Guest tests positive after Stanwood house party of up to 70 people
Jun 27, 2020, 7:09 AM
Workers at UW Medicine's drive-through testing facility. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
At least one person has COVID-19 after attending a house party of up to 70 people last week in Stanwood.
The Snohomish County Health District said that between 40 and 70 people were at the party on June 19, but contact tracers are having trouble getting the names of every guest.
“Our staff have determined that they cannot identify and contact all of the attendees at the party,” said Heather Thomas, a spokesperson for the district.
Thomas said that they are asking everyone who attended a large house party in Stanwood on that date to get tested for COVID, and to isolate through July 4, the 14-day mark.
COVID-19 mask mandate now in effect
“We do need any of those attendees to be considered close contacts,” Thomas said. “They do need to quarantine through July 4, so that means not going to work or other errands. They do need to stay home, except for medical appointments or getting tested.”
She said the party appeared to be comprised of mostly young adults, but that the county could not be certain without knowing the identities of everyone in attendance.
Snohomish County is reminding everyone ahead of the July 4 weekend that Phase 2 allows for gatherings of no more than five people. Residents are still asked to stay home as much as possible, and, when going out in public, to wear masks, wash hands frequently, and socially distance.
“COVID is still circulating in our county and in our region, and just because [an activity] is allowable doesn’t mean it’s ideal for everybody,” Thomas said.
Thomas said that Snohomish County has seen an uptick in cases in the last couple of weeks. It is believed that this may be related to more and more activities and locations opening back up. She said that there are no outbreaks linked to protests or marches.
Although Snohomish County has been in Phase 2 for three weeks, the minimum amount of time between phases, the county is opting not to apply for Phase 3 at this time because it is not meeting the required metrics. Skagit County also announced that it will not be moving forward with a Phase 3 application for the same reason.
