Local emergency agencies urge calm, good hygiene in COVID-19 response

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- It's only a matter of time before the Tri-Cities reports cases of Coronovirus, through health officials say there are no known cases in our area right now.

Emergency agencies say there's no need to panic-- just use good hygiene to protect yourself and others.

"Increase your hand washing and the use of alcohol-based sanitizer, if you're going to cough, cough into your arm and away from others, keep your distance from other people, roughly six feet, frequently clean and disinfect surfaces, and if you have an illness- stay at home," said Captain Brian Ellis with the Kennewick Fire Department. "The important takeaway right now is to remain calm."

Local health officials echoed the same sentiment.

Dr. Amy Person with the Benton Franklin Health District addressed the Pasco City Council Monday night.

"It's not that this is some super virus that can do things that no other virus can do. The challenge with this virus is that it's new, which means that none of us have immunity to it," Person said.

As the illness moves through populations and people contract it and recover, they'll develop an immunity. It's when those with compromised immunities are infected that it can become fatal.

The Benton Franklin Health District is providing updated information on its website, and the Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public.

If you have questions about what is happening in Washington State, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.