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.

Drive-through testing extended through Monday

Community-based drive-through testing has been extended 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 216 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15. Due to the increasing demand for testing, 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 to make an appointment.

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. There is currently an abundance of tests and appointments available. Please take advantage of this opportunity.

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.

Recall on COVID-19 Testing Supplies

Community-Based Drive-Through tests have been recalled

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 164 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and is now available to anyone 18 years and older who has symptoms of COVID-19 (fever [subjective or measured] or cough or shortness of breath). Testing is available until Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at this site.

Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19’s call center is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at (360) 964-1850 Monday through Friday. The call center is available to schedule testing for anyone who meets criteria and answer any questions you may have. Testing is being performed by appointment only.

If you are showing symptoms, please do not hesitate to call our call center and get a test scheduled. There is currently an abundance of tests available to Grays Harbor County. Please take advantage of this opportunity.

Testing supplies recalled

It has come to the attention of Grays Harbor Public Health that testing supplies used at the community-based drive-through testing site prior to Sunday, April 19, 2020 have been recalled. 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.

The recall was made because of concerns about a quality control issue with viral transport media, the fluid that preserves a specimen during transport, such as one collected via nasal swab from a person being tested for COVID-19.

Washington State Department of Health notified the Grays Harbor Public Health Incident Management Team of the recall early on Sunday, April 19, 2020. Immediately, all testing supplies from the recalled batch were pulled from circulation at Grays Harbor’s testing site. Beginning Sunday, April 19, tests being performed at the community-based drive-through site are utilizing new testing supplies.

However, all 101 tests performed from Wednesday, April 15 through Saturday, April 18 at the drive-through testing site used testing supplies that are part of the recall. If you were tested with the recalled testing supplies, Grays Harbor Public Health is offering retests for peace of mind. We are confident that we have enough testing supplies to meet the demand even with retests occuring. If you are showing symptoms, please do not hesitate to call our call center and get a test scheduled.

Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19’s call center is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at (360) 964-1850. The call center is available to schedule testing for anyone who meets criteria or requests a retest and to answer any questions you may have. Testing is being performed by appointment only.

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 7 days/week from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Drive-Through Testing Open Until Wednesday, April 22, 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 124 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and is now available to anyone 18 years and older who has symptoms of COVID-19 (fever [subjective or measured] or cough or shortness of breath). Testing is available until Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at this site.

Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19’s call center is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at (360) 964-1850 Monday through Friday. The call center is available to schedule testing for anyone who meets criteria and answer any questions you may have. Testing is being performed by appointment only.

If you are showing symptoms, please do not hesitate to call our call center and get a test scheduled. There is currently an abundance of tests available to Grays Harbor County. Please take advantage of this opportunity.

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 7 days/week from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Drive-Through Testing Open to Anyone 18+ Showing Symptoms

Community-Based Drive-Through testing site open through at least Tuesday

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 102 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15. 42 people have tested negative for COVID-19; 60 tests are pending.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and is now available to anyone 18 years and older who has symptoms of COVID-19 (fever [subjective or measured] or cough or shortness of breath). Testing is available 7 days a week.

Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID-19’s call center is open 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at (360) 964-1850. The call center is available to schedule testing for anyone who meets criteria and answer any questions you may have. Testing is being performed by appointment only.

If you are showing symptoms, please do not hesitate to call our call center and get a test scheduled. There is currently an abundance of tests available to Grays Harbor County. Please take advantage of this opportunity.

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 7 days/week from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM or visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

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

Community-based drive-through testing site operating

Grays Harbor Public Health and the Washington National Guard have tested 79 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15. 22 people have tested negative for COVID-19; 57 tests are pending.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and is now available to anyone 18 years and older who has symptoms of COVID-19 (fever [subjective or measured] and cough and/or shortness of breath). “At this time, we are now able to open up the criteria for who can be tested at our community-based drive-through test site,” said Dr. John Bausher, Grays Harbor  County Health Officer. “We are grateful to the Washington State Public Health Lab for helping us secure the testing supplies we need to be able to test more people.”

Testing will continue daily as long as supplies permit. To make a testing appointment, call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850. The call center will be open over the weekend, from 8:30am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Patients wait in their cars for drive-through COVID-19 testing.

What people should do

• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850. A medical professional will talk to you about your testing options.

• Grays Harbor County residents 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.

Where to get information

• 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 currently staffed 7 days/week 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.

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.

Visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

Grays Harbor hospitals are still open for everyone

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

Community-based drive-through testing site operating

Grays Harbor Public Health and the Washington National Guard have tested 45 people for COVID-19 since opening a community-based drive-through testing site in Aberdeen on April 15. Results from these tests are expected to be available in as soon as 2 days.

