What health department considers ‘close contact’ with Whatcom’s first COVID-19 patient

After the first case of novel coronavirus was confirmed in Whatcom County on Tuesday, March 10, public health officials here said they would work to identify people who came into contact with the woman in her 60s who tested positive.

The woman received medical care at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham. She was discharged from the hospital after her condition improved and was self-isolating at home.

The Whatcom County Health Department said officials will identify and then monitor close contacts — that could include family members, co-workers, emergency responders and others — for symptoms to avoid further spread.