Nine cases confirmed at Colville skilled nursing facility

COLVILLE — In the past week and a half, nine COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in residents at a Stevens County skilled nursing facility in northeastern Washington state.

Six of the cases at Buena Vista Healthcare in Colville, Wash., were confirmed Thursday, Sept. 17, by Northeast Tri County Health District. An additional case linked to this outbreak was detected today, September 18th. This follows confirmation of two COVID-19 cases reported in the prior week at the facility.

NETCHD and Washington State Department of Health is working directly with Buena Vista management to complete facility wide testing and assist with guidance for limiting further transmission. Facility-wide testing was completed on Tuesday, Sept. 15, for residents and staff. Nearly half of the test results of the 111 residents and staff tested have been received by Northeast Tri County Health District, however it may take several days to receive the remaining test results.

Of the confirmed cases currently linked to the outbreak, seven are residents and two are staff members. Staff members who tested positive are isolating at home. The residents who tested positive are being isolated in the facility, exposed residents who are close contacts are in quarantine and separated from the residents who tested negative.

Buena Vista Healthcare continues to work alongside state and federal agencies as well as monitor and adopt measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases.

"This outbreak is deeply concerning for the residents, staff, and their families," NETCHD officials said in a press release. "We urge everyone to be mindful of personal activities that may increase the risk of transmission and put our most vulnerable populations at risk. Wear a mask when around others, stay home when you are sick, and practice social distancing."