On September 7, the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation released numbers that showed a positive change.
The IHME predicted 5,400 Washingtonians would die from COVID-19 by January 1, but recently, that number has gone down to around 4,500.
“We are in this together. We need to take care of ourselves and those around us,” said Dr. Charissa Fotinos, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Washington State Department of Health.
“If you have symptoms that you think could be COVID, get a test. If you have been in contact or close contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID or knows they have COVID, get a test,” Fotinos said.
A message that has been recently distorted by the CDC who announced a couple weeks back that those without symptoms don’t need to get tested for the virus even if they came in close contact with someone who tested positive.
“I was pleased to see the new guidance come out and reflect what we’ve come to expect from the CDC in terms of scientific integrity,” Fotinos said.
“We’ve probably done a disservice to the public not having across the board consistent messaging,” Fotinos continued.
But it seems the damage in public perception may already have been done.
Testing, according to local doctors, is key in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
