Grays Harbor County is approved for phase 3 variance

Grays Harbor has been approved to move to Phase 3 of Governor Jay Inslee’s Safe Start
approach to reopening Washington. On June 12, 2020, Grays Harbor County Public
Health Officer Dr. John Bausher made recommendation to the Grays Harbor County
Board of Health to apply to the Washington State Department of Health for Phase 3
variance. Grays Harbor Public Health has received notice today that the variance has
been approved. The change from Phase 2 to Phase 3 is effective immediately.

As the County continues to progress in reopening phases, citizens in the community
need to be mindful that COVID-19 is still present and that exposure may still occur.
Grays Harbor County has experienced a low rate of cases within our community. In
order to remain a safe and healthy community, Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays
Harbor County Emergency Management want to remind citizens that it is still important
to maintain social distancing, wash your hands and wear face coverings whenever
possible in public. Staying home as much as possible and limiting the number of people
you come in contact with will help keep everyone healthy.

In Phase 3, it is still strongly encouraged, but not required, that high-risk populations
continue to stay home unless engaging in permissible activities. Recreational activities
are able to expand such as outdoor group recreations (50 or fewer people), gyms and
public pools (<50% capacity), and gatherings up to 50 people. Non-essential travel is
able to resume. Restaurants/taverns can have 75% capacity with table sizes no larger
than 10. Bars can reopen to 25% capacity. Movie theaters can reopen to 50% capacity.
Libraries, museums, and all other business activities not yet listed with the exception of
nightclubs and events with greater than 50 people can reopen.

An individual Phase 3 business sector may reopen only AFTER the state publishes its guidelines for the specific sector, or generic phase guidance which applies to all businesses opening in Phase 3. An
individual business is only allowed to reopen after it can implement those guidelines. The guidelines can be accessed at https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources/covid-19-reopening-gui
dance-businesses-and-workers.

Grays Harbor County Public Health continues to operate a COVID-19 Call Center that can
assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.
Call (360) 964-1850. The Call Center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am-12pm
and 12:30pm-4pm.

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

New case identified, case count now at 21

Grays Harbor County Public Health and Grays Harbor County Emergency Management have been notified of one additional case of COVID-19. Public Health staff have completed a case investigation and have notified all close contacts. Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 Task Force is prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Public Health is required to safeguard people’s protected health information by law. Information collected during a disease investigation is Protected Health Information (PHI) and is legally protected by The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. This act applies even during a pandemic such as COVID-19. Please show compassion and support for individuals who are sick and respect their right to privacy.

Grays Harbor Public Health is still waiting to hear from the Washington Department of Health on phase 3 variance. The additional case should not affect the county’s ability to move to phase 3.

Case counts
Grays Harbor County has 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases 

·         April 2020: 10 cases

·         May 2020: 5 cases

·         June 2020: 4 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. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am-12pm and 12:30pm-4pm.

Grays Harbor County is in phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to re-open Washington. Remember, staying home is still safest, but if you do go out: stay six feet from others, wear a face covering, wash your hands, and stay local.

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

Grays Harbor County has applied for phase 3 variance

Today, upon recommendation from Grays Harbor Public Health Officer, Dr. John Bausher, and approval by both Grays Harbor County Board of Health and Grays Harbor County Board of Commissioners, Karolyn Holden, Director of Grays Harbor County Public Health submitted an application to the Washington State Department of Health for Grays Harbor County to move to phase 3 of Governor Jay Inslee’s Safe Start approach to reopening Washington.

Grays Harbor County will remain in phase 2 until the variance application for phase 3 is approved by Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. John Weisman. Grays Harbor Public Health expects to receive a decision from the Washington State Secretary of Health sometime next week. Application approval will be determined based on Grays Harbor County’s disease activity and readiness/capabilities to respond if an outbreak should occur.

In phase 3, additional recreational activities will be able to resume as well as many businesses approved for reopening and restaurants may increase their capacity.

Unlike phase 2, there will not be industry specific guidance for businesses in phase 3. However, each business or entity operating in phase 3 must develop a written Safety Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19 that is at least as protective as the requirements from the Department of Labor and Industry. Businesses can obtain further information and a Safety Plan template at https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/BusinessTemplate_Phase3_1.pdf.

Case counts
Grays Harbor County has 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases 

·         April 2020: 10 cases

·         May 2020: 5 cases

·         June 2020: 3 cases

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 Task Force is prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am-12pm and 12:30pm-4pm.

Grays Harbor County is in phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to re-open Washington. Remember, staying home is still safest, but if you do go out: stay six feet from others, wear a face covering, wash your hands, and stay local.

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

New case identified, case count now at 20

Grays Harbor County Public Health and Grays Harbor County Emergency Management have been notified of the 20th case of COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County today.  Public Health staff have completed a case investigation and have notified all close contacts. Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 Task Force is prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

 Case counts
Grays Harbor County has 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases 

·         April 2020: 10 cases

·         May 2020: 5 cases

·         June 2020: 3 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. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am-12pm and 12:30pm-4pm.

