Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Case updates

 Grays Harbor County has 2 confirmed case of COVID-19.

·         On March 11 Grays Harbor Public Health was notified that a Grays Harbor County resident had tested positive for COVID-19.

·         On March 30 Grays Harbor Public Health was notified that second Grays Harbor County resident had tested positive for COVID-19.

 Response efforts

 Recent accomplishments

 The Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team is making progress on establishing a short-term isolation and quarantine facility. With support of Washington State Department of Commerce grant funds designed to work with local area hotel/motel industry, Public Health is developing a strategy to implement this type of facility for the community.  Funding from this grant is to address the COVID19 outbreak-related public health needs of people experiencing homelessness or otherwise in need of quarantine or isolation.

The plan being developed in Grays Harbor will create a system that will allow for the rapid identification of individuals who need support to successfully isolate or quarantine.  In addition it will provide for emergency housing options that will allow people to isolate or quarantine as needed.  The plan will also address issues such as transportation, cleaning, security, food, medical care, and other essential supports. 

People who need support to isolate or quarantine can call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850.

 Current priorities

 Grays Harbor Public Health continues to work with local agencies to develop plans and processes focused on the objectives of prevention, information, early identification, and mitigation.

 Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Emergency Management continue to work to bring more testing supplies to our county.

 Background

 On March 17, 2020 Grays Harbor Public Health activated an incident management team to coordinate the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Under the direction of a policy group that includes local officials, medical and emergency response experts, and the Grays Harbor County Health Officer, the incident management team is using the best public health and medical science to control and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

 What people should do

 Grays Harbor Public Health encourages every Grays Harbor County resident to do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and have a regular healthcare provider, you should call your provider to ask about testing.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing ) and do not have a regular health care provider, you can call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 and speak with a medical professional who can assess whether or not you meet criteria for testing.

The care for COVID-19 is the same as for other respiratory illnesses:

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Rest.

• Take pain and fever medications as needed.

There are no medications specifically approved for treating COVID-19.

The CDC and FDA are reminding people that chloroquine phosphate (used to treat disease in aquarium fish) are not intended for human consumption and can lead to serious health consequences, including death.

Medications like chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate should be taken only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your healthcare provider and always according to the instructions provided.

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms after taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine by contacting your healthcare provider or the poison center (1-800-222-1222).

 Where to get information

 The incident management team will be working to get information out as it becomes available.

 Residents can call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 for information about COVID-19. The number will be staffed from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

 Local information and resources related to COVID-19 are also available on our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Case updates

 Grays Harbor County has 2 confirmed case of COVID-19.

·         On March 11 Grays Harbor Public Health was notified that a Grays Harbor County resident had tested positive for COVID-19.

·         On March 30 Grays Harbor Public Health was notified that second Grays Harbor County resident had tested positive for COVID-19.

 Response efforts

 Recent accomplishments

 Grays Harbor County Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher, has issued a new health order that expands the criteria for COVID-19 testing. More information was released earlier this afternoon and is also available on our website at http://www.healthygh.org/in-the-news-1/2020/4/1/expanded-criteria-for-covid-19-testing.

 Current priorities

 Grays Harbor Public Health continues to work with local agencies to develop plans and processes focused on the objectives of prevention, information, early identification, and mitigation.

 Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Emergency Management continue to work to bring more testing supplies to our county.

 Background

 On March 17, 2020 Grays Harbor Public Health activated an incident management team to coordinate the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Under the direction of a policy group that includes local officials, medical and emergency response experts, and the Grays Harbor County Health Officer, the incident management team is using the best public health and medical science to control and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

 What people should do

 Grays Harbor Public Health encourages every Grays Harbor County resident to do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

 If you think you have COVID-19 or were exposed to COVID-19, contact your regular doctor. Do not go to the emergency room unless you need immediate medical intervention. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

The care for COVID-19 is the same as for other respiratory illnesses:

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Rest.

• Take pain and fever medications as needed.

There are no medications specifically approved for treating COVID-19.

The CDC and FDA are reminding people that chloroquine phosphate (used to treat disease in aquarium fish) are not intended for human  consumption and can lead to serious health consequences, including death.

