Western State confirms 2nd patient positive for COVID-19
A second patient at Western State Hospital in Lakewood has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Washington Department of Social and Health Services said in a statement Saturday the second patient was on a different ward than the first patient who tested positive earlier this week.
Both patients are being treated for the virus at Pierce County hospitals.
Western State will continue to screen patients residing in the same unit at the psychiatric hospital for COVID-19 symptoms several times per day moving forward, and will limit the movement of patients on wards.
All staff movement between units will also be restricted, the statement says, and staff will also continue to self-screen for symptoms.
Visitors to the hospital between March 13-16 are also encouraged to monitor themselves for symptoms, and should consult their healthcare providers should symptoms emerge.
This story was originally published March 21, 2020 at 2:59 PM.
