BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) - More than 30 COVID-19 cases have been reported in an outbreak at a Bremerton hospital, state health officials said.
The Washington State Department of Health said Friday afternoon the outbreak has affected multiple units at St. Michael Medical Center, which is part of the CHI Franciscan system.
The outbreak involves hospital staff and employees, officials said.
The Kitsap Public Health District and state health officials say they are working with the hospital to contain the outbreak after the first case was reported late last week.
Officials said patients discharged from the impacted units have been notified.
“St. Michael provides vital services to our community and we are taking this situation extremely seriously,” Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Gib Morrow said in a statement. “We appreciate St. Michael’s quick action and ongoing cooperation.”
Along with local public health staff, who lead investigations into cases and outbreaks of COVID-19, infection control specialists from the state Department of Health will provide technical assistance and support the hospital response.
Public health and the hospital have also consulted with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In an update on its website, CHI Franciscan said because of the outbreak and an increase in virus activity in the Kitsap community, the hospital will restrict new admissions and limit visitors.
Health officials say it’s important that people continue to stay home as much as possible, keep physical distance from others and wear face coverings in public.
State health officials confirmed 390 additional COVID-19 cases in Washington on Friday, bringing the state case count to 69,779.
There have been 1,850 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Washington, according to the state Department of Health, with 13 of those deaths confirmed Friday.
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