Medications like chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate should be taken only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your healthcare provider and always according to the instructions provided.

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms after taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine by contacting your healthcare provider or the poison center (1-800-222-1222).

 Where to get information

 The incident management team will be working to get information out as it becomes available.

 Residents can call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 for information about COVID-19. The number will be staffed from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

 Local information and resources related to COVID-19 are also available on our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

Expanded criteria for COVID-19 testing

Updated health order issued to local providers

 On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Grays Harbor County Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher, updated the Health Order defining the criteria for testing priorities of COIVD-19 within Grays Harbor County. The updated Health Order expands testing to the following groups:

·         People over the age of 60 with underlying medical conditions.

·         People with compromised immune systems.

·         Pregnant people.

·         People experiencing homelessness.

Testing criteria were able to be expanded because more testing supplies have become available in our County. Although the outcome of a COVID-19 test does not change the patient’s treatment plan, testing does give the patient information to keep themselves and their close contacts safe. The additional testing also gives Grays Harbor Public Health information to better track the disease.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. People who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to seek medical attention.

If you have a regular healthcare provider, you should call your provider to ask about testing. If you do not have a regular health care provider, you can now call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center and speak with a medical professional who can assess whether or not you meet criteria for testing.

Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center is here to help residents of Grays Harbor get answers to questions about COVID-19. The bi-lingual call center is staffed 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday at (360) 964-1850. Residents can also email their questions to covid19@co.grays-harbor.wa.us. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please still call 9-1-1.

Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Emergency Management are continuing to work to bring more testing supplies to our County. Testing availability will continue to be influenced by the supply levels. Public Health is working closely with Grays Harbor Community Hospital to provide a patient-friendly testing experience.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Case updates

 Grays Harbor County has 2 confirmed case of COVID-19.

·  On March 11 Grays Harbor Public Health was notified that a Grays Harbor County man in his 60s tested positive for COVID-19.  He was hospitalized at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.

·  On March 30 Grays Harbor Public Health was notified that a Grays Harbor County man in his 40s tested positive for COVID-19. He is receiving care at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.

 Response efforts

 Recent accomplishments

 Grays Harbor Public Health has completed their disease investigation related to the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in our county. All close contacts of the patient have been notified. We do not believe the patient posed an exposure risk to the general public.

 Public Health is required to safeguard people’s protected health information by law. We will release as much detail to the news media as possible without violating the patient’s legal right to confidentiality.

 For more information about our disease investigation process, please visit our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

 Current priorities

 Grays Harbor Public Health is working with local agencies to develop plans and processes focused on the objectives of prevention, information, early identification, and mitigation.

 Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Emergency Management continue to work to bring more testing supplies to our county.

 Background

 On March 17, 2020 Grays Harbor Public Health activated an incident management team to coordinate the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Under the direction of a policy group that includes local officials, medical and emergency response experts, and the Grays Harbor County Health Officer, the incident management team is using the best public health and medical science to control and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

 What people should do

 Grays Harbor Public Health encourages every Grays Harbor County resident to do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

 If you think you have COVID-19 or were exposed to COVID-19, contact your regular doctor. Do not go to the emergency room unless you need immediate medical intervention. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

The care for COVID-19 is the same as for other respiratory illnesses:

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Rest.

• Take pain and fever medications as needed.

There are no medications specifically approved for treating COVID-19.

The CDC and FDA are reminding people that chloroquine phosphate (used to treat disease in aquarium fish) are not intended for human  consumption and can lead to serious health consequences, including death.

Medications like chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate should be taken only when prescribed by and under the supervision of your healthcare provider and always according to the instructions provided.

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms after taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine by contacting your healthcare provider or the poison center (1-800-222-1222).

 Where to get information

 The incident management team will be working to get information out as it becomes available.

 Residents can call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 for information about COVID-19. The number will be staffed from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

 Local information and resources related to COVID-19 are also available on our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

Second case of COVID-19 confirmed in Grays Harbor County

The person is receiving care at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.

Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Community Hospital will begin reporting number of COVID-19 tests.

