Updates on COVID-19 testing will appear here as part of ongoing coverage of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
SEATTLE – 9:35 a.m.
Amid the ongoing outbreak of novel coronavirus in Washington state, health officials say they are only able to test about 100 people daily at the Public Health Lab in Shoreline.
Lisa Stromme Warren, a spokesperson for the state Department of Health, said the lab can run around 200 tests a day. Because cases require multiple tests, only around 100 people can be tested daily. The state is hoping to partner with the University of Washington to open commercial lab testing later today (March 3). It was unknown how much this could increase testing capacity, but that number should become available later today.
Those with symptoms of the virus are encouraged to call a Department of Health hotline, where an operator asks questions and can recommend a state-sponsored test.
Stromme Warren said the state is only testing people who meet certain criteria, including whether they have come in contact with a known case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
“Right now, I think that would be case by case and it would depend on their contact history,” Stromme Warren said.
Patients who are hospitalized with symptoms that can’t be explained by other illnesses are also tested.
In addition to testing, King County is in the process of purchasing a motel to be used for a quarantine site. The county is also setting up modular units around the county to isolate people with the virus. Specific locations are not yet available.
Health officials are urging the public to wash their hands frequently and cover coughs or sneezes. People who are sick are encouraged to stay home and either call in sick or telecommute to work.
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