Today marks the fifth anniversary of the first reported COVID-19 case in the United States, identified on January 21, 2020, in Snohomish County, Washington.
This case, reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was a pivotal moment that led to significant public health responses and changes nationwide.
At the time of the first case, 66 infections had been documented across the US, and the global count had reached 85,688. By late January 2020, Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared a State of Emergency and requested the US Department of Health and Human Services to issue a public health emergency. The Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Plan was activated, and the National Guard was mobilized to assist in the crisis.
By March 2020, COVID-19 had spread throughout the US, with 4,896 cases reported in Washington alone. The state implemented strict measures, including stay-at-home orders, school closures, and mask mandates, to curb the virus’s spread.
In early 2021, COVID-19 vaccines became available, marking a turning point in the fight against the pandemic. By September 2021, over 76% of Washington residents had received at least one vaccine dose. Vaccination efforts, coupled with public health measures, helped transition COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic disease.
Despite this progress, the virus continues to circulate, with seasonal spikes similar to cold and flu patterns. Updated vaccines and boosters remain essential in reducing severe illness, particularly for high-risk groups.
Today, the CDC recommends vaccination for individuals aged six months and older and emphasizes the importance of annual boosters to maintain immunity. Updated boosters are designed to protect against emerging variants and reduce the risk of hospitalization.
Isolation guidelines have also evolved. Individuals infected with COVID-19 are advised to stay home until they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms have improved. Masking and distancing are recommended for five days following a fever to protect vulnerable populations.
NBC Right Now and the Seattle Times contributed to this report.
