OLYMPIA – March 21, 2020 – Yesterday, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission confirmed that a volunteer campground host working at Bay View State Park in Skagit County tested positive for COVID-19. The volunteer is an Island County resident.
The campground host has worked at the park since early March. When they began feeling unwell, they took immediate action to quarantine themselves.
The campground host has not been active in the park since March 14.
State Parks leadership has consulted with County health officials to determine who may need to be notified due to close contact with the campground host. Only one Parks employee was identified and is self-quarantined for 14 days.
Health officials do not believe visitors or campers were put at risk.
The campground host is currently isolated in their RV and in the process of leaving the park. Areas they frequented have been thoroughly cleaned.
Parks decided to release all other campground hosts across the state from their duties beginning next week. Campgrounds remain open at this time.
Parks is asking the public and the media to practice compassion and respect for the privacy of this volunteer and Parks employee.
Updates on Coronavirus and COVID-19
More information about Washington State Parks’ response to the Coronavirus pandemic and the COVID-19 outbreak are available here: parks.state.wa.us/COVID19. In addition, Washington state now has web site devoted to providing breaking news, information and resources about COVID-19: coronavirus.wa.gov.
News media contact:
Anna Gill, Communications Director (360) 902-8562
_________________________________________________________________________________
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.