County’s application for variance submitted to Washington State Secretary of Health

Today Karolyn Holden, Director of Grays Harbor County Public Health, submitted Grays Harbor County’s application for a variance to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to Washington State Secretary of Health, Dr. John Wiesman.

On Tuesday, Grays Harbor County Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher, recommended that the County request a variance. Both the Grays Harbor County Board of Health and the Board of County Commissioners unanimously agreed to move forward with the request.

Dr. Wiesman will review the County’s application. The application may be approved as submitted, approved with modifications, or denied.

Grays Harbor County Public Health will announce the Secretary of Health’s decision as soon as it is received.

Case counts

Grays Harbor County has 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 3 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified since May 15. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For information about COVID-19 and our response, visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Health officer recommends that Grays Harbor County request variance to move to phase 2

Today Grays Harbor County Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher, recommended that the Grays Harbor County Board of Health request a variance to implement phase 2 modifications of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan.

The recommendation to request a variance was made during a special meeting of the Grays Harbor County Board of Health and was unanimously approved by the Board of Health and, later, the Board of County Commissioners.

The Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team also presented their COVID-19 Emergency Operations Plan to the Board of Health. The plan provides a framework and procedural guidance for the County’s COVID-19 response and emergency management efforts. “Our Emergency Operations Plan is scalable, so that we can continue to effectively respond to the evolving COVID-19 situation,” said Leonard Johnson, Incident Commander.

With the approval of the variance request from local authorities in place, the Incident Management Team will work to finalize the variance application in the next few days. Then, the final step in the variance application process requires that the application be submitted to the Washington State Secretary of Health for review.

Case count updated

Grays Harbor County has 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 3 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified since May 15. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For information about COVID-19 and our response, visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Pacific Care and Rehabilitation staff all test negative for COVID-19

On May 7, a resident of Pacific Care and Rehabilitation was diagnosed with COVID-19. Since then, all other residents and staff have been tested for COVID-19 and all results have come back negative.

“We have tested all the residents and staff from Pacific Care Center.  The results of the testing indicate to me that COVID-19 was not spread in the facility,” said Dr. John Bausher, Grays Harbor Public Health Officer.  “Pacific Care Center has in place the appropriate procedures to reduce the risk to their residents.”

Grays Harbor County Public Health’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team continues to work closely with local long-term care facilities and the Washington State Department of Health to ensure the facilities have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment and COVID-19 testing supplies.

“We at Pacific Care and Rehabilitation Center have been very focused on infection control during this difficult time and have been proactive in our testing for COVID 19 in the facility,” said Mark Cheney, Executive Director. “I am very happy that our hard work has been fruitful and that we have been keeping our residents safe.”

Case count updated

Previously identified case reassigned back to Grays Harbor; new additional case identified

Grays Harbor County has 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 3 cases

A previously identified case that was re-assigned to Pierce County on Monday has now been re-assigned back to Grays Harbor County. Cases are assigned to counties based on the person’s permanent residence. Sometimes it is not immediately clear which county a case should be assigned to because of incomplete or inconsistent information. Public health staff were able to determine that this case was, in fact, a permanent resident of Grays Harbor County.

One additional case of COVID-19 was identified today. Public health staff are reviewing the case and notifying close contacts. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

County commissioners updated on response to COVID-19, variance planning

Representatives from Grays Harbor County Public Health’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor County Emergency Operations Center briefed County commissioners today on the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over this past week, the Incident Management Team has continued to assess the County’s readiness to apply for a variance under Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan. A variance would allow the County to move to phase 2 of the plan.

At this time, the County has sufficient personal protective equipment and testing supplies as well as a sufficient number of staff trained to do case investigations. Short-term options for isolation and quarantine facilities are in place, but development of long-term options needs to be completed before the County is ready to submit an application for variance. Additionally, work is still being done to ensure that vulnerable populations are adequately protected.

“We anticipate that we will be able to provide a recommendation for consideration of movement to phase 2 by the end of the week,” said Rick Scott, Sheriff/Director of Emergency Management. “Our goal is to have plans in place that will have Public Health, Emergency Management, and public safety sectors in a position to support and respond within the framework of a phase 2 community.”

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 1 case

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Grays Harbor County COVID-19 case count adjusted

A COVID-19 case that had originally been assigned to Grays Harbor County has been re-assigned to Pierce County. With the re-assignment of this case, Grays Harbor County’s case count is 13.

