It’s been 5 years since Washington’s first COVID case: What to know now

It’s been five years since the country’s first COVID-19 outbreak was recorded in Washington state.

Health officials announced the first documented case in the U.S. in Snohomish County on Jan. 21, 2020.

By March 2020, the virus had spread throughout the U.S., with 4,896 cases in Washington. This led to Gov. Jay Inslee using emergency powers to limit crowds, which included stay-at-home orders for most Washingtonians.

After months of online school, limited social interactions and mask mandates COVID-19 vaccines rolled out in early 2021. By September of that year, more than 76% of the state’s population had received at least one vaccine dose.

Several virus variants, case spikes and new boosters later, the virus has become endemic.

Here’s what to know about the virus five years after the initial outbreak.

What’s the latest COVID-19 data?

It’s tricky.

COVID-19 had killed over 1 million people in the U.S. as of June 2024. However, the state’s COVID-19 data dashboard no longer displays positive test numbers due to “the low number of specimens” submitted to the state Department of Health for testing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a national 6.6% test positivity rate on Jan. 11.

Is COVID still something I should be concerned about?

It depends.

COVID-19 now tends to see spikes during cold and flu seasons. Most vaccinated people who contract COVID-19 are not at risk for severe symptoms or death, according to the CDC.

However, those with weakened immune systems or unvaccinated people pose a higher risk of severe illness or infection.

Do I still need to isolate if I get COVID-19 or get exposed?

Overall, the CDC recommends staying home if you contract COVID-19 or any other respiratory infections. The updated guidelines vary based on the severity and duration of symptoms. Generally, an infected person can resume normal activities if they’ve been fever-free (without taking a fever reducer) for at least 24 hours and symptoms have improved.

However, the CDC recommends precautions like masking, physical distancing and testing for five days post-fever when indoors around others.

“This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses,” the organization says.

If exposed, DOH recommends masking, physical distancing, testing and handwashing. The health department recommends staying away from high-risk individuals for five days.

What’s the deal with vaccines? Do I really need boosters?

Vaccines have been scientifically proven to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of hospitalization if you do get sick.

The CDC recommends people six months and older stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including annual boosters, to help prevent the spread and hospitalizations. Boosters are necessary and recommended because the vaccines’ protection decreases over time.

Boosters also provide the best protection against the latest virus variants.

“Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer, more reliable way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19,” the CDC’s website states.

Where can I get an updated booster?

The CDC has an online vaccine finder at vaccines.gov.

A primary care physician or local pharmacy will likely have the updated booster. If you’re insured, the vaccine should be covered. King County’s health department has an online resource page to assist in locating free vaccine sites for uninsured people.

2025 The Seattle Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.