Grays Harbor Public Health officials are reporting the County’s second case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The patient, a man in his 40s, is in isolation and receiving care at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.

 Public Health has identified and notified close contacts of the patient. Persons who were exposed have been asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days past their last exposure and report any symptoms to Public Health.

 COVID-19 is spreading throughout all of Washington State. Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Community Hospital are working together to protect health care workers and the public. Visitation at the hospital will continue to be limited and Grays Harbor Public Health continues to remind residents to follow Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

 “We are grateful for the community’s amazing support and are proud to be partnering with the dedicated professionals at Grays Harbor Public Health to work through this pandemic,” said Chris Majors, Grays Harbor Community Hospital spokesperson.

 Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Community Hospital are also working together to get information out as it becomes available. “Things are changing quickly and people need timely and accurate information,” said Karolyn Holden, Grays Harbor Public Health Director. “We’ve seen misinformation being spread, especially on social media. We want to remind residents that our website is updated regularly with current, reliable information and our call center is available to answer questions, too.”

 As part of Grays Harbor Public Health’s commitment to provide timely and accurate information, Public Health will begin reporting the number of positive and negative COVID-19 tests done on county residents. Testing data will be reported as timely, accurately, and completely as is available. Data will be updated as new information is received.

 Residents can visit Public Health’s website at www.healthygh.org/covid19 to see the latest case counts and number of tests done. Residents can also call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 Call Center at (360) 964-1850 for more information about COVID-19. The number will be staffed by non-medical personnel from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

Grays Harbor Health Officer orders COVID-19 testing be prioritized

Testing supplies are limited, but Grays Harbor Public Health is working to increase supplies

In order to preserve our community’s capacity to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Grays Harbor County Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher, has ordered healthcare providers to prioritize testing for certain populations. In addition, Dr. Bausher has also ordered an expedited testing process for health care workers and public safety workers.

Under these current health orders, testing is only allowed for those people who meet specific testing criteria:

1. People who work in settings where health care services are delivered: hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care, and similar.

2. People who work in public safety occupations: law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, public health, corrections.

3. People who work in critical infrastructure occupations: pharmacists, group homes, utilities, grocery stores, gas stations.

4. People who work or live in congregate settings or institutional settings (i.e. long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, homeless shelters).

5. People who are deceased and who received aerosol-generating procedures in the field, even in the presence of proper personal protective equipment.

6. Patients involved in an illness cluster at the request of Grays Harbor Public Health.

7. Patients hospitalized with severe lower respiratory illness who have tested negative for influenza A and B.

“We have prioritized testing health care workers and public safety workers to keep our health care and public safety systems functioning during a time when their resources are most needed, and most likely to be taxed,” said Karolyn Holden, Director.

“It’s also important to remember that a COVID-19 test result (positive or negative) doesn’t necessarily change a provider’s plan of care for a person with symptoms of viral respiratory illness - so at this time the most valuable test results for the whole community are the ones that allow us to preserve our health care and public safety infrastructure and protect those most at risk of serious illness and death,” added Holden.

Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Emergency Management are working to bring more testing supplies to our county. “As more testing supplies come in, our approach to testing will change,” explained Holden.

Residents can call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 Call Center at (360) 964-1850 for more information about COVID-19. The number will be staffed by non-medical personnel from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

 Local information and resources related to COVID-19 are also available on our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

Grays Harbor Public Health reminds residents and visitors to stay home, stay healthy

Grays Harbor Public Health and Emergency Management would like to remind all citizens and visitors to Stay Home, Stay Healthy. The order put in place on Monday, March 23, 2020 by Governor Jay Inslee is still in effect and compliance is necessary to Grays Harbor’s response to COVID-19.

This order requires all residents of Washington to remain at home unless they are:

·         Pursuing an essential activity, like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.

·         Getting takeout food. (Food deliveries are also permitted).

·         Going to work at an essential business.

·         Going outside for walks and exercise, as long as social distancing of 6 feet is maintained.

“We agree that Grays Harbor is one of the best places in the world to visit or call home,” said Karolyn Holden, Director of Grays Harbor Public Health, “But please stay home. Our efforts to be safe today will ensure that Grays Harbor visitors and residents remain healthy and happy.”

