Clark County Public Health is urging people to stay home this Fourth of July weekend as the county experiences an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Today, Public Health is reporting 40 new cases – the highest number of cases reported in a single day in Clark County since the pandemic began.

From June 23 to June 30, 162 Clark County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, for an average of more than 20 new cases per day. In the first three weeks of June, 164 people tested positive, for an average of more than seven new cases per day.

 “Clark County’s case numbers are going up. This is a dangerous time for gatherings,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “We cannot disregard physical distancing simply because it’s a holiday weekend.”

COVID-19 is primarily spread through close contact with respiratory droplets expelled when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes or talks. Even people who do not have symptoms may be infected and can spread the virus to others.

Gathering with others presents an opportunity for the virus to spread. Preliminary data from 72 completed interviews of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week, shows that 15 percent of cases were most likely exposed at private social gatherings of one to 10 people.

Public Health is urging Clark County residents to celebrate this Independence Day at home. Any gatherings should be limited to no more than five people from outside of the household – the largest gathering size allowed under Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan.

Clark County residents can also take steps to keep themselves healthy and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Everyone should continue to maintain physical distancing and wear face coverings in public. Remember to wash hands frequently, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces and stay home when sick.

Clark County remains in Phase 2 and does not have a timeline for entering Phase 3. Public Health submitted an application for Phase 3 to the state on June 26. Public Health has notified the state about the increase in local cases since submitting the application and will provide an update on the county’s application status when additional information is available.

CONTACT
Marissa Armstrong
communications specialist
Public Health
marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov