Coronavirus Information





Our sincerest condolences go out to our patients’ families, and to all patients and loved ones who have been affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus).

EvergreenHealth’s Infection Control team continues to actively monitor the COVID-19 situation, both worldwide and in our local community. Our focus, always, is on illness prevention, and we are committed to keeping patients, families and community members informed as circumstances evolve.

EvergreenHealth is currently caring for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and we are continuing to follow the screening protocols and maintaining our standard infection control best practices throughout the health system.

We are incredibly proud of our dedicated physicians and staff, who have prepared accordingly, and acted with urgency and expert professionalism throughout these evolving circumstances—never wavering on our commitment to providing the best possible care in an environment of absolute safety.

I am experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19:

What Should I Do?

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in our community and worldwide continue to grow, it’s important to understand the next steps you and your family should take if you or a loved one begin experiencing symptoms.

Please note, the following information is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

What are the symptoms associated with COVID-19?

Per the CDC

The majority (80%) of patient have mild to moderate symptoms, with a small number developing severe symptoms (see statistics below).

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure*:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath

Sore throat

Diarrhea

*This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses.

What is the likelihood that my symptoms are an indication that I have contracted COVID-19?

As status of this virus continues to evolve across our nation, the following information is intended to provide context to the rate of infection for COVID-19:

1 person out of 200 people who are exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, will become COVID-19 positive (0.5% transmission rate in the general public)

(0.5% transmission rate in the general public) If you are in close contact with a person who is COVID-19 positive (such as living with a person who has tested positive), your likelihood of contracting the infection is 10%

80% of the population may experience mild symptoms , such as fever or flu-like symptoms that they treat at home

, such as fever or flu-like symptoms that they treat at home 15% may seek medical care, such as visiting an Urgent Care or Emergency Department

such as visiting an Urgent Care or Emergency Department 5% may require critical care, meaning being admitted as an inpatient

meaning being admitted as an inpatient 1.6% of confirmed cases (confirmed cases representing between 5-10% of all infections in the community) will die

(confirmed cases representing between 5-10% of all infections in the community) There is an incubation period of 2-14 days, meaning the period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms, the average case being 2-8 days

A vaccine is estimated to be developed in about 9-12 months

I don’t know if I’ve been exposed to COVID-19, but I am experiencing symptoms. What should I do?

The likelihood of exposure from public outings is a similar risk of exposure we experience every cold and flu season in our communities. Statistically, 1 person out of 200 people who are exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, will become COVID-19 positive (0.5% transmission rate in the general public).

COVID-19 is now endemic, meaning that the virus is now considered to be regularly found in our region amongst our population.

As always, it is important to remain vigilant in recognizing any significant symptoms—particularly for those with heightened risk, including:

Individuals with pre-existing health conditions

Seniors

Those who are immunity compromised

If you are:

Experiencing mild-general symptoms consistent with a cold or the flu:

Stay home

Care for yourself as you normally would for a cold or the flu

Experiencing persistent fever, shortness of breath, or a worsening cough, contact your physician by phone. If you do not have a primary care physician, call EvergreenHealth’s 24-hour Nurse Navigator - Healthline to speak with a registered nurse at 425.899.3555.

Experiencing significant symptoms, go to the emergency room.

I know with certainty that I’ve been exposed to a person with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. What should I do?

Statistically, 1 person out of 200 people who are exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual, will become COVID-19 positive (0.5% transmission rate in the general public).

Call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

Can I be tested for COVID-19 at an EvergreenHealth Urgent Care or clinic?

In partnership with the CDC, we have updated our screening guidelines for COVID-19. We have halted performing nasopharyngeal testing in our outpatient clinics, including our urgent care locations.

Here’s why:

The CDC has determined that COVID-19 is now endemic, meaning that the virus is now considered to be regularly found in our region amongst our population. Previously, only individuals who had previously known risk factors (including history of travel, exposure to a confirmed case), were considered high risk for acquiring the disease. There is increased risk of transmission when performing any nasopharyngeal testing.

Frequently asked questions

Keeping you informed