Washington State Department of Health assigns cases of COVID-19 to counties based on the person’s permanent residence.  A case may be re-assigned to another county because of new information about the person’s residence.

No new cases have been identified since May 7, when a patient at Pacific Care and Rehabilitation Center was diagnosed with COVID-19. All of the patients receiving care from Pacific Care have been tested for COVID-19 and all the results are negative.

The Grays Harbor County Incident Management Team continues to closely monitor local COVID-19 disease activity and support healthcare providers. The incident management team is also continuing to develop plans and resources that would allow the County to move forward in Governor Inslee’s phased approach to re-opening. An update on the team’s progress will be provided to the County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 12.

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 1 case

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Grays Harbor County Incident Management Team continues to closely monitor local COVID-19 disease activity, support healthcare providers

The Grays Harbor County Incident Management Team continues to closely monitor local COVID-19 disease activity and support healthcare providers.

No new cases have been identified since May 7, when a patient at Pacific Care and Rehabilitation Center was diagnosed with COVID-19. The incident management team is working closely with Pacific Care and supporting any resource requests.

The incident management team is also continuing to develop plans and resources that would allow the County to move forward in Governor Inslee’s phased approach to re-opening. An update on the team’s progress will be provided to the County Commissioners on Tuesday, May 12.

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 2 cases

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

14th case of COVID-19 reported to Grays Harbor County Public Health

A new case of COVID-19 was reported to Grays Harbor Public Health today, bringing the total number of cases among Grays Harbor County residents to 14.

This latest case is a resident of Pacific Care and Rehabilitation Center, a skilled nursing facility in Hoquiam.  All residents, families and healthcare workers have been notified of the situation.

The resident is in isolation and public health staff are completing a case investigation.

Grays Harbor County Public Health’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team is working closely with Pacific Care and the Washington State Department of Health to ensure the facility has adequate supplies of personal protective equipment and COVID-19 testing supplies. All residents and staff will be tested for COVID-19.

“We are working closely with the Pacific Care and supporting any requests they have for resources to address the issue,” said Leonard Johnson, Incident Commander.  “We will be ready to assist them in any way possible.”

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 2 cases

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

New case of COVID 19 identified, planning for Phase 2 variance still underway

A new case of COVID 19 was reported to Grays Harbor Public Health today.  Case investigation has begun and investigators anticipate having contact tracing completed soon.

Grays Harbor County remains in phase 1 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan for re-opening the State, while Grays Harbor County Public Health’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team continues to put plans in place for moving forward.

“Like everyone else, we are eager to see our County’s businesses get back to work,” said Leonard Johnson, Incident Commander. “We understand the impacts this is having on our community. The health of our economy affects the health of our people.”

The Incident Management Team is receiving assistance from the Washington State National Guard in developing the continuity of operations plan.  The plan is designed to help guide the COVID 19 response in the County into the future.  “Our goal is to have a plan that will allow the County to apply for variance as soon as possible,” said Johnson.

“We are using the best guidance we have right now about what readiness and preparedness look like for COVID-19,” explained Johnson. “We are working to get our first responders, hospitals, and long-term care facilities the personal protective equipment that they need to continue to serve our community.  We are working at getting more public health staff and volunteers trained to do contact investigations. And we continue to work with the hospitals to make sure people can get tested quickly.”

With the identification of a new case, Public Health officials are working closely with the State to identify any impacts this may have on the ability to apply for a variance.  A request to clarify the impact has been sent to the Department of Health.

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 1 case

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

County commissioners briefed on COVID-19 response, status of variance application

Representatives from Grays Harbor County Public Health’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor County Emergency Operations Center briefed County commissioners today on the County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grays Harbor County has had 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19; no new cases have been identified since April 12. Since Grays Harbor County has not had any new cases identified in the last 3 weeks, the County is eligible to apply for a variance under Governor Inslee’s phased plan to re-open Washington. A variance would allow Grays Harbor County to move to phase 2 of the Governor’s plan.

“The Incident Management Team is working to identify and address any gaps in our County's capacity and capability to respond.  Our goal is to provide the community with the best plan to move forward, ” said Leonard Johnson, Incident Commander. “Today we briefed Commissioners on the variance application process and provided them a snapshot of where our County is in terms of being able to apply for this variance.”

There are four steps to requesting a variance that would allow the County to move from phase 1 to phase 2:

1. Grays Harbor County Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher, submits a signed recommendation and variance plan to the Grays Harbor County Board of Health. The variance plan must demonstrate that the County has the capacity and supplies to (a) test anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, (b) quickly perform case investigations and contact tracing, (c) provide isolation and quarantine facilities and support to people who do not have a home or are unable to isolate or quarantine in their home, and (d) plans and resources to rapidly respond to outbreaks in the community and within congregate settings.

2. The Grays Harbor County Board of Health votes on the variance plan. A majority vote is required to move forward.

3. Grays Harbor County Hospitals certify, by letter, that they have adequate capacity and supplies to serve their community.

4. The Grays Harbor County Board of County Commissioners votes on the variance plan.

The plan requires that certain criteria be submitted for consideration by the Washington State Department of Health for a determination by the Secretary of Health.  The criteria include: testing availability and accessibility, number of tests performed weekly over a three week period, ability to investigate and trace cases of COVID 19, plans for isolation and quarantine facilities with the necessary services to manage COVID 19 and resources to rapidly respond to outbreaks in the community and congregate settings.  The Secretary of Health has the final approval process for variances.  Variances are also subject to being revoked if a significant outbreak occurs or circumstances change with any of the criteria.

“We are working diligently to answer all of the questions included in the variance application process,” said Johnson.  “The most important goal in developing this plan is protecting the health of Grays Harbor county residents and re-opening in a way that reduces the potential for a sudden outbreak of COVID 19.”

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 0 cases

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Phase 1 of reopening Washington starts May 5, 2020

Tomorrow marks the first day of Governor Inslee’s phased reopening of Washington State

Tomorrow, Grays Harbor County, along with the rest of the State of Washington, moves to phase 1 of Governor Inslee's Phased Reopening as announced Friday, May 1. During phase 1:

• High-risk populations: continue to stay home, stay healthy.

• Recreation: some outdoor recreation allowed, including hunting, fishing, golf, boating, and hiking.

• Social or spiritual gatherings: not allowed. Drive-in spiritual service with one household per vehicle allowed.

• Travel: essential travel and limited non-essential travel for phase 1 permissible activities.

• Business/employers: essential businesses open, existing construction that meets agreed upon criteria, landscaping, auto/RV/boat/ORV sales, retail (curbside pick-up orders only), car washes, pet walkers.

The phased plan includes the opportunity for counties that have not had any new COVID-19 cases in the past 3 weeks to apply for a variance that would allow them to move to a less restrictive phase before the rest of the state. At this time, Grays Harbor County is eligible to apply for a variance.

“We are eager to make decisions as soon as possible about opening up public life and our economy.  We received final guidance on the process to apply to the Washington State Department of Health for a variance this morning so we now have a roadmap for the process and an established method to submit the request to the State,” says Karolyn Holden, Director of Grays Harbor County Public Health.

The Grays Harbor County COVID-19 Incident Management Team is working quickly to identify gaps in capacity and to push requests for assistance in acquiring the materials (test kits, PPE) necessary to have a successful request for a variance. The timeline for the Incident Management Team to have those things in place depends a great deal on the ability to acquire enough of those items to be ready for a surge in cases that may occur after moving to phase 2. In the meantime, Grays Harbor County will remain at phase 1.

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 0 cases

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Grays Harbor COVID-19 Policy Group is closely monitoring County’s readiness to re-open

Today Governor Jay Inslee announced an extension of his Stay Home, Stay Healthy order until May 31, 2020.  Governor Inslee also shared details of his Plan to Re-open Washington.

The plan includes the opportunity for counties that have not had any new COVID-19 cases in the past 3 weeks to apply for a variance that would allow them to move to a less restrictive phase before the rest of the state.

 At this time, Grays Harbor County is eligible to apply for a variance. However, before a variance can be approved by Washington State Secretary of Health, Grays Harbor County must submit a plan that demonstrates the readiness and capacity of our local health care and public safety systems in four key areas.

1. Health care system readiness to provide care for, including critical care, for a large number of people in a short period of time.  This includes the availability of adequate beds, ventilators, and PPE.

2. Enough supplies, PPE, and personnel to immediately test everyone with COVID-19 symptoms and those with high-risk exposures.

3. Enough trained staff and volunteers to rapidly isolate people with COVID-19, support their needs while they are in isolation and trace and support quarantine in their close contacts.