Grays Harbor Public health is working with local businesses, including hotels, to remind them of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and provide resources.

“We are asking people to be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” said Grays Harbor Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher. “Practice social distancing.”

For more information about Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Health order, visit www.governor.wa.gov.

Residents and visitors can call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 for information about COVID-19. The number will be staffed by non-medical personnel from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

Local information and resources related to COVID-19 are also available on our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Case updates

Grays Harbor County continues to have 1 confirmed case of COVID-19. This case was identified on March 11, 2020.

Response efforts

Recent accomplishments

On Thursday, March 26 Grays Harbor Public Health was made aware of misinformation regarding the number of confirmed cases in our county being reported by The Weather Channel, at www.weather.com. Grays Harbor Public Health worked with The Weather Channel to correct this information.

The Grays Harbor Public Health website will always contain the most up-to-date information for number of confirmed cases. Please visit the site at healthygh.org/covid19 or call our call center at (360) 964-1850. The call center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. You can also email the call center at covid19@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

Grays Harbor County Public Health is continuing to make progress with a local isolation and quarantine plan.

 Grays Harbor Public Health has made guidance documents available to a wide range of service providers, including healthcare providers and hospitals, schools, child care providers, long-term care facilities, and many others. These guidance documents are available on our website at http://www.healthygh.org/covid19guidance.

Current priorities

Grays Harbor Public Health is working with local agencies to develop plans and processes focused on the objectives of prevention, information, early identification, and mitigation.

Background

On March 14, 2020 Grays Harbor Public Health activated an incident management team to coordinate the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the direction of a policy group that includes local officials, medical and emergency response experts, and the Grays Harbor County Health Officer, the incident management team is using the best public health and medical science to control and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

 What people should do

Grays Harbor Public Health encourages every Grays Harbor County resident to do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

 If you think you have COVID-19 or were exposed to COVID-19, you should contact your doctor and follow the isolation and quarantine guidance available on our website at

www.healthygh.org/s/COVID-19_IsolationQuarantineGuidance-eax7.pdf.

Where to get information

The incident management team will be working to get information out as it becomes available.

Residents can call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 for information about COVID-19. The number will be staffed by non-medical personnel from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

Local information and resources related to COVID-19 are also available on our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Case updates

Grays Harbor County continues to have 1 confirmed case of COVID-19. This case was identified on March 11, 2020.

Response efforts

Recent accomplishments

Grays Harbor County Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher, issued a Health Order that directs local hospitals to prioritize testing for COVID-19 for certain groups of people, including health care workers and public safety workers, among others. The Health Order is available at www.healthygh.org/s/Health-Officer-Order-Testing-Priorities-20200320-Signed.pdf.

In addition, Dr. Bausher also issued a Health Order that expedites testing of health care workers and public safety workers. This Health Order is available at www.healthygh.org/s/Testing-Process-for-First-Responders-and-Health-Care-Personnel.pdf.

These Health Orders ensure that the first responders and health care workers that are caring for patients with COVID-19 will receive care and be appropriately isolated as quickly as possible.

Grays Harbor Public Health has made guidance documents available to a wide range of service providers, including healthcare providers and hospitals, schools, child care providers, long-term care facilities, and many others. These guidance documents are available on our website at http://www.healthygh.org/covid19guidance.

Current priorities

Grays Harbor Public Health is working with local agencies to develop a plan to address the isolation and quarantine needs for people experiencing homelessness and other people who are not able to self-isolate at home.

Background

On March 14, 2020 Grays Harbor Public Health activated an incident management team to coordinate the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the direction of a policy group that includes local officials, medical and emergency response experts, and the Grays Harbor County Health Officer, the incident management team is using the best public health and medical science to control and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

What people should do

Grays Harbor Public Health encourages every Grays Harbor County resident to do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

If you think you have COVID-19 or were exposed to COVID-19, you should contact your doctor and follow the isolation and quarantine guidance available on our website at www.healthygh.org/s/COVID-19_IsolationQuarantineGuidance.pdf.

Where to get information

The incident management team will be working to get information out as it becomes available.

