cancelations or closures. However, organizations and individuals planning major events should be considering alternative plans.
Positive COVID-19 Contact Investigation is Underway 2 of 2 03/07/2020
As the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) conducts the current COVID-19 disease investigation, we want to inform the public that we most likely have community spread. Community spread, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) means people have been infected with the virus in our area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Positive COVID-19 Contact Investigation is Underway 1 of 1 03/07/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department is currently working with the individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 to gather information and begin contacting potential close contacts. We will continue to update the public as information becomes available.
KCPHD Notified of Positive COVID-19 Patient in Kittitas County 03/07/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) has been notified of a positive COVID-19 test result. Patient is stable and in isolation.
No Positive COVID-19 Cases in Kittitas County, but Increase in Response Requires County Declaration of Emergency 03/06/2020
Kittitas County has declared a state of emergency in regard to COVID-19. The declaration comes in response to increased testing and contact investigations within our county. This is all preemptive and provides for additional resources to Kittitas County.
COVID-19 Weekly Update 2 of 2 03/06/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department is always working to prevent or limit the spread of disease. This weekly update will address the rapid changes that are occurring.
Third COVID-19 Test is Negative with More Tests Pending 03/04/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified that a third test results for suspected COVID-19 in Kittitas County is negative. However, Kittitas County has also added an additional person under investigation. To date, we have 3 test results that were negative and two people under investigation for a total of five individuals.
Second COVID-19 Test in Kittitas County is Negative with More Tests Pending 03/03/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified that the test results for the second suspected case of COVID-19 in Kittitas County came back negative. Additional information is pending for two people under investigation for COVID-19 in Kittitas County. KCPHD will provide notification as information regarding the two new cases becomes available.
COVID-19 Monitoring Continues and the Risk Remains Low 03/02/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is testing a Kittitas County resident, currently hospitalized in Western Washington, for COVID-19. The patient is in critical, but stable condition. Testing was sent as of March 2, 2020 to the Washington State Department of Health’s lab. When test results become available, KCPHD will issue results immediately.
COVID-19 Weekly Update 1 of 1 02/28/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department is always working to prevent or limit the spread of disease. This work is familiar to us, but we realize that the general public does not deal with disease prevention every day, so below is some information to help.
Test Results Negative for 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Kittitas County. 02/07/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) was notified that the test results for the suspected case of novel coronavirus in Kittitas County came back negative. The patient is stable and is no longer under isolation. KCPHD and Central Washington University (CWU) will continue to work closely together to reach out to students, families, and personnel that were involved.
Patient Being Tested for Novel Coronavirus in Kittitas County 01/30/2020
The Kittitas County Public Health Department will send a test for Novel Corona Virus to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Laboratory for a suspected case in Kittitas County. The patient is currently a student at Central Washington University (CWU) and is voluntarily in isolation.
