As an illness spread through a nursing home in Kirkland in late February, City Manager Kirk Triplett says that testing was a key missing factor that left officials unsatisfied as they responded to the outbreak.
“Testing would have made a huge difference in the past two weeks," Triplett told KUOW. "Testing, even now today, could be much better, faster and more adequate. I don’t think anyone should be satisfied. I know everyone now gets it, why it’s so critical. And I know everyone is giving their best efforts to make more tests available, and the turnaround faster. But, no, the city wasn’t happy, but I don’t think anyone should be happy.”
As Washington sees the outbreak of COVID-19 continue to spread, nursing homes where vulnerable populations are located are expected to be hit especially hard. While most people are expected to experience mild symptoms, people above the age of 60 and people with compromised immune systems or health complications are at high risk.