OLYMPIA, Wash.-- Officials with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Thursday that an employee working at the agency’s Tumwater campus has tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a press release, the employee was last at work Friday, March 6, and showed no symptoms. Over the weekend, they began feeling unwell and followed up with their doctor, then isolated themselves to reduce the chances of exposing others.

DOH officials say the employee will remain at home until they recover, while maintaining contact with the agency.

The employee and DOH leadership are working with Thurston County Public Health and Social Services on contact tracing. Thurston County is in touch with about 10 DOH employees who were considered to be close contacts. Anyone determined to have had close contact will be asked to self-quarantine at home for 14 days. DOH has also thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the few places the employee worked last week.

Since the beginning of the response to COVID-19, the DOH has been preparing for the possibility that employees might test positive for the virus or need to self-quarantine. The department will continue to follow its own guidance for employers and take precautions to prevent spreading COVID-19, including increasing routine cleaning and encouraging staff who can work remotely to do so.

DOH notified its employees of the situation Thursday morning and provided resources on COVID-19 and mental health resources available for employees.

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