Residents can call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 for information about COVID-19. The number will be staffed by non-medical personnel from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday.

Local information and resources related to COVID-19 are also available on our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

Stay home to keep Grays Harbor healthy

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday evening announced an immediate statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order that will last for at least two weeks. It requires all residents of Washington to remain at home unless they are:

·     Pursuing an essential activity, like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.

·     Getting takeout food. (Food deliveries are also permitted).

·     Going to work at an essential business.

·     Going outside for walks and exercise, as long as social distancing of 6 feet is maintained.

 “Staying home is vitally important to Grays Harbor County's ability to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Karolyn Holden, Director. “We are asking every Grays Harbor County resident to do their part by following the Governor’s order. Individual actions to limit the spread of the coronavirus will benefit the health of our entire community.” 

 “We know that staying at home can be challenging. We are reminding people to keep their physical distance, but not their emotional distance,” said Holden. “Grays Harbor is a community that knows how to support each other through tough times and this is no different.”

 Neighbors can continue to drop groceries off on each other’s doorstep, for example, and check in on each other through a phone call or text. “We will get through this, together,” said Holden.

 For more information about Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, visit www.governor.wa.gov.

For local information, resources related to COVID-19, and how to contact us visit our website at www.healthygh.org/covid19.

COVID-19 call center is the place for Grays Harbor residents to ask questions

Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor 911 want to remind residents that 911 should be used when you have an emergency and need law enforcement, the fire department or EMS to respond to you.  Grays Harbor 911 should not be used to ask questions or get information concerning COVID-19. 

“When you call 911 for non-emergency reasons you are impacting their ability to quickly assist people experiencing an emergency,” said Karolyn Holden, Director.  “Please do not call 911 when you have general questions regarding COVID-19. We have specific resources set up to provide information about COVID-19 to our community.” 

Grays Harbor Public Health has opened a call center at 360-964-1850 to help residents of Grays Harbor get answers to questions about COVID-19.  The call center is staffed 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Residents can also email their questions to covid19@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

If you have specific medical questions or are having symptoms that you think are related to COVID-19, contact your medical provider.  Both Grays Harbor hospitals have triage lines staffed by medical professionals.  The Grays Harbor Community Hospital nursing triage line is 360-537-5100; Summit Pacific Medical Center’s nursing triage line is 360-346-2222.

The Washington Department of Health has an information line for general information at (800) 525-0127. This phone line is staffed 6am – 10pm, seven days a week.

For local information, resources related to COVID-19, and how to contact us visit our website at healthygh.org/covid19.

Grays Harbor Public Health opens bi-lingual information line to answer questions about COVID-19

Residents can call (360) 964-1850, 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday  

Grays Harbor Public Health has opened a call center to help residents of Grays Harbor get answers to questions they may have about COVID-19. Residents can call (360) 964- 1850 from 8:30am- 4:00pm Monday through Friday. The number will be staffed by non- medical personnel.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency and it can feel confusing and scary,” said Karolyn Holden, Director. “Information is changing rapidly.  We want residents to get questions answered and have access to resources they may need.”

If you have specific medical questions or are having symptoms that you think are related to COVID-19, please contact your medical provider.  Both Grays Harbor Hospitals have triage lines staffed by medical professionals.  The Grays Harbor Community Hospital nursing triage line is 360-537-5100; Summit Pacific Medical Center’s nursing triage line is 360-346-2222.

The Washington Department of Health also has an information line for general questions about COVID-19 at (800) 525-0127. This phone line is staffed 6am – 10pm, seven days a week.

For local information, resources related to COVID-19, and how to contact us, visit our website at healthygh.org/covid19.

Grays Harbor Public Health recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles related to COVID-19

Local health, safety and preparedness begins with you

 In the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19, it is important to be ready to respond to a variety of community needs. Grays Harbor Public Health is recruiting potential volunteers who may be asked to serve in a variety of functions during their response to COVID-19. Volunteer health practitioners are especially critical to help meet emerging demands for health practitioners in areas impacted by COVID-19.