4. Enough personnel, PPE, and testing equipment to rapidly respond to outbreaks in congregate living situations such as long term care facilities and homeless shelters.

Grays Harbor County Public Health’s response to COVID-19 has been coordinated by an Incident Management Team (IMT) staffed by many local public health, public safety, health care, and emergency response personnel.  The Incident Management Team’s activities are directed by the Grays Harbor COVID-19  Policy Group composed of County law enforcement, Emergency Management, EMS, public health, and elected officials.

The Grays Harbor COVID-19 Policy Group will assess the County’s readiness to apply for a variance to the Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.  Currently, there are several areas of concern that will need to be addressed:

• Local health care facilities are currently unable to get enough PPE through regular or emergency supply chains to resume regular health care activities such as elective surgeries or expanded COVID-19 testing.

• Grays Harbor County Emergency Management is currently unable to acquire adequate testing supplies in a predictable way.  The Grays Harbor County Health Officer is currently restricting testing to high priority groups to conserve test supplies until the supply chain opens up.

• Grays Harbor County Public Health lacks an adequate number of trained staff to rapidly isolate and investigate large numbers of new COVID-19 cases.

• The Grays Harbor COVID-19 Policy Group is aware that there are many local people who are fearful that people from more populous areas where COVID-19 is more prevalent will introduce infection into local communities, and the Policy Group is concerned about the effect that those fears and tensions may have on public safety.

“This continues to be an uncertain and stressful time for all of us. People’s lives have been disrupted. Many people are experiencing financial hardship and many are worried about their health and the health of the people they love,” said Karolyn Holden, Director of Grays Harbor County Public Health and member of the Grays Harbor COVID-19 Policy Group. “The Grays Harbor COVID-19 Policy Group is eager to support our local communities in a safe return to public life. Although the case counts in Grays Harbor County remain fairly low and we have not had any cases in long-term care facilities, we know that we are at a critical point in our response and that we must make careful decisions about re-opening our community. ”

The Grays Harbor COVID-19 Policy Group will continue to closely monitor local capacity and readiness to respond to the increased transmission of COVID-19 that may occur if social distancing measures are relaxed.

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Friday is final day of community-based drive-through testing

Public Health’s call center will continue to make referrals to other local testing facilities

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Community-based drive-through testing

The community-based drive-through testing site at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen will remain open through tomorrow, Friday, May 1, 2020. Since opening the testing site on April 15, Grays Harbor Public Health, along with the Washington State National Guard and local public service agencies, have tested 490 people for COVID-19. So far, there have been no positive test results from this testing site.

After Friday, May 1, Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. Please note that the call center’s hours of operation will once again be Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Two days remain of community-based drive-through testing

Friday, May 1, 2020 will be final day of community-based drive-through testing in Aberdeen

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Response Update

The community-based drive-through testing site at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen will remain open through Friday, May 1, 2020. If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 and are 18 years or older, call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM to schedule an appointment. You do not need to be a Grays Harbor County resident to be tested. Testing services are available in both English and Spanish.

Since opening the testing site on April 15, Grays Harbor Public Health, along with the Washington State National Guard and local public service agencies, have tested 458 people. So far, there have been zero positive tests results from this testing site. Testing at the site is done with a nasal swab to identify people who are ill with COVID-19. Antibody testing is currently not available. Grays Harbor Public Health will continue to monitor the research on antibody testing and how antibody testing will fit into managing the pandemic.

After May 1, Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to coordinate other local testing options and staff a call center that will assist people with testing referrals.

Recreate responsibly

While some state properties are opening back up following Governor Inslee’s announcement on Monday about easing outdoor recreation restrictions, the beach approaches in the city of Westport as well as those maintained by Grays Harbor County are currently closed and will remain closed after the State’s recreation restrictions ease on May 5.

As some recreation opportunities begin to open back up, keep in mind these recommendations:

Before going, check with local cities and parks to ensure they are open. Do not go anywhere that is closed. Be sure to stay close to home and avoid unnecessary travel to recreate. Be prepared for restroom facilities to be closed. Stay home if you are feeling sick.

