David Byun, D.O.

Chief Health Officer 801 Clark Street, Suite 4

Yun Namkung, M.D., Deputy Health Officer Ely, Nevada 89301
Tel: (775) 293-6509
Fax: (775) 289-2544

White Pine County

Office of Public Health
PRESS RELEASE

June 19, 2020

Three more individuals within the same household were tested positive within our community. It is
associated with recent travel outside the county. The decision to test does not appear to have been prompted
by symptoms, but two of those positives now appear to have symptoms as of June 18. We are fortunate that
the traveler decided to test.

The Office of Public Health was also informed that the National Guard collected 83 samples in Ely and
36 in Baker. There are no reported positives. White Pine Care Center collected 74 samples at end of May with
no positive results. The positive cases on June 18 are not associated with recent mass testing.

The Office and State authorities are working together in order to keep the disease contained. There
are a number of exposed individuals, but it is too early to ascertain if there is community spread. As the State
of Nevada experiences largest increase in COVID-19 rate this week, it is important to not let our guards down
and we must continue precautions.

Three most important individual acts to curb the spread of COVID-19 are:
1. Washing hands
2. Keeping distance, minimum 6 feet- just like one gives courtesy space for someone using an ATM
machine.
3. Wearing mask or face covering- for the courtesy of others.

If you had contact with a COVID-19 person for more than 10 minutes within 6 feet of distance, you
meet criteria for qualified exposure. If that is the case, stay at home. Get tested 5-7 days after the date of last
exposure. Testing earlier than that can result in false negative as the virus has not replicated sufficiently for
detection.
The hospital offers walk-in testing for asymptomatic individuals. If symptomatic, call ahead to arrange
a drive-thru swab collection.

If congregating in an enclosed space allowable by current guidelines, keep the area ventilated.

THE VIRUS DOES NOT CARE WHAT PHASE WE ARE CURRENTLY IN.
FIGHTING COVID-19 IS ALSO AN INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY.