Hanford employee being tested for coronavirus

RICHLAND, Wash.-- A Hanford Site employee is undergoing testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to a message from the Department of Energy, access to the office building at 3170 George Washington Way where the employee works is restricted as a precaution until it can be disinfected.

" We have been notified that a Hanford Site employee working for contractor Mission Support Alliance is undergoing testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are working closely with public health officials to ensure appropriate actions are taken to protect our workforce, said Brian T. Vance, Manager of Richland Operations for the Office of River Protection. "We notified Hanford Site employees of the pending COVID-19 test and have closed the office building where the employee worked at 3170 George Washington Way in Richland, Wash., for disinfecting. We will continue working closely with our colleagues across the Hanford Site and the Benton-Franklin Health District and provide updates on the actions being taken as needed."

Officials with the DOE consulted with the Benton Franklin Health District, and there are no additional precautions for personnel assigned to the office building to take at this time. Those employees are encouraged to monitor themselves for symptoms.

According to the WHO, symptoms of coronavirus include:
-runny nose
-sore throat
-cough
-fever
-difficulty breathing (severe cases)

The Benton-Franklin Health District plans to hold a press conference Friday morning to provide updates to the local response to coronavirus.