You've worked hard in your career to master a variety of skills – in medicine, public health, safety, logistics, communications or a number of other areas. Volunteering with entities like Public Health is a simple and effective way to use and improve those skills, while helping to keep your family, friends and neighbors safe and healthy.

Grays Harbor Public Health has information and a form available for interested volunteers on their website at www.healthygh.org/covid19volunteer. Information and resources related to COVID-19 are available at www.healthygh.org/covid19 and are updated regularly as the situation evolves.

 Volunteers should also consider registering with other community-based volunteer organizations that do critical work to serve family, friends, and neighbors such as the American Red Cross at https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html.

Grays Harbor Public Health activates incident management team

Activation allows for better coordination among COVID-19 response partners

Grays Harbor Public Health has activated an incident management team to coordinate the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our department has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Although Grays Harbor County continues to have only 1 confirmed case, we do expect more cases in the days and weeks to come,” said Karolyn Holden, Director. “Activating an incident management team now will allow Public Health to better coordinate and prepare with other local response partners, including Grays Harbor Community Hospital, Summit Pacific Medical Center, and Grays Harbor Emergency Management.”

 Grays Harbor Public Health is receiving assistance from Homeland Security Region 3 and local area agencies to support their response.

 The incident management team will be using the best public health and medical science for controlling and mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic and will provide guidance and logistical support to local healthcare systems.

 The incident management team will also be working to get information out as it becomes available. “We know that people need timely and accurate information so that they can make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their families,” said Holden. “Accurate information is one thing we do want to see spreading right now.”

 If you have questions about COVID-19, call the Washington State Department of Health call center at 1 (800) 525-0127.

 For local information and resources related to COVID-19, visit our website at healthygh.org/covid19.

Grays Harbor Health Officer Recommends Social Distancing

Collective action can keep everyone healthy.

The risk of COVID-19 in Washington is increasing. Take steps now to protect yourself and people around you from the disease.

The risk of COVID-19 in Washington is increasing and Public Health expects that more cases will be identified now that the criteria for testing have broadened.

Earlier today, Governor Inslee ordered closure of all K-12 schools across the State of Washington by March 17, 2020 and established requirements that restrict in-person learning in higher education institutions. Inslee’s orders also prohibits large gatherings of more than 250 people statewide.

These restrictions reinforce social distancing. Social distancing means taking extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people.  These measures are put in place to slow the spread of infectious disease so that a lot of people are not sick at the same time.  When a lot of people become ill at one time, critical services like first response, health care, and government may not be able to function.  These systems must remain intact to keep the community safe.

“I understand that social distancing can be very difficult for many, but I know our community has the creativity and compassion to get through it together,” says Dr. John Bausher, the County’s Health Officer. Public Health officials are asking everyone to:

Find child care options that do not rely on people (such as those over age 60, have underlying health conditions, or are pregnant) who are at high risk for severe disease from COVID-19.

Talk to your friends and neighbors about how you can help each other if people in your households get sick.

Find alternatives to gathering or meeting in person whenever possible.  If web or phone options are not feasible, consider cancelling or postponing non-essential events.

Consider alternative methods of service delivery whenever possible, especially for
persons at high risk for severe illness.

Create opportunities and provide infrastructure for employees to telecommute to ensure
that they stay healthy and are able to continue working.

Identify key staff and critical functions and create a plan for continuity of operations in the event that a large number of people are out ill or caring for children.

Evaluate sick leave policies and alter as needed.

Use isolation and quarantine guidance to make decisions about excluding people from work.

Help people feel more comfortable by respectfully refraining from handshakes and hugs.

Practice compassion. Reach out to someone you care about who is at home sick or social distancing. A text, a phone call, or video chat makes a difference. Keep your distance physically, but not emotionally!

More information about Washington’s school closures can be found on the web at www.k12.wa.gov and www.ghc.edu/covid19.

COVID-19 confirmed in Grays Harbor County resident

The person is receiving hospital care.

The risk of COVID-19 in Washington is increasing. Take steps to protect yourself and people around you from the disease.

Grays Harbor Public Health officials are reporting the County’s first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  The man in his 60s is in isolation and receiving care at Grays Harbor Community Hospital.  He did not travel outside the United States before becoming ill.

Public Health is working with the patient’s family to identify and evaluate persons who had close contact with him while he was contagious.  Persons believed to be exposed will be asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days past their last exposure and report any symptoms to Public Health.

“We have expected and planned for this,” said Dr. John Bausher, the County’s Public Health Officer.  “The public health system works every day to track and follow up on cases of disease exposure.  The virus is new, but the public health response is not.”

The risk of COVID-19 in Washington is increasing and Public Health expects that more cases will be identified now that the criteria for testing have broadened.

Most cases are mild
The number of cases are increasing, but the vast majority of the illnesses in the U.S. and around the world are mild, with fever and cough. About eighty percent of people infected with novel coronavirus have not needed hospital care.  A much smaller percentage of cases are more severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions.

When to seek medical evaluation and advice
If you have symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, contact your regular doctor first. Do not go to the emergency room unless you need emergency care. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

If you’re over 60 or you have underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and weakened immune system, come up with a plan with your doctor to identify your health risks for COVID-19 and how to manage symptoms. Contact your doctor right away if you do have symptoms.

Today, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced new community strategies and social distancing plans for: King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties.  Grays Harbor Public Health will continue to monitor statewide guidance and our health officer, Dr. Bausher, will adjust local recommendations as needed.

Grays Harbor County Public Health provides up-to-date information about the County’s COVID-19 response and what County residents can do to slow the spread of the virus and protect people at risk of serious illness. The most current recommendations can be found on the web at http://www.healthygh.org/covid19.

(Updated) Two Grays Harbor County residents under investigation for COVID-19

Update as of March 11, 2020:

On March 3 we reported that two Grays Harbor County residents were being tested for COVID-19. Those results have come back negative.

Moving forward, Grays Harbor Public Health will no longer be reporting numbers on “persons under investigation” (i.e. persons being tested).

In recent days, commercial labs have gained the ability to test for COVID-19. However, commercial labs are not required to go through the same testing notification process as the Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline. As a result, Grays Harbor Public Health is not notified about all of the tests for COVID-19 being conducted on our residents, just a portion of them.

The decision of whether or not to test for COVID-19 is one made by the patient’s healthcare provider.

Grays Harbor Public Health will continue to be notified of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Grays Harbor County residents, regardless of which lab did the test, and Grays Harbor Public Health will report confirmed cases. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County.

For more information about testing in Washington State, please visit https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020/TestingforCOVID19.

For the latest COVID-19 case counts in Washington State, please visit: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

Original post on March 3, 2020:

There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County.  At the time of this writing, two Grays Harbor County residents are under investigation for the novel coronavirus and will be tested for COVID-19. Local public health officials are working with health care providers and close contacts of the individuals to control the spread of the virus.

 The COVID-19 situation in Washington State is evolving rapidly and there is now evidence that the virus is spreading in communities.

 Public health officials believe that there will likely be an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as testing becomes more readily available. The most current information about the number of cases in Washington State is available on the Washington State Department of Health’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) webpage (doh.wa.gov/coronavirus).

 You can take action and make plans to stay healthy and slow the spread of respiratory infections like influenza or COVID-19. By slowing the spread of respiratory infections, communities can reduce the overall number of cases, the number of people who experience complications, and reduce the likelihood that school, business, and health care will be disrupted because many people are ill at one time.

 Actions you can take now include:

·         Stay home when you are sick.

·         Stay away from people who are sick with a fever and cough.

·         Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

·         Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw out used tissues and wash your hands.

·         Avoid touching your mouth and eyes.

·         Get a flu shot.

·         Make plans for what you might do if your child’s school closes.

·         Find out your options for sick leave or working remotely if you need to stay home, or care for someone at home.

·         Talk with your neighbors and make a plan to help one another if one of you gets sick and stays at home, such as dropping groceries off at the doorstep.

 We are not recommending the use of face masks by people who are not sick as a means of avoiding infection from novel coronavirus. It is important to keep in mind that people wear masks for a variety of reasons, including to avoid pollen and air pollution, as a courtesy to others when they have the common cold, and for other cultural and even social reasons.  Because mask use is customary in some cultures, it’s not appropriate to make assumptions about why someone is wearing a mask or to stigmatize or discriminate against people who choose to wear masks.