Testing at the community-based drive-through site is free and is now available to anyone 18 years and older who has symptoms of COVID-19 (fever [subjective or measured] and cough and/or shortness of breath). “At this time, we are now able to open up the criteria for who can be tested at our community-based drive-through test site,” said Dr. John Bausher, Grays Harbor  County Health Officer. “We are grateful to the Washington State Public Health Lab for helping us secure the testing supplies we need to be able to test more people.”

Testing will continue daily as long as supplies permit. To make a testing appointment, call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at (360) 964-1850.

Hospitals still open for non-COVID-19 health issues

Grays Harbor Public Health, Grays Harbor Community Hospital, and Summit Pacific Medical Center want to remind all citizens of Grays Harbor that local hospitals are still open. Both hospitals in Grays Harbor County are taking precautions to reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in their facilities and encourage people who have illnesses not related to COVID-19 to seek medical attention.

“As an Emergency Department Provider, I have been overwhelmed by the community support and how this community has worked together to keep COVID-19 in check,” said Dr. Julie Buck, Grays Harbor County Emergency Medical Services Program Director, “But I am worried that some people who should be coming to see us might be staying away. I am anxious to get back to taking care of those who need us.”

Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Harbor Medical Group clinics encourage their patients to continue to seek care for chronic conditions, acute needs, well-child checks and immunizations during this pandemic.

“We have changed many processes to create a safe clinic environment for our patients to have a face-to-face visit with their provider.  We have also expanded services at our clinics to include telehealth, for patients that need to be seen, but are unable to come in for an appointment,” said Elizabeth Tschimperle, Executive Director of Harbor Medical Group.

To make an appointment, call Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s contact center at 1-866-537-2778. You will be triaged by a nurse and scheduled an appointment.

Summit Pacific Medical Center and Clinics also remain open to provide essential and emergency care. 

“We are concerned that patients may be skipping important health care visits or forgoing care because they are worried about entering a medical facility during these times,” said Lauri Bolton, Summit Pacific Medical Center spokesperson. “Extra precautions are in place to ensure we maintain a safe patient care environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We have suspended non-essential activities and limited visitor access to promote social distancing, and many of our employees are now working from home. Employees working on-site must wear a face mask and complete a symptom and temperature check before each shift. All patients are asked to mask and a contained respiratory care unit is designated for the evaluation and treatment of suspected COVID-19 patients.” As an alternative to visiting in person, patients may request a Virtual Primary Care Visit.

For more information or to schedule a virtual primary care visit with Summit Pacific Medical Center, call 360-346-2222 or visit https://summitpacificmedicalcenter.org/request-a-virtual-visit/

Drive-through COVID-19 testing site now open in Aberdeen

Call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center to make an appointment

Grays Harbor Public Health and the Washington Army National Guard opened a drive-through COVID-19 testing site this morning in Aberdeen. At least twenty people will be tested for COVID-19 during the site’s first day of operation.

Testing is free and available to people who have symptoms of COVID-19 (fever [subjective or measured] and cough and/or shortness of breath) and meet the criteria for priority populations outlined in Grays Harbor County Health Order 2020-04.

The Health Order’s priority populations are broad and include all essential workers AND their household members.

The testing site will run daily as long as supplies permit.

To make an appointment for COVID-19 testing, call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19  call center at (360) 964-1850. The call center is open 7 days/week between 8:30am - 4pm.

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 response update

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 is increasing the availability and accessibility of testing for essential workers in Grays Harbor County. Starting Wednesday, April 15, Grays Harbor Public Health, local public safety agencies, and the Washington Army and Air National Guard will be offering drive-through COVID-19 testing in Aberdeen.

Grays Harbor Public Health recognizes the importance of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “These workers are making it possible for our cities and county to continue to function during this crisis,” said Dr. John Bausher, Grays Harbor County Health Officer.

The list of essential workers is broad, and includes food service, grocery store, and farm workers. Public Health reminds everyone to respect social distancing guidelines when in stores and picking-up food.

“The people who are working to make sure we have access to food have the challenge of adapting to a new way of doing their jobs. We are supporting them, and other essential workers, by making sure they have access to testing. I want to thank all essential workers in Grays Harbor County - and encourage them to get tested if they have symptoms,” said Bausher.

Testing is available for people who:

·         Are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and

·         Are 18 years or older and

o   Are currently working outside their home (essential workers) or

o   Are living with someone who is working outside their home or

o   Are pregnant or

o   Have an underlying health condition or

o   Are experiencing homelessness

If you meet the above criteria, you are highly encouraged to be tested. Testing is by-appointment only. To make an appointment, call Grays Harbor Public Health’s COVID -19 Call Center at (360) 964-1850. The call center is open 7 days/week from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM to schedule appointments and answer questions about COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County. Testing will run daily as supplies permit.

What people should do

• Grays Harbor County residents 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 and can schedule you an appointment at our drive-through testing site. 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 available 7 days/week between 8:30am-4pm 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.

 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.

Visit our website at http://www.healthygh.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.