While you are out, make sure you maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. Wear a mask when you are around others and practice good hygiene. Be sure to leave no trace while enjoying the outdoors.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Keep social distancing in mind as recreation opens up

As recreation areas across the state begin to open up, please recreate responsibly

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Recreate responsibly

As Governor Inslee announced easing outdoor recreation restrictions yesterday, Grays Harbor Public Health would like to remind residents to recreate responsibly. As recreation opportunities begin to open back up, keep in mind these recommendations:

Before going, check with local cities and parks to ensure they are open. Do not go anywhere that is closed. Be sure to stay close to home and avoid unnecessary travel to recreate. Be prepared for restroom facilities to be closed. Stay home if you are feeling sick.

While you are out, make sure you maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. Wear a mask when you are around others and practice good hygiene. Be sure to leave no trace while enjoying the outdoors.

Community-based Drive-through Testing

The community-based drive-through testing site at Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen will remain open through Friday, May 1, 2020. If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 and are 18 years or older, call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM to schedule an appointment. You do not need to be a Grays Harbor County resident to be tested. Testing services are available in both English and Spanish.

Since opening the testing site on April 15, Grays Harbor Public Health, the Washington State National Guard, and local public service agencies have tested 431 people. So far, there have been zero positive tests results from this testing site. Testing at the site is done with a nasal swab to identify people who are ill with COVID-19. Antibody testing is currently not available. Grays Harbor Public Health will continue to monitor the research on antibody testing and how antibody testing will fit into managing the pandemic.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Final Week of Drive-Through testing in Aberdeen

Testing is done by nasal swab; antibody testing not currently offered

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Response efforts

Friday May 1, 2020 will be the final day of community-based drive-through testing in Aberdeen. This site has been in operation since April 15 and has tested 403 people. So far, there have been zero positive test results from this testing site. The site is operated at Grays Harbor College by Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team, the Washington National Guard, local public services agencies, and volunteer groups.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 and are 18 years or older, please do not hesitate to call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 and get a free test scheduled. You do not need to be a Grays Harbor County resident. Testing services are available in both English and Spanish. The call center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Monday through Friday.

Based on CDC information, the list of symptoms associated with COVID-19 includes: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.

Once the community-based drive-through testing site is closed, testing for priority populations will be coordinated through local hospitals according to Grays Harbor County Health Order 2020-06.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is done with a nasal swab to identify people who are ill with COVID-19. This testing site does not offer antibody testing for COVID-19. “Antibody testing is not currently our focus,” said Karolyn Holden, Grays Harbor Public Health Director. “We know that the recent announcements of antibody tests have been met with high hopes among health care providers, patients, and the media. But there has not been enough research done yet to know how accurate these tests are. We also don’t know yet how much immunity antibodies provide.” Grays Harbor Public Health will continue to monitor the research on antibody testing and how antibody testing will fit into managing the pandemic. 

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Drive-through COVID-19 testing continues at Grays Harbor College

Community-based drive-through testing extended through Friday, May 1, 2020

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Response efforts

Grays Harbor Public Health with the assistance of the Washington National Guard have tested 377 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15. Of these tests, there have been zero positive test results. As positive tests are identified, they will be counted based on the person’s county of residence. The testing site is remaining open until Friday, May 1, 2020 due to continued requests for testing appointments.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is done with a nasal swab to identify people who are ill with COVID-19. This testing site does not have the capabilities to test for antibodies to COVID-19. People who are interested in COVID-19 antibody testing should contact their primary care provider.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 and are 18 years or older, please do not hesitate to call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 and get a free test scheduled. You do not need to be a Grays Harbor County resident. Testing services are available in both English and Spanish. The call center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. After May 1, 2020 testing for COVID 19 will be coordinated with local hospitals.

Based on CDC information, the list of symptoms associated with COVID-19 includes:

• fever,

• cough,

• difficulty breathing,

• repeated shaking with chills,

• muscle pain,

• headache,

• sore throat,

• new loss of taste or smell.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team and Grays Harbor Emergency Operations Center provide the most accurate, timely information possible. For any questions about COVID-19 and our response call (360) 964-1850, email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov, or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Drive-through COVID-19 testing continues in Aberdeen

Community-based drive-through testing extended through Friday, May 1, 2020

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Response efforts

Grays Harbor Public Health and the Washington National Guard have tested 356 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15.

