Four new covid-19 cases brings county's total to 50

Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services (WHHS) announced Monday morning that it has received positive test result notifications for four additional COVID-19 cases in Wahkiakum County residents.

The announcement said that the individuals are in self-quarantine.

This brings Wahkiakum to a cumulative total of 50 cases. On November 23, the county had 20 cases, and on November 6, just 12 cases.

There is a connection to the Wahkiakum School District, the release said.

"The school is on winter break which comes at an opportune time," Health and Human Services Director Chris Bischoff said in the announcement. "The school and Health Department are working together to ensure the safety of students and staff.

"We are working to identify anyone who may have an exposure risk because of contact with the individuals. Those people with close contact will be notified by Health and Human Services (WHHS) staff."

There is active community spread across Wahkiakum County, the announcement said. WHHS is urging citizens to practice safety measures such as social distancing, staying at home, wearing a mask if you have to socialize, restricting activities to household members only, and considering their holiday plans carefully.

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) is inundated with the dramatic rise in cases and the number reported by DOH for Wahkiakum at this time may not be accurate. The health department is working to correct that information.