Evento de distribución gratuita de mascarillas faciales de tela a residentes elegibles este 9 de julio en la escuela Preparatoria de Aberdeen

El Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Grays Harbor coordinará la distribución de mascarillas para recogerlas desde su automóvil este jueves, 9 de julio, 2020 de las 10 a.m. a las 2 p.m. El Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Grays Harbor y el Equipo Comunitario para Respuestas de Emergencia (CERT) estarán en la escuela preparatoria de Aberdeen [Aberdeen High School], distribuyendo en forma gratuita dos (2) mascarillas reusables para cada una de las personas con ingresos menores al 200% del Nivel Federal de Pobreza establecido por el estado de Washington.

El lugar de distribución se pondrá en Aberdeen en la calle 4 entre las calles “G” y “H” en frente al campus de la escuela preparatoria de Aberdeen (ver mapa). No se requiere comprobante de ingresos, ni identificación. Ese es el primer lugar de distribución sin embargo, se planea otros lugares en fechas futuras.

Bajo la nueva proclamación del Gobernador Jay Inslee “Arriba las Mascarillas Washington” (Mask-up Washington], a todas las personas que vivan en el estado de Washington se les requiere que utilicen mascarillas faciales cuando estén en público y no puedan mantener la distancia social adecuada. El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor y el Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Grays Harbor, desean animar a quienes viven en el Condado de Grays Harbor a que cumplan con esa orden. Esas mascarillas faciales las proporcionó la Administración de Emergencias del Estado de WAshington [Washington State Emergency Management] y son con el proposito de ayudarle a cumplir con la orden del Gobernador.

Mask distribution event for eligible residents Thursday, July 9 at Aberdeen High School

Grays Harbor County Emergency Operations Center will be hosting a drive-up mask distribution event this Thursday, July 9, 2020 from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Grays Harbor County Emergency Operations Center and Grays Harbor Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be at Aberdeen High School distributing two (2) free, reusable face masks for every individual that is below the 200% Federal Poverty Level in Washington State.

The drive-up site will be set up on 4th Street in Aberdeen between G and H Streets in front of the Aberdeen High School campus (see map below). No identification or proof of income is required. This is the first site of multiple anticipated locations and dates. More information will be to come on future sites.

Under Governor Jay Inslee’s new proclamation, Mask Up, Washington, all residents are required to wear a face covering when in public and unable to adequately social distance. Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor County Emergency Operations Center would like to encourage all residents of Grays Harbor to comply with this order. These masks, provided by Washington State Emergency Management, are intended to help residents be able to comply with the Governor’s order.

Size of Family 2020 Federal Poverty Level 200% of FPL

Individuals $12,760 $25,520

Family of 2 $17,240 $34,480

Family of 3 $21,720 $43,440

Family of 4 $26,200 $52,400

Family of 5 $30,680 $61,360

Family of 6 $35,160 $70,320

Family of 7 $39,640 $79,280

Family of 8 $44,120 $88,240

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7 new cases since Sunday, July 5

Mask up, Washington in effect tomorrow

Over the past day, Grays Harbor Public Health and Grays Harbor Emergency Management were notified of 7 additional cases of COVID-19 among Grays Harbor County residents. This brings July’s total case count to 8. 1 case was identified on July 2, 6 cases were identified on July 5, and 1 case was identified on July 6.

Of the 7 cases identified in the past 24 hours, our case investigators have come to the conclusion that 3 of the 7 are close contacts of previously identified COVID-19 positive cases. 1 is a household member and the other 2 are household members of one another. The other 4 have unknown exposures and are not related to one another. Public Health is actively monitoring 8 of the 34 COVID-19 positive cases and monitoring over 30 close contacts.

Even though there were 7 cases in one day, Grays Harbor Public Health, the Washington State Department of Health, and the Center of Disease Control (CDC) do not classify this as an outbreak. Outbreaks are defined as 2 or more non-household cases epidemiologically linked within 14 days in a workplace, congregate living, or institutional setting.

Mask Up, Washington

On Thursday, July 2, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee and Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. John Weismen extended the mask mandate initially placed on Yakima County to all of Washington State. This mandate, referred to as Mask Up, Washington, takes effect tomorrow, July 7, 2020. Under this proclamation, businesses will not be allowed to serve any customer, services, or goods if they do not comply with the State-Wide face covering order. The Governor and Secretary of Health also announced a two week pause from any county moving forward in Safe Start’s Phased reopening. Grays Harbor County is currently in Phase 3.

Case counts

Grays Harbor County has 34 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 5 cases

• June 2020: 9 cases

• July 2020: 8 cases

Grays Harbor County Public Health continues to operate a COVID-19 Call Center to provide assistance for people with information and 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.

New case identified, case count now at 26

Phase 4 placed on pause; Reminder to stay safe this 4th of July

Grays Harbor Public Health was notified of a new case of COVID-19.  Public Health staff have completed the case investigation and have contacted close contacts.

 As Grays Harbor’s COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 Task Force and Grays Harbor County Emergency Operations Center is streamlining our approach to public information. There will no longer be press releases issued for each individual case. Rather, cases will be posted on Public Health’s website at http://www.healthyGH.org and Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc. Press releases will still be issued for significant events such as an outbreak of COVID-19 or new public health and safety measures.

 Grays Harbor County is in Phase 3 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan to re-open Washington. Governor Jay Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced Saturday, June 27, 2020,  the Washington State Department of Health is putting a pause on counties moving to Phase 4. Rising cases across the state and concerns about continued spread of the COVID virus have made Phase 4, which would essentially mean no restrictions, impossible at this time.