Due to continued requests for testing appointments, the testing site has been extended and will remain open through Friday, May 1, 2020.  The call center is open throughout the weekend to schedule appointments from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m at (360) 964-1850. After May 1, 2020 testing for COVID 19 will be coordinated with local hospitals.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is done with a nasal swab, to identify people who are ill with COVID-19. This testing site does not have the capabilities to test for antibodies to COVID-19. People who are interested in COVID-19 antibody testing should contact their primary care provider.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and available to anyone 18 years or older who has symptoms of COVID-19. Based on CDC information, the list of symptoms associated with COVID-19 now includes:

• fever,

• cough,

• difficulty breathing,

• repeated shaking with chills,

• muscle pain,

• headache,

• sore throat,

• new loss of taste or smell.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not hesitate to call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 and get a test scheduled. You do not need to be a Grays Harbor County resident. Testing services are available in both English and Spanish.

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

For questions about COVID-19 call (360) 964-1850 or email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Drive-through COVID-19 testing continues in Aberdeen

Community-based drive-through testing extended through Friday, May 1, 2020

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Response efforts

Grays Harbor Public Health and the Washington National Guard have tested 330 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15.

Because of continued requests for testing appointments, the drive-through testing site has been extended and will remain open through Friday, May 1, 2020. “We have had a steady demand for tests, so we are pleased to be able to continue to work with the Washington National Guard to offer this testing site to the community,” said Karolyn Holden, Grays Harbor County Public Health Director.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and available to anyone 18 years or older who has symptoms of COVID-19. Based on CDC information, the list of symptoms associated with COVID-19 now includes:

• fever,

• cough,

• difficulty breathing,

• repeated shaking with chills,

• muscle pain,

• headache,

• sore throat,

• new loss of taste or smell.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not hesitate to call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 and get a test scheduled. You do not need to be a Grays Harbor County resident. Testing services are available in both English and Spanish.

Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center is open from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The call center will operate 7 days/week for the duration of the community-based drive-through testing site. Once the testing site closes, our call center will resume its Monday through Friday schedule. 

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

For questions about COVID-19 call (360) 964-1850 or email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Drive-through COVID-19 testing continues in Aberdeen

Community-based drive-through testing will be available through Monday, April 27, 2020

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

On April 22, Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management team learned that a healthcare worker who had worked at Grays Harbor Community Hospital was diagnosed with COVID-19. In collaboration with Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Grays Harbor County Health Officer, our staff completed contact tracing and notified any contacts that were potentially exposed. Please note: Cases of COVID-19 are assigned to the patient’s county of residence. Because this healthcare worker does not live in Grays Harbor County, this case will not be included in our county’s case count.

Response efforts

Grays Harbor Public Health and the Washington National Guard have tested 292 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15. The drive-through testing site will remain open until Monday, April 27, 2020. Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and available to anyone 18 years or older who has symptoms of COVID-19 (fever [subjective or measured] or cough or shortness of breath). You do not need to be a Grays Harbor County resident. Testing services are available in both English and Spanish.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not hesitate to call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 and get a test scheduled.

Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center is open from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The call center will operate 7 days/week for the duration of the community-based drive-through testing site. Once the testing site closes, our call center will resume its Monday through Friday schedule. 

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

For questions about COVID-19 call (360) 964-1850 or email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Drive-through COVID-19 testing continues in Aberdeen

Community-based drive-through testing will be available through Monday, April 27, 2020

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

No additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grays Harbor County since April 12. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Response efforts

Grays Harbor Public Health and the Washington National Guard have tested 256 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15. There has yet to be a positive test from the testing site.

The drive-through testing site will remain open until Monday, April 27, 2020. The testing site is able to operate due to the efforts of local emergency and incident management personnel and volunteers. Grays Harbor College is providing the location for us to host this essential service for the community.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and available to anyone 18 years or older who has symptoms of COVID-19 (fever [subjective or measured] or cough or shortness of breath). You do not need to be a Grays Harbor County resident.

Re-testing is also available to people who were tested prior to Sunday, April 19, due to a recall of testing supplies. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the recall does not affect the tests’ results and does not present a health risk to patients, but Grays Harbor Public Health is offering re-tests for patients’ peace of mind.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not hesitate to call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850 and get a test scheduled.

Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 call center is open from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The call center will operate 7 days/week for the duration of the community-based drive-through testing site. Once the testing site closes, our call center will resume its Monday through Friday schedule. 

Everyone should stay home and stay healthy. If you have to leave your home for essential activities, wear a cloth face covering.

For questions about COVID-19 call (360) 964-1850 or email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.