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Thurston County Commissioners and Mayors Hold Press Conference on COVID-19 Recovery

On November 21, 2020, we reported a death of a male in his 90’s. We received the final death certificate and the death certificate showed the individual did not die due to complications with the COVID-19 virus but from other causes. This death has been removed from our COVID-19 death count. It is unfortunate to have a resident in our county die from any cause and our thoughts continue to be with the family of this individual. 

Health Officer Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek stated, "On Sunday, November 8, 2020, we added two additional outbreaks, one in an adult family home and another in an assisted living facility, bringing our ongoing outbreaks total to 12. Upon further investigation over the last two days, I have determined there is not an outbreak in the assisted living facility. Our current outbreak totals are now 11 ongoing and 21 total to date."

Thurston County Health Officer Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek stated, "Since Friday October 23, 2020, there have been an additional seven COVID-19 related deaths in our community. Six of these deaths are associated with known long-term care outbreaks in our community. Public Health is working with these facilities to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who have passed away. COVID-19 is a serious illness and we must remain vigilant."

Thurston County Health Officer Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek has been partnering with the management of Garden Courte Memory Care to support their efforts to contain the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 in their facility. She participated in a follow up walk through of the facility in conjunction with the State Department of Health to inspect the infection control processes and procedures and provide additional directions and guidance for areas of improvement.

“An outbreak in a long-term care facility is always difficult because the residents are often the most vulnerable population to the virus,” said Health Officer, Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek. “On Tuesday we deployed our strike team to the facility to conduct COVID-19 testing of all residents and employee. The facility will continue to have weekly testing until the outbreak is resolved.”

Today, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) reported 47 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the highest number of cases reported in a single day to date. Twenty-eight (28) of today's cases are associated with an outbreak in an assisted living facility, Garden Courte Memory Care in Olympia. PHSS first began investigating this outbreak earlier this month after a staff person tested positive and subsequently deployed testing strike teams to conduct further facility-wide testing. We have had 36 residents and 13 staff test positive for COVID-19 thus far including a female resident in her 90's who died earlier this week. Additional test results are expected back next week.

Director Schelli Slaughter stated, "Our hearts go out to the family who lost their loved one and to all the residents, staff, and family members that have been impacted by this outbreak. Transmission of COVID-19 is on the rise here in Thurston County and this record number of cases serves as an important reminder to everyone to take this virus seriously and do your part to protect others, especially our most vulnerable community members. We urge everyone to please stay home and do not go to work or other public places when feeling ill with even one symptom, get tested quickly, wash hands frequently, wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose completely, and stay at least six feet apart from everyone outside of your immediate household. Together we can slow the spread of COVID-19 here in Thurston County, save lives, and keep our community safe!"