Grays Harbor County is in phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to re-open Washington. Remember, staying home is still safest, but if you do go out: stay six feet from others, wear a face covering, wash your hands, and stay local.

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

COVID-19 patient transferred to Stafford Creek Corrections Center

Stafford Creek Corrections Center would like to notify the public that an incarcerated
individual, who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 and was treated
accordingly, was transferred from another facility to Stafford Creek today for treatment
of an underlying health condition. The facility is taking seriously the health and safety of
all individuals in the facility and utilizing all precautions available to them. Since the
inmate is not a resident of Grays Harbor County, they will not be added as a confirmed
case for the county.

Case counts
Grays Harbor County has 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
● March 2020: 2 cases
● April 2020: 10 cases
● May 2020: 5 cases
● June 2020: 2 cases

Grays Harbor County Public Health and Grays Harbor County Emergency Management
were notified of the 19 th case of COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County today. Public Health
staff have conducted a case investigation and contacted all close contacts. This is not the
same case that was transferred to Stafford Creek Correctional Facility. Grays Harbor
Public Health COVID-19 Task Force is prepared to respond if any additional cases are
identified.

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that
will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and
Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. The call center is available Monday through Friday,
8:30am-12pm and 12:30pm-4pm.

Grays Harbor County is in phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to re-open
Washington. Staying home is still your safest option. If you have to leave for essential
travel, wear a cloth face covering. Please ensure social distancing of at least 6 feet apart
and remember to wash your hands.

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

New case identified, case count now at 18

Grays Harbor County Public Health and Grays Harbor County Emergency Management have been notified of the 18th case of COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County today.  Public Health staff have completed a case investigation and have notified all close contacts. Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 Task Force is prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Case counts

Grays Harbor County has 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases 

·         April 2020: 10 cases

·         May 2020: 5 cases

·         June 2020: 1 case

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am-12pm and 12:30pm-4pm.

Grays Harbor County is in phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to re-open Washington. Staying home is still your safest option. If you have to leave for essential travel, wear a cloth face covering. Please ensure social distancing of at least 6 feet apart and remember to wash your hands.

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

New case identified, case count now at 17

Grays Harbor County Public Health and Emergency Management have been notified of the 17th case of COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County today.  Public Health staff are reviewing the case and notifying close contacts. Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 Task Force is prepared to respond if any additional cases are identified.

Case counts

Grays Harbor County has 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases 

·         April 2020: 10 cases

·         May 2020: 5 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. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am-12pm and 12:30pm-4pm.

Grays Harbor County is in phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to re-open Washington. Staying home is still your safest option. If you have to leave for essential travel, wear a cloth face covering. Please ensure social distancing of at least 6 feet apart and remember to wash your hands.

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

Grays Harbor County’s phase two variance request approved

Grays Harbor County’s request to enter Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start Plan has been approved by Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. John Wiesman.

The variance is effective immediately and carries conditions that must be met for the County to maintain continued operation in Phase 2.  The letter approving the variance details the requirements and is posted on Public Health’s website at www.HealthyGH.org/directory/covid19guidance.  The variance changes or modifies many of the conditions for businesses, recreation, gatherings, and travel.

Businesses must ensure that they have appropriate social distancing measures and health standards in place before opening.  Industry-specific guidance, as well as an online form for individuals wishing to report businesses not in compliance with the Phase 2 guidance, is available at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start.

Businesses/employers that are able to open under the Phase 2 variance that was approved include:

• Remaining manufacturing

• Additional construction phases

• In-home/domestic services (nannies, housecleaning, etc.)

• Retail (in-store purchases allowed with restrictions)

• Real estate

• Professional services/office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)

• Hair and nail salons/barbers

• Pet grooming

• Restaurants/taverns <50% capacity and table size no larger than 5 (no bar-area seating)

Gatherings and recreational activities also change as part of Phase 2.  People may participate in certain activities involving 5 or fewer people outside of their household.  Gatherings are specifically limited to one per week.  To avoid compliance problems, people are encouraged to visit the Governor’s website to review requirements before participating in gatherings or recreational activities.

To continue to protect yourself from the COVID-19 disease, people in high-risk populations are strongly encouraged to limit their participation in Phase 2 activities and business services.  High-risk populations include persons 65 years of age and older or those who have an underlying medical or immune system problems.  Nursing homes and other long term care settings remain under certain restrictions; please contact them before attempting to visit family members.

Dr. John Bausher, the County’s Public Health Officer is pleased with the decision but urges caution.  “We’ve been fortunate here.  We’ve had very few cases of COVID-19 and that allows us to open things up a bit sooner,” he said.  “But we need to remember that COVID-19 is still out there and most of us are not immune.  I urge people to continue to use physical distancing and good hygiene so we don’t see an increase in disease.”   Continued use of cloth face coverings when away from home is recommended.

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm. Please note that the call center will be closed on Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday.  Testing resources and locations can be found on the Grays Harbor Public Health website at www.HealthyGH.org/directory/covid19.

