Snoqualmie mayor tests positive for COVID-19

Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson has tested positive for COVID-19. The mayor said he has been self-isolating and will continue to do so. Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson has tested positive for COVID-19. The mayor said he has been self-isolating and will continue to do so. Photo: Photo: City Of Snoqualmie Photo: Photo: City Of Snoqualmie Image 1 of / 21 Caption Close Snoqualmie mayor tests positive for COVID-19 1 / 21 Back to Gallery

coronavirus section here. For more coverage, visit our complete Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson has tested positive for COVID-19 , according to the city.

Larson had a fever and a cough, and was tested for the novel coronavirus on March 16 at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. He received the positive test results on Sunday, the city said. Larson has been self-isolating for 10 days and plans to continue to do so until all of his symptoms have gone away. His family has also been self isolating, according to the city.

“I do not know anyone with COVID-19 and do not know where I contracted the illness,” Larson said in a statement. “My positive test results underscore that this is an invisible threat. I cannot stress enough the importance of our community sheltering at home at this time.”

According to the city, Larson was not at City Hall when he started showing symptoms, but the city plans to deeply disinfect the building.

Larson said he is fortunate he is healthy and did not have symptoms that required him to be hospitalized -- but many people who are more vulnerable have a higher chance of becoming seriously ill due to the virus.

"There are many youth in the community who are not practicing social distancing and gathering in large groups putting vulnerable populations at risk," Larson said. "I implore parents to explain the risks to their kids – both for themselves and others – and keep them home until the public health agencies deem the risk has decreased.”

Larson said the city has taken a number of steps to help prevent the spread of the virus, and will continue to consider further measures to keep the city's residents safe.

As of Sunday, there were nearly 2,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington, and 95 deaths. State and local officials over the past several weeks have been implementing measures to curb the spread of the virus, including closing schools, bars, entertainment facilities and restaurants, with the exception of takeout and delivery services.

People are being encouraged to stay home and practice social distancing when out.

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