Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 11 confirmed case of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 Cases

·         April 2020: 9 Case

Three additional cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed on April 10. Public Health staff have reviewed the cases and notified close contacts. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Response efforts

Today, Crystal Dingler, the Mayor of the City of Ocean Shores, joined Governor Jay Inslee in a press briefing. Mayor Dingler highlighted the need for people around the state to stay home.

Don’t let sunshine and holidays distract you: Now more than ever – stay home, stay healthy. Grays Harbor Public Health wants to continue to remind residents to adhere to the critical Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. As the weather is getting nicer, it is okay to go outside for exercise. However, maintaining social distancing of at least six feet apart is going to help keep you and others healthy.

With Easter and Passover this weekend, family is on many peoples’ minds. It is important for everyone’s health that observations remain within your current household. “Naturally, things will be different for each of us this Easter weekend, but it can still be a time where faith and family are at the forefront.” Said Sean Jamieson, Sr. Pastor of Grays Harbor Foursquare Church in Central Park. “I encourage you to commit to think creatively about how we can all make this a wonderful weekend to remember while continuing to stay home and stay healthy.”

What people should do

·         Grays Harbor County resident should do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Stay home unless you need to pursue an essential activity like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.

·         Residents should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities, and cannot maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others. This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from non-household members and performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures. This is not a mandate that you must wear a face covering. It is considered an additional layer of protection.

·         If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, body aches and/or chills; cough; difficulty breathing), seek medical attention.

If you have a regular healthcare provider, call your provider.

If you 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. You can also call Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s primary care clinic for patients with respiratory symptoms at 1-866-537-2778 or Summit Pacific Medical Center’s Respiratory Care Unit nurse line at 360-346-2222.

Where to get information

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

·  Grays Harbor Public Health has set up a call center to answer questions about COVID-19. Call (360) 964-1850 or email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov.

o    The call center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM and is bi-lingual (English and Spanish).

o    Residents who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) can also call the call center for testing and medical care referrals.

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

About Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 response

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.

Grays Harbor Public Health works to improve the health and well-being of the people of Grays Harbor.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Essential workers who have symptoms of COVID-19 are eligible for testing

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases

·         April 2020: 6 cases

One additional case of COVID-19 was diagnosed on April 9. 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.

Response efforts

People who are considered essential workers under Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and have symptoms of COVID-19 are eligible for testing according to Grays Harbor County Health Officer Dr. John Bausher.

Because Grays Harbor County hospitals have limited amounts of COVID-19 testing supplies on hand, Dr. Bausher issued Grays Harbor County Health Order No. 2020-03 on March 31, 2020, requiring local hospitals and healthcare providers to only test certain groups of people for COVID-19.

“Grays Harbor Public Health’s incident management team is still working to bring more testing supplies and options to our County. In the meantime, we want to make sure that we continue to test people in our current priority groups,” said Bausher. “This includes essential workers like food service workers, grocery store staff, agriculture workers, and more.”

If you are an essential worker and your work requires you to leave home and you have symptoms of COVID-19, you may be eligible for testing.

• A complete list of essential workers is available at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed/essential-business

• Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, body aches and/or chills; cough; and difficulty breathing.

• If you 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.

What people should do

• Grays Harbor County resident should do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Stay home unless you need to pursue an essential activity like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.

• Residents should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities, and cannot maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others. This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from non-household members and performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures. This is not a mandate that you must wear a face covering. It is considered an additional layer of protection.

• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, body aches and/or chills; cough; difficulty breathing), seek medical attention.

  • If you have a regular healthcare provider, call your provider.

  • If you 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. You can also call Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s primary care clinic for patients with respiratory symptoms at 1-866-537-2778 or Summit Pacific Medical Center’s Respiratory Care Unit nurse line at 360-346-2222.

Where to get information

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

• Grays Harbor Public Health has set up a call center to answer questions about COVID-19. Call (360) 964-1850 or email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov.

  • The call center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM and is bi-lingual (English and Spanish).

  • Residents who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) can also call the call center for testing and medical care referrals.

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

About Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 response

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.

