Contact: 
              Kent Patton
              Communications Director
              Kent.Patton@snoco.org
              425-388-3883

Statement on COVID-19 Response in Snohomish County

Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive

“Since the first case in the US was identified, Snohomish County has been working with our partners, including the Snohomish Health District, to provide all necessary support. I want to stress that, according to health professionals, the threat to the general public remains low. We understand that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing concern and anxiety in our community. It is impacting individuals and organizations, including schools, medical institutions, and first responders. Therefore, as soon as we can coordinate with our partners, I intend to sign a declaration of emergency. I am taking this step to ensure we are nimble and can respond should the progression of the disease have more widespread impacts. It gives us the ability to appropriately respond and receive federal and/or state resources. Snohomish County has dealt with other emergencies, and we have experienced staff not only working on the challenges we know about but also preparing for the challenges we may encounter. We are prepared.”

“The best thing that you can do in light of what we know today is: stay home if you are sick; wash your hands, cover coughs, and otherwise use appropriate hygiene; and don’t rush out to buy things you don’t need. If you are in a vulnerable group, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, take appropriate action to protect yourself, as you would for the flu or other similar ailment. For more detailed information, please go to SnoHD.org.”