WAITSBURG-The Waitsburg City Council's Flood and Emergency Preparedness Committee has been meeting weekly, or as needed, in response to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. The committee, which has representatives from the Waitsburg City Council, Columbia Walla Walla County Fire District 2 and various community members, is focusing on a community plan of action in the event that COVID-19 reaches Waitsburg. The members have been reviewing information from a daily webinar through the Washington State Department of Health (WSDOH).

The Columbia County Hospital has also been preparing for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, over the past few weeks. Hospital staff have attended infectious disease training and are continuing to update their training and protocols as new information is released. Select staff members have been attending training in Seattle and are sharing their knowledge with the hospital.

The hospital is currently working closely with the WSDOH and local emergency services to stay updated on how to interact with potentially-infected patients and has been using information received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to keep staff up to date as new information surfaces. Hospital safety committee members have been working to review and update protocols as needed.

The hospital does have negative pressure isolation rooms set up to handle COVID-19 patients. Negative pressure rooms have a unique ventilation system that keeps air moving into the room, but does not allow air to escape, keeping contaminated air contained within the room.

Monte Fulbright, Columbia County Hospital's Infection Preventionist, said that it is important to practice proper handwashing techniques. Use clean, running water and lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Be sure to wash the front and back of your hands, and to get in between your fingers and under your fingernails as best as you can. Proper hand washing should take at least 20 seconds.

The disease can spread quickly via droplets from both sneezing and coughing, so cover sneezes and coughs with the corner of your elbow.

Fulbright also recommends that people avoid sharing cups, water bottles, and eating utensils, as well as pens, pencils, and other commonly-shared items. Avoid crowded areas, especially if you are feeling ill or are immunocompromised.

Due to COVID-19's highly contagious nature, people are being asked to avoid emergency rooms and self-quarantine if they can. If you are having upper respiratory problems, call your hospital and explain your symptoms instead of going directly to the emergency room. Let them know if you could have any connection to the COVID-19 outbreaks: If you have been traveling or have been around someone who has travelled recently any area the disease has been confirmed. Hospitals will work with patients to ensure the proper care is given.

If you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19, be prepared to self-quarantine. Self-quarantine is a form of voluntary isolation that has been effective in slowing the spread of infectious diseases in the past. Remain home and try to stay in one room as much as possible. Arrange help if you are a caregiver for other family members or children.

If you haven't already, it is recommended that you check your emergency supplies. Keep a small stock of applicable basic items like toilet paper, pet food, diapers and wipes, and cleaning supplies. It has also been recommended to have a two-week stock of non-perishable food items on hand. Be sure to check medications and have necessary prescriptions filled.

Fulbright said that while the disease is mild for most patients, it does pose a risk for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

Please call your healthcare provider before going to the hospital if you are symptomatic or think you may have had contact with an infected person. If you are having severe symptoms of the virus or difficulty breathing, call 911.

If you have questions or concerns for the Flood and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Councilwoman Kate Hockersmith can be reached at tvamp1@charter.net, or you can message the Waitsburg Emergency Updates Facebook page.

For the most up to date information on the current outbreak of COVID-19, please visit the fhe following websites:

Washington State Department of Health - http://www.doh.wa.gov

Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC – http://www.CDC.gov