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

Se aprueba la petición a Fase Dos por variables del Condado de Grays Harbor

Se aprueba la petición a Fase Dos por variables del Condado de Grays Harbor

El Secretario de Salud del Estado de Washington, Dr. John Wisman, aprobó la petición del Condado Grays Harbor para entrar a la Fase 2 del Plan de Inicio Seguro, establecido por el Gobernador Jay Inslee.

La variable entra en vigor de inmediato y conlleva condiciones que deben cumplirse para que la operación del Condado continúe en la Fase 2. La carta que aprueba los detalles de variables muestra los requerimientos detalladamente y está publicada en nuestro sitio web www.HealthyGH.org/directory/covid19guidance. La variable cambió o modificó muchas condiciones para los negocios, la recreación, reuniones y viajes.

Los negocios, antes de abrir deben de asegurarse que mantienen el distanciamiento apropiado y los estándares en su puesto. Los lineamientos específicos para la industria, así como un formulario para las personas que desean reportar algún negocio por no cumplir con los lineamientos de la Pase 2, está disponible en https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start.

El tipo de negocios/empleadores que puedan abrir bajo la Fase 2 que se aprobó incluye:

●       Producción/Manufactura restante

●       Construcción, fases adicionales

●       Servicios domésticos /en casa (nanas, limpieza, etc.)

●       Ventas al menudeo (con restricciones se permiten las copras en tiendas)

●       Bienes raíces

●       Servicios profesionales / negocios en oficina (teletrabajo continúa favoreciéndose)

●       Salas de estilistas, manicuristas y peluqueros

●       Aseo de mascotas

●       Restaurantes / tabernas <50% de capacidad y mesas para 5 o menos (sin servicios en el área de la barra)

Reuniones y actividades recreacionales también cambian como parte de la Fase 2. Las personas pueden participar en ciertas actividades con 5 o menos personas afuera del hogar. Las reuniones se limitan específicamente a una vez por semana. Para evitar problemas de incumplimiento, a las personas se les recomienda visitar el sitio web del gobernador para revisar los requerimientos, antes de efectuar reuniones o actividades recreacionales.

Para continuar con su propia protección contra la enfermedad COVID-19, a las personas en alto riesgo se les recomiendan que limiten bastante su partición en actividades y servicios de los negocios en la Fase 2. La población con mayor riesgo son personas de por lo menos 65 años o aquellas con problemas médicos ya sean subyacentes o del sistema inmunológico. Los asilos de ancianos y otros lugares de estancia a largo plazo continúan con ciertas restricciones, por favor antes de tratar de visitar a sus familiares ahí, comuníquese con ellos.

El Dr. John Bausher, Oficial de Salud del Condado Grays Harbor, se complace con la decisión, pero urge se tenga cautela. “Hemos sido muy afortunados aquí. Hemos tenido pocos acasos de COVID-19 y eso nos permite abrir un poquito antes” dijo él. “Pero recordemos que COVID-19 aun está ahí y la mayoría de nosotros no somos inmunes. Yo urjo a las personas que continúen con el distanciamiento físico y la buena higiene para que no volvamos a ver un aumento de la enfermedad”. Recomendamos se continúe cubriéndose la cara con tela, cuando no estén en casa.

Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor continuará operando el centro de llamadas COVID-19 para continuar asistiendo a las personas con referidos a pruebas. La asistencia está disponible en inglés y en español. Llamar al 360-964-1850. El horario del centro de llamadas es de lunes a viernes de las 8:30 a.m. a las 4 p.m. Por favor note que el centro de llamadas no operará el lunes 25 de mayo, por el día de fiesta por conmemoración de Los Caídos en la Guerra. Los recursos y ubicación para pruebas pueden encontrarse en el sitio de Salud Pública del Condado en www.HealthyGH.org/directory/covid19.

El Cuerpo Especial de Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor COVID-19 y el Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado Grays Harbor ofrece información lo más precisa y oportuna posible sobre COVID-19 y de nuestra respuesta. Visite nuestro sitio en http://www.healthyGH.org. Síganos en Facebook en http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

No word yet on variance application; new case identified, case count now at 16

On Wednesday, May 20, Karolyn Holden, Director of Grays Harbor County Public Health, submitted Grays Harbor County’s application for a variance to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to Washington State Secretary of Health, Dr. John Wiesman.

The application may be approved as submitted, approved with modifications, or denied. At the time of this press release, no decision has been received from the Secretary of Health; Grays Harbor County Public Health will announce the Secretary of Health’s decision as soon as it is received.

Case counts

Grays Harbor County has 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 4 cases

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

Grays Harbor County Public Health will continue to operate a COVID-19 call center that will assist people with testing referrals. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. Call (360) 964-1850. The call center is available Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4pm. Please note that the call center will be closed on Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case counts

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 3 cases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case count updated

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 3 cases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case count updated

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

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 3 cases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case updates

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 1 case

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

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

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

Grays Harbor County COVID-19 case count adjusted

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

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

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

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

Case updates

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 1 case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case updates

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 2 cases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case updates

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 2 cases

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case updates

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 1 case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case updates

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 0 cases

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

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

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

Phase 1 of reopening Washington starts May 5, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case updates

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

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 0 cases

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

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

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