Matthew Kempton
The Herald reached out to Willapa Harbor Hospital Chief Executive Officer/Administrator Matthew Kempton, MHA, about the Coronavirus Pandemic that is surrounding the world. As of Friday, 24 of 39 Washington counties had reported cases of the virus; however, Pacific County was not one of them. Kempton has a master's degree in health administration from Texas A&M University and a bachelor's of science from Brigham Young University. Kempton, and his wife, Chelsea, have three children. The Herald thanks Mr. Kempton who took time from his 24/7 schedule to answer questions for our readers posed by the Herald Friday evening.
"As you can imagine, we are working around the clock to continually prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic," Kempton said. "I can assure you that we are prepared and we have many plans and contingency plans in place ready to be enacted as the pandemic evolves."
Herald: How many COVID-19 tests are available in north Pacific County, and how many in the entire county?
Kempton: This number changes daily in a positive direction.
Herald: What is the criteria to get tested?
Kempton: An order from a physician.
Herald: Can you drive out of the county to get more readily tested?
Kempton: Potentially but not all of the counties have the same supply of testing kits. Suppliers are allocating sampling kits in volume amounts.
Herald: How many people have been tested for COVID-19 in north Pacific County?
Kempton: This changes daily, we would need to have you check with the Pacific County Public Health Department. As a healthcare provider, we cannot release this information. However, the county has more latitude to share this type of information.
Herald: Is the county on hold with sending the tests out to get the results because it does not have viral media kits?
Kempton: We do currently have sampling kits and we have sent specimens out for testing. We have received some negative results with some results still pending.
Herald: Has Pacific County sent patients to other counties to be tested?
Kempton: We cannot comment on behalf of Pacific County as a whole. We do not have this information.
Herald: Since anyone potentially is carrying COVID-19 and doesn't feel the symptoms, should everyone be wearing a mask in public?
Kempton: No, the CDC recommends that healthcare workers and only those showing signs of COVID-19 wear a mask. However this is up to each individual's discretion.
Herald: Is it a fact that you can carry the virus and show no symptoms?
Kempton: Yes, although how contagious a person becomes increases as symptoms manifest. Please refer to the CDC for more specific answers to this question.
Herald: Can you estimate how many people might have COVID-19 in the county and don't realize they have it?
Kempton: No.
Herald: Once a person has the virus, how soon are they considered contagious?
Kempton: Please refer to the CDC for more specific answers to this question.
Herald: Are local doctors testing for influenza, strep and RSV first to rule out COVIDS-19?
Kempton: Yes, if negative for all three, a physician would determine whether the patient should be tested. Once a physician order is signed, the patient would be tested.
Herald: Can hospital staff know if a patient has COVID-19 even though the result of the test is not known yet?
Kempton: No.
Herald: What does Willapa Harbor Hospital need to fight COVID-19 in terms of equipment and supplies?
Kempton: At this moment in time we have what we need.
Herald: Do you know if a self-test of holding your breath for 10 seconds, and then if you cough after you let out your breath and you cough means you could have the virus is truthful or not?
Kempton: As healthcare providers we would recommend that the public not jump to any conclusions or use this type of internet test. Please follow CDC recommendations and consult with your primary care provider.
Herald: Is it true that drinking a lot of liquids (mainly water) helps fight off the virus?
Kempton: Same answer - As healthcare providers we would recommend that the public not jump to any conclusions or use this type of internet test.
Herald: Is there anything you would care to add?
Kempton: Remain calm. Practice Social Distancing and wash your hands numerous times during the day. Avoid touching your face.