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Actualización de la respuesta ante COVID-19 de Salud Pública Grays Harbor

Trabajadores esenciales que tengan síntomas de COVID-19 son elegibles para pruebas.

Actualización de casos

El Condado de Grays Harbor tiene 8 casos confirmados de COVID-19.

·         Marzo, 2020: 2 casos

·         Abril, 2020: 6 casos

El 9 de abril, se diagnosticó un caso más de COVID-19. El personal de Salud Pública está revisando el caso y notificando a los contactos cercanos. El equipo de administración del incidente del departamento de Salud Pública de Grays Harbor está preparado para responder si se identifican casos adicionales.

Esfuerzos de respuesta

Los trabajadores considerados como esenciales, de conformidad con la orden del Gobernador Jan Inslee, “Quédese en Casa, Quédese Sano” y tienen síntomas de COVID-19 son elegibles para pruebas, esto de acuerdo con el Oficial de Salud del Condado Grays Harbor, Dr. John Bausher.

Los hospitales en el Condado Grays Harbor tienen a la mano cantidades limitadas de suministros para hacer pruebas COVID-19, por lo que el Dr. Bausher expidió la Orden de Salud del Condado Grays Harbor No. 2020-03, el 31 de marzo, 2020, requiriendo a los hospitales locales y a los proveedores de atención a la salud, el hacer pruebas solo a ciertas personas de la población, por el COVID-19.

“El equipo de administración del incidente del departamento Salud Pública de Grays Harbor está trabajando en traer más suministros para pruebas y opciones a nuestro condado. Mientras tanto, queremos asegurarnos de que continuamos haciendo pruebas a las personas en nuestros grupos que tienen actualmente prioridad”, dijo Bausher. “Esto incluye trabajadores esenciales como los de la industria de servicios alimenticios, el personal de tiendas de abastecimientos, los trabajadores agrícolas y otros más”.

Si usted es un trabajador esencial y su trabajo requiere que salga de casa y tiene síntomas de COVID-19, usted podría ser elegible para que le hagan una prueba.

• Encuentre una lista completa de trabajadores esenciales en https://coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed/trabajadores-esenciales-de-infraestructura-critica

• Los síntomas de COVID-19 incluyen fiebre, dolor de cuerpo y/o escalofríos; tos; y dificultades respiratorias.

• Si no tiene un proveedor regular de servicios de la salud, puede llamar al centro para llamadas en Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor COVID-19 al (360) 964-1850 y pida hablar un profesional médico que podrá evaluar si reúne o no el criterio para la prueba.

Lo que las personas deben hacer

• Las personas que residan en el condado Grays Harbor deben de hacer su parte en seguir la orden del Gobernador Jay Inslee, “Quédese en Casa, Quédese Sano”. Quédese en casa a menos que necesite ejercer una actividad esencial como comprar comestibles o ir a citas médicas.

• Cubrirse la cara con tela cuando vayan a estar en público. Por ejemplo, para ir a la tienda o para salir por cosas que necesite y no se puede mantener los 6 pies de distancia de otras personas. Esta recomendación no sustituye los lineamientos de mantenerse a una distancia de 6 pies de quienes no sean miembros de su hogar y lavado frecuente de las manos con agua y jabón o con un desinfectante de manos con base de alcohol. El cubrirse la cara con tela no previene la propagación del COVID-19, sin aplicar otras medidas protectoras. No es un mandato que usted se cubra la cara. Eso se considera una capa adicional de protección.

• Si tiene síntomas de COVID-19 (fiebre, dolores de cuerpo y/o escalofríos; tos, dificultades respiratorias), busque atención médica.
  
  Si tiene un proveedor regular de servicios de la salud, llame a su proveedor.
  
  Si no tiene un proveedor regular de servicios de la salud, puede llamar al centro para llamadas de Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor COVID-19, (360) 964-1850 y pida hablar con un profesional médico que podrá evaluar si reúne o no el criterio para la prueba. También, puede llamar a la clínica para pacientes con síntomas respiratorios del hospital Grays Harbor Community Hospital 1-866-537-2778 o a la línea de la “Unidad de Atención Respiratoria” de Summit Pacific Medical Center al 360-346-2222.

