An employee tested positive this week and worked at the clinic on Sept. 8-11, according to Clark County Public Health
SALMON CREEK — As many as 300 patients at a Salmon Creek chiropractic clinic may have been exposed to COVID-19 last week and should immediately self-isolate, Clark County Public Health said in an advisory sent out Wednesday.
An employee at Bridge Chiropractic at 13800 NE 20th Ave in Salmon Creek tested positive this week, the agency said, and may have exposed patients who visited the business between Sept. 8-11, as well as 14 employees.
The business recently joined Chiro One Wellness Centers, out of Oak Brook, Ill., but the Bridge Chiropractic Fitness and Massage name remains on the building.
Anyone who visited the clinic on Sept. 8-11 is considered a close contact of the employee, and should quarantine for at least 14 days from their most recent visit to the wellness center, Public Health said.
Patients who visited the Salmon Creek office on other days, or visited other Chiro One locations in Clark County, were not exposed and do not need to quarantine.
A note on the company’s website said the business is “temporarily closed,” but did not offer further details. Calls to the business were sent to voicemail, but the greeting message did not include any information on the closure.
Dr. Paul Reed, who owns the clinic, has been an outspoken skeptic of the pandemic, and the mask mandate put in place by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. At least one two-star review posted a month ago on the business’ Google Maps page noted that employees were not using personal protective equipment or enforcing social distancing.
A number of people on social media who have identified as clients of the business disputed those claims, noting that employees had been requiring masks, at least recently, at the Salmon Creek location.
In a response to the questions, Clark County Public Health noted on their Facebook page that “the employee spent a considerable amount of time with patients and mask use was inconsistent. We are unable, at this point, to determine which of the 300 patients meet the close contact criteria (within 6 feet for 15 minutes) but, given the concern around inconsistent mask use, we’re considering all patients as close contacts.”
Clark County Public Health noted that the clinic turned over contact information for clients who may have been exposed. The department will be reaching out to anyone who was a close contact and may have been exposed, but people can also call 360-386-2140 if they have questions or concerns.
Symptoms of COVID-19 vary widely, and can appear from 2-14 days after exposure. If you experience cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell, contact your physician.
Aside from frequent hand-washing and using hand sanitizer while out in public, health officials are urging people to avoid gatherings of more than five, and to wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible.