 "We decided to prohibit any counties from moving into Phase 4 at this time due to increasing COVID-19 activity across the state and significant rebounds in COVID-19 activity in several other states. The changes between Phase 3 and Phase 4, especially with regards to gathering size and occupancy rates, could further increase the spread of COVID-19 in our state, even in communities that have very low rates of disease. The progress we’ve made thus far is at risk, therefore we are making the prudent choice to slow down our phased approach to reopening,” states Wiesman.

 Grays Harbor County is still identifying new cases of COVID-19. It is therefore essential to continue to limit the number of people you have contact with, practice physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear face coverings in public. The upcoming holiday weekend will present opportunities for increased social gatherings. Please remember: outdoors is better than indoors; being masked is better than not being masked; and when you gather, think small groups - avoid crowds.

 Case counts
Grays Harbor County has 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases 

·         April 2020: 10 cases

·         May 2020: 5 cases

·         June 2020: 9 cases

 Grays Harbor County Public Health continues to operate a COVID-19 Call Center to provide assistance for people with information and 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.

New case identified, case count now at 25

Grays Harbor Public Health was notified of a new case of COVID-19 today.  Public Health staff have completed the case investigation and have contacted close contacts.

COVID-19 has impacted all parts of Grays Harbor County and new cases will continue to be diagnosed.  Up to 25% of people infected with COVID-19 do not experience symptoms.  As summer travel to our communities increases, it is increasingly impossible to know where and when you may be exposed to the virus.  It is therefore essential to continue to limit the number of people you have contact with, practice physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear face coverings in public.  

Compared to many other counties in western Washington, Grays Harbor County has experienced a low number of cases.  Limiting travel and contact with others outside your household can help our whole community by slowing the spread of the virus, especially to people who are at risk of serious disease.

For future updates on cases and information related to COVID-19 in Grays Harbor County, please visit Public Health’s website at http://www.healthyGH.org or http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.  The site is updated regularly and is the best source for current and accurate case counts, recommendations, and other information.

Case counts
Grays Harbor County has 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases 

·         April 2020: 10 cases

·         May 2020: 5 cases

·         June 2020: 8 cases

Grays Harbor County Public Health continues to operate a COVID-19 Call Center to provide assistance for people with information and 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.

New case identified, case count now at 24

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

As the County continues to progress in reopening phases, residents 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.

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.

Case counts

Grays Harbor County has 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

• March 2020: 2 cases 

• April 2020: 10 cases

• May 2020: 5 cases

• June 2020: 7 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 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 fue aprobado para la Fase 3

Grays Harbor fue aprobado para avanzar a la Fase 3 del Plan de Inicio Seguro del Gobernador Jay Inslee, para reabrir Washington. El 12 de junio, 2020, el Doctor John Bausher, Oficial de Salud del Condado Grays Harbor hizo recomendaciones al Consejo de Salud del Condado Grays Harbor para que solicitara al Departamento de Salud del Estado de Washington la variable para la Fase 3. Hoy, Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor recibió el aviso que la variable ha sido aprobada. El cambio de la Fase 2 a la Fase 3 entra en vigor de inmediato.

Mientras que el condado continúa progresando en reabrir, las personas de la comunidad deben tener en cuenta que COVID-19 continúa estando presente y el estar expuesto puede ocurrir todavía. El Condado de Grays Harbor ha tenido una tasa baja de casos dentro de nuestra comunidad. Para continuar siendo una comunidad segura y saludable, la Administración de Emergencias del Condado Grays Harbor quiere recordar a la población que continúa siendo importante el continuar con el distanciamiento social, el lavado de manos y la utilización de cubre cara lo más posible y limitar el número de personas con las que tiene contacto, ayudará mantener a todos saludables.

En la Fase 3, se recomienda sobremanera, pero no es requerido, que la población de alto riesgo continúe quedándose en casa, a menos que, participen en actividades permisible. Las actividades recreacionales se pueden ampliar a grupos de recreación al aire libre (50 o menos personas), gimnasios y albercas públicas (<50% de capacidad) y reuniones hasta 50 personas.
Se pueden reactivar los viajes no-esenciales. Los restaurantes/tabernas pueden tener un 75% de capacidad con mesas a un máximo de 10. Los bares pueden abrir a un 25% de capacidad. Los teatros para cine pueden reabrir a una capacidad del 50%. Bibliotecas, museos y todas las otras actividades de negocios que todavía no se han listado, con la excepción de los clubes nocturnos y eventos con más de 50 personas pueden reabrir.

Un sector de negocios en Fase 3 puede reabrir solo DESPUÉS de que el estado publique guias específicas para ese sector, o guia de fase genérica que aplica a todos los negocios abriendo en Fase 3. Los negocios solo se permiten reabrir en forma individual después de que pueda implementar esas guias. Las guias se pueden ver en: https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources/covid-19-reopening-guidance-businesses-and-workers.

Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor continúa operando el centro de llamadas COVID-19, que puede asistir a las personas con referidos a pruebas. La asistencia está disponible en inglés y en español. Llame 360-964-1850. El centro de llamadas está disponible de lunes a viernes de las 8:30 a.m. a las 12 del día y de las 12:30 p.m. a las 4 p.m.

Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor y El Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado Grays Harbor ofrece la información más exacta y oportuna. Para información sobre COVID-19 y nuestra respuesta, visite nuestro sitio web en http://www.healthyGH.org.  Síganos en Facebook http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

New cases identified, case count now at 23

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

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.

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.

Case counts
Grays Harbor County has 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

·         March 2020: 2 cases 

·         April 2020: 10 cases

·         May 2020: 5 cases

·         June 2020: 6 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 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 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.