Dónde obtener información

El equipo de administración del incidente está trabajando para obtener información en cuanto esté disponible.

• Salud Pública de Grays Harbor ha establecido un centro de llamadas para contestar preguntas sobre COVID-19. Llame al (360) 964-1850 o covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov

  • El centro de llamadas tiene personal bilingüe (inglés y español) que atiende de lunes a viernes de las 8:30 a.m. a las 4:00 p.m.

  • Las personas que viven en el condado y tienen síntomas de COVID-19 (fiebre, tos, dificultades respiratorias), pueden también llamar al centro de llamadas para referidos a pruebas y atención médica.

• Información y recursos locales sobre COVID-19, los encuentra también, en español en nuestro sitio web http://www.healthygh.org/covid19espanol

Respuesta de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor frente al COVID-19

El 17 de marzo, 2020, Salud Pública de Grays Harbor activó un equipo de administración del incidente para coordinar la respuesta local frente a la pandemia COVID-19.

Bajo la dirección de un grupo de reglamentos que incluye a oficiales locales, médicos y expertos en respuesta a emergencias, así como el Oficial de Salud del Condado Grays Harbor, el equipo de administración del incidente está utilizando lo mejor en salud pública y ciencias médica para controlar y mitigar la pandemia COVID-19.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 7 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases

·         April 2020: 5 cases

Response efforts

• No new cases identified today, April 8. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team continues to provide ongoing monitoring of diagnosed cases and remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

• Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team continues to coordinate and collaborate with community partners to develop plans and processes focused on prevention, information, early identification, and mitigation.

• Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team is continuing to work to bring more testing supplies and testing options to Grays Harbor County.

What people should do

• Grays Harbor County resident should do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Stay home unless you need to pursue an essential activity like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.

•  Residents should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities, and cannot maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others. This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from non-household members and performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures. This is not a mandate that you must wear a face covering. It is considered an additional layer of protection.

• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), seek medical attention.

  • If you have a regular healthcare provider, call your provider.

  • If you 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. You can also call Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s primary care clinic for patients with respiratory symptoms at 1-866-537-2778 or Summit Pacific Medical Center’s Respiratory Care Unit nurse line at 360-346-2222.

Where to get information

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

• Grays Harbor Public Health has set up a call center to answer questions about COVID-19. Call (360) 964-1850 or email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov.

  • The call center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM and is bi-lingual (English and Spanish).

  • Residents who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) can also call the call center for testing and medical care referrals.

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

About Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 response

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.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Resources available to help manage anxiety and depression

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 7 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases

·         April 2020: 5 cases

Response efforts

• One additional case of COVID-19 was identified on April 7. Public health staff have reviewed the case and notified all close contacts. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Resources for managing anxiety and depression

Feelings of fear, anxiety or depression are common in times of uncertainty, including this current COVID-19 situation. Fear and anxiety about the disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.

Grays Harbor Public Health is sharing tools and resources that help people cope with stress and support their mental wellbeing. By caring for yourself and others, you will help make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

These resources are available to help support your mental health or that of a loved one:

• Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety (virusanxiety.com)

• Free Online Therapy and Resources for Mental Health and Substance Problems (for people living in Grays Harbor County) (thrivegrays.org)

• How to Help Someone with Anxiety or Depression during COVID-19 (mentalhealthfirstaid.org)

• Resources to Support Mental Health and Coping with the Coronavirus (sprc.org)

If you feel so overwhelmed that you struggle to get through the day, call your health care provider, therapist, or mental health provider and set up a telemedicine appointment. And if you are in crisis, don’t hesitate to call the 24-Hour Crisis Line at 866-427-4747 or text HEAL to 741741 to get confidential text access to a trained crisis counselor any time of the day or night.

What people should do

• Grays Harbor County resident should do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Stay home unless you need to pursue an essential activity like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.

• Residents should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities, and cannot maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others. This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from non-household members and performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures. This is not a mandate that you must wear a face covering. It is considered an additional layer of protection.

• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), seek medical attention.

  • If you have a regular healthcare provider, call your provider.

