Repeat Testing After a Period of Isolation
Questions have been raised about repeat testing for people with a positive COVID-19 test who have finished the appropriate isolation period. In some cases, individuals discharged from Isolation and Quarantine (I and get tested again in the community and test positive. Providers are confused and unsure what this test result means. While we are still learning about COVID-19, we want to share the information below based on currently available scientific evidence and guidance from CDC and WHO to help providers determine what to do in these situations:
- After people with COVID-19 have completed the recommended isolation period, they have a low risk of transmitting the virus to others.
- The COVID-19 test often continues to be positive for a few days to weeks after recovery. Most people will have a negative test by about 3 weeks, but the test can be positive for up to 6 weeks. After isolation and recovery, a positive PCR test is not likely to indicate the presence of infectious virus.
- People who have a repeat positive test after completing an appropriate isolation period do not need to be isolated again. Anyone who develops new symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should be evaluated by a medical provider.
Please email COVIDHomelessnessResponse@KingCounty.gov if you have any questions or concerns or need further clarification.
Bathrooms Open at Seattle Public Libraries
The restrooms at the following Library locations are currently open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday:
- Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W.
- Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave. S.
- University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E.
- Capitol Hill Branch, 425 Harvard Ave. E.
- Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave.
No other services will be offered in those buildings when the restrooms are open. Locations will be staffed with security personnel, custodial workers, and library staff. To help prevent further spread of COVID-19, Library branches will employ social distancing protocols, ask patrons to complete a brief COVID-19 health screener prior to entering the building, and will limit the number of individuals permitted in the building for restroom use at a time. The restrooms will be regularly cleaned in accordance with guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County.
New COVID Testing Site
Harborview will be providing testing to vulnerable populations at the Atlantic City Boat Ramp (8702 Seward Park Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118 on Wednesday & Saturday from 10am-3pm.
Updated List of COVID Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its official list of symptoms that people experience when they get sick from the coronavirus. The symptoms added are: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. This is in addition to the previous official symptoms: fever, cough, and shortness or breath. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
Do you know someone who needs support to isolate and quarantine from COVID-19?
King County has places for temporary isolation and quarantine for adults who need a safe place to isolate, quarantine and recover.
Training Opportunity: Tactics for Verbal De-escalation of Aggressive Individuals
As the COVID-19 Homelessness Response enters its third month, providers and people experiencing homelessness are increasingly anxious and under physical and mental stress. For the next 3 weeks, the Provider Q&A Sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursday from 11:00-11:30am will focus on tactics for verbal de-escalation of aggressive and mentally ill individuals. These sessions will be presented by Ellis Amdur, one of the most prominent trainers in the Pacific Northwest on verbal de-escalation of aggressive and mentally ill individuals. More information on Ellis is provided below.
As a reminder, each week a Q&A session on a specific topic is offered on Tuesday and repeated on Thursday. Below please find the list of the topics for the next three weeks. The sessions are presented via Skype and questions can be asked though the chat box. The Skype link and call-in information is provided below.
- Thursday, April 30 11:00-11:30am (repeated): Two tactics to Take Control of Situations With People Who are Either Terrified or Enraged
- Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7 (repeated): Two Skills to Help Stay Calm in Crisis Situations
All Sessions are from 11:00-11:30 AM
Ellis Amdur has authored thirteen profession-specific books, some written with subject-matter-expert co-authors concerning tactical communication with seriously mentally ill individuals and verbal de-escalation of aggression. Ellis’s professional philosophy can best be summed up in this idea: the development of an individual’s integrity and dignity is the paramount virtue. This can only occur when people live courageously, regardless of the circumstances, and take responsibility for their roles in making the changes they desire.
Join Skype Meeting
Trouble Joining? Try Skype Web App
Join by phone: 1.206.263.8114 (Washington state) Conference ID: 9410150
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