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Vol. 13 No. 25 n
Inside
March 11, 2020 - March 17, 2020
MARYSVILLE • ARLINGTON • SMOKEY POINT • LAKEWOOD • TULALIP • QUIL CEDA VILLAGE
Extra precautions being taken locally to deal with coronavirus
By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com
Local cities, schools, first responders and others are all taking extra caution and preparations to help slow a potential outbreak of COVID-19. The new coronavirus, also known by it’s scientific name COVID-19, is affecting Washington state as the majority of cases and deaths in the U.S. have been here. As of March 6, the Snohomish Health District is reporting 15 cases in the county, including one death. “The number of COVID-19 cases in the county is expected to change daily,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, health officer for the Snohomish Health District. The district plans to provide two updates per day, around 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., although details on specific cases are unlikely to be available right away. “I know that people are worried about the disease. First, remember that this is a mild or moderate illness for 80 percent of cases,” said Spitters. The World Health Organization estimated the current death rate for the coronavirus at 3.4 percent on March 4. That would make it more dangerous than the standard influenza virus, although experts say the death rate typically goes down as more testing is done as those with the most severe symptoms tend to be over-represented early as they are more likely to go to the hospital than those with mild symptoms.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Locals Derek Drube, left, and Kelli Drube look at some of the items at the Stilly Valley Youth Dynamics annual fundraiser dinner on March 7.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER ANDERSSON
Dan Klein, a maintenance technician with the Arlington School District, sprays down one of the district’s buses with a disinfectant on March 5. Officials hope to slow the virus outbreak and have given a number of recommendations to the public. “It is caused by a respiratory virus and we have proven methods that help prevent the spread of this kind of illness,” said Spitters. On March 5 the Snohomish Health District released new recommendations to help prevent the spread of the illness. “It is important we take action at this time when prevention strategies can make a large impact in the short run,” said Spitters. He emphasized that the district is not mandating anything at this moment, merely giving recommendations.
Typical flu prevention techniques are encouraged, such as washing hands and avoiding touching your mouth or nose. County Executive Dave Somers said simple behavior changes are a part of prevention. “I think all of us noticed today that as we gathered how hard it was not to shake hands with each other,” he said. “Many of the recommendations that the doctor went over are our daily activities that are going to be hard to change." Those with flu symptoms should keep away from others as much as possible. “It is crucial that individuals with fever or symptoms like coughing or shortness
of breath stay home and stay away from others,” said Spitters. “We urge employers to maximize sick leave and benefits." Employees should also work form home if possible. “If you cannot work from home, those people should minimize their contact with large groups of people,” said Spitters. He recognized that these recommendations get harder for those without middleclass jobs. “I acknowledge those are a burden and there are differential impacts based on the freedom individuals have to work from home and their income. We just See CORONAVIRUS on page 10
Auction raises funds for Youth Dynamics By Christopher Andersson christopher@northcountyoutlook.com Stilly Valley Youth Dynamics held their annual fundraiser dinner and auction on March 7 to help fund their services for local children. The local nonprofit faith organization runs drop-in centers in Stanwood and Arlington that help provide community for youth. "This is our annual fundraiser that raises pretty much all of our money that helps keep all of our drop-in centers running and sends kids on trips," said Jessica Ronhaar, the Stilly Valley Youth Dynamics director. "It helps keep the Spot and the Mud Hut open," which are the organization's
centers in Arlington and Stanwood. Those students who cannot afford the trips are sometimes given scholarships for the organization's trips and the fundraiser helps provide money for those as well, said Ronhaar. "All that money comes together at this event," she said. A number of items are offered at the auction including a horseback riding trip and Seattle Sounders tickets among other items. Dinner was provided by the Arlington High School Culinary Department. Ronhaar said that extra precautions were taken this year because of the CO-
See AUCTION on page 2