 If the spread of COVID-19 continues, health officials may consider other strategies – like canceling large public events – to keep people away from each other to slow the spread of the virus.

For more information

• CDC: cdc.gov/coronavirus (includes guidance for businesses, schools, individuals and families)

• Washington State Department of Health: doh.wa.gov/coronavirus

• Washington State Department of Health call center for general coronavirus questions: 1-800-525-0127, press #

No Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Grays Harbor, but officials are prepared

Local public health officials continue to monitor an international outbreak of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) centered in China. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause respiratory illness. COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus.

 On January 21, 2020 the Washington State Department of Health confirmed that a Snohomish County resident who traveled home from China had COVID-19. That person has since recovered. There are no cases of COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County and no persons under investigation.

 COVID-19 does not currently present an immediate threat to Grays Harbor or our State, but the virus is now spreading in several countries and health officials believe it is likely that we will start to see the spread of it in Washington State as well.  If that happens, health officials might consider certain strategies - like closing schools or cancelling large public events - to keep people away from each other to slow the spread of the virus.  Grays Harbor Public Health encourages people to take actions and make plans to stay healthy and safe, such as:

 ·         Stay home when you are sick.

·         Stay away from people who are sick.

·         Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

·         Cover your coughs and sneezes.  Throw out used tissues and wash your hands.

·         Avoid touching your mouth and eyes.

·         Get a flu shot.

·         Make plans for what you might do if your child’s school closes.

·         Find out your options for sick leave or working remotely if you need to care for someone at home.

For more information

• CDC: cdc.gov/coronavirus (includes guidance for businesses, schools, individuals and families)

• Washington State Department of Health: doh.wa.gov/coronavirus

• Washington State Department of Health call center for general coronavirus questions: 1-800-525-0127, press #

Local public health officials monitoring novel coronavirus

Local public health officials are monitoring an international outbreak of novel coronavirus centered in China. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause respiratory illness. The "2019 novel coronavirus” (2019-nCoV) is a new type of coronavirus.

There are no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Grays Harbor County and no persons under investigation. Grays Harbor Public Health is working closely with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to monitor the situation.

The Department of Homeland Security is working in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to screen all travelers from China for fever and respiratory symptoms upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.  They are requiring travelers who were in the Hubei province during the 14 days before their re-entry into the United States to undergo a health screening at the airport and stay in mandatory quarantine for up to 14 days.  Officials are asking travelers from other areas of mainland China to stay home and monitor their health for the next 14 days with the help of public health officials.

On January 21, 2020, DOH confirmed that a Snohomish County resident who traveled home from China had novel coronavirus.  There is no evidence the virus is spreading within Washington State.

The coronavirus is spread through prolonged face to face contact with an infected person.  Casual contact, such as simply passing someone in an airport concourse, has not been shown to spread the disease.  You should call a health care provider if:

·   You feel sick with a fever, cough or difficulty breathing
— AND —

·    You traveled to China or were in close contact with someone with 2019-nCoV in the 14 days before you began to feel sick.

 The current risk of infection with 2019-nCoV in Washington is low, but it is cold and flu season.  There are simple steps people can take to reduce their risk of getting or spreading any viral respiratory infection:

·    Wash your hands often.

·     Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands.

·     Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

·     Cover coughs and sneezes.

·     Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

·     Stay home and avoid close contact with others if you are sick.

·     Get a flu shot.  Influenza is currently circulating in the community and it’s not too late.

 People planning to travel internationally should consult the CDC website for the latest guidance.

 Grays Harbor Public Health has plans in place to respond rapidly to communicable disease risks within our county.  They are working to ensure that local health care providers, government agencies and other organizations have the best information and guidance available and have asked local health care providers to screen patients returning from China for 2019-nCoV and immediately report suspect cases.

 Additional resources:

• CDC: cdc.gov/coronavirus

• Washington DOH: doh.wa.gov/coronavirus

• Washington DOH hotline for general coronavirus questions: 1-800-525-0127