County Reports No COVID-19 Outbreaks in Assisted Living Communities for the First Time in a Year

The Snohomish Health District (SHD) in Snohomish County, Wash., last week reported no COVID outbreaks in assisted living or supportive living communities in the county for the first time in more than a year, according to KING 5 News . The district credits the decline to infection control and prevention measures, as well as sacrifices made by residents, personnel, and their families — in addition to vaccinations. There are active outbreaks at a skilled nursing community and an adult family community, with both outbreaks expected to clear up by the end of March as long as no more cases are reported. "This is a remarkable recovery from late December when we had over 100 cases being reported weekly from long-term care communities and all 17 skilled nursing communities in the county with ongoing outbreaks," said SHD Health Officer Chris Spitters. The week before, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said families can once again visit loved ones at nursing and long-term care communities, with indoor visitation permitted for fully-vaccinated visitors or residents.