  • If you 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. You can also call Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s primary care clinic for patients with respiratory symptoms at 1-866-537-2778 or Summit Pacific Medical Center’s Respiratory Care Unit nurse line at 360-346-2222.

Where to get information

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

• Grays Harbor Public Health has set up a call center to answer questions about COVID-19. Call (360) 964-1850 or email covid19@co.graysharbor.wa.gov.

  • The call center is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM and is bi-lingual (English and Spanish).

  • Residents who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) can also call the call center for testing and medical care referrals.

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

About Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19 response

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.

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.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Case updates

Grays Harbor County has 6 confirmed case of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 Cases

·         April 2020: 4 Case

Response efforts

 Recent accomplishments

Grays Harbor Public Health has completed disease investigations for the three recently identified cases. Personal information gathered during this process is legally protected and will not be disclosed by Grays Harbor Public Health.

Close contacts of the patients are being monitored for symptoms. If you were a known close contact of one of the patient’s, you would have been contacted by our disease investigators.

Cases are assigned to the county where the patient resides. One of the recently identified cases, while a Grays Harbor County resident, has not been in the County.

Current priorities

The Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are now recommending that all residents wear cloth face coverings in public. However, people should not use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker, such as an N95 or surgical mask. These masks need to be reserved for healthcare workers who come into close contact with sick people all day. The rest of us do not need this level of protection.

 “N95 masks protect you,” said Dr. John Bausher, Grays Harbor County Health Officer. “Cloth masks help protect others. Please wear a cloth mask and remember to wash it often.”

 Some of us will get COVID-19 and not have any symptoms at all or might be contagious before we get symptoms. If you decide to wear a cloth face covering, you are doing it to protect others from a virus you do not know whether you might carry. Wearing a cloth face covering in public places is an act of compassion.

Residents should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities, and cannot maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others. This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from non-household members and performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures. This is not a mandate that you must wear a face covering. It is considered an additional layer of protection.

 These masks can be constructed with common household fabrics and are fairly simple to make. Dr. Jerome Adams, the U.S. Surgeon General shows you how in his video How to make Your own Face Covering.

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 County resident should do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Stay home unless you need to pursue an essential activity like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.

•  If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), seek medical attention.

  • If you have a regular healthcare provider, call your provider.

  • If you 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. You can also call Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s primary care clinic for patients with respiratory symptoms at 1-866-537-2778.

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 6 confirmed case of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 Cases

·         April 2020: 4 Case

 Response efforts

Three additional cases of COVID-19 were identified on April 4. Public health staff are reviewing the cases and notifying close contacts. Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

 Current priorities

The best way to prevent spread of COVID-19 is washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, not touching your face, and staying at home as much as possible. Residents should continue to follow Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and only leave their home for essential activities.

Testing continues to be available for those that meet the criteria established by Dr. John Bausher, Grays Harbor County Health Officer. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 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.

 A flyer with information about COVID-19 and our call center number is available for download and printing (see attachment). If your business or organization would like copies for posting, please email covid19@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

 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 County resident should do their part by following Governor Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Stay home unless you need to pursue an essential activity like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.

• Residents should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities, and cannot maintain 6 feet of physical distance from others. This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from non-household members and performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures. This is not a mandate that you must wear a face covering. It is considered an additional layer of protection.

• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), seek medical attention.

  • If you have a regular healthcare provider, call your provider.

  • If you 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. You can also call Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s primary care clinic for patients with respiratory symptoms at 1-866-537-2778.

 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

 One new case of COVID 19 has been identified in Grays Harbor County today.  Case investigation has reviewed the case and will continue to monitor.  Over the weekend, Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team (IMT) remains prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

 Grays Harbor County has 3 confirmed case of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 Cases

·         April 2020: 1 Case

 Response efforts

 Recent accomplishments

 The Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team made progress today on establishing a short-term isolation and quarantine facility.  Two sites have been identified to provide this resource within the community, other locations are also being considered for temporary housing as needed for healthcare workers and first responders.

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 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

 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 medical supplies to our county. This incudes testing supplies for both hospitals as well as personal protective equipment supplies for all healthcare workers and first responders throughout Grays Harbor 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.

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

 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.