There have been no additional positive COVID-19 test results reported in Grays Harbor County since two were announced Sunday, according to results released by Grays Harbor County Public Health as of Friday afternoon. And county officials have expanded testing to anyone who is at least 18 and experiencing symptoms — fever, cough and/or shortness of breath.
The number of confirmed cases stands at 12, according to Public Health numbers, two reported in March and 10 in April.
The Public Health and Washington National Guard community-based drive through testing site that opened Wednesday had administered 45 tests as of Thursday evening. Results of those tests are expected to be available in a few days, according to Public Health.
“At this time, we are now able to open up the criteria for who can be tested at our community-based drive-through test site,” said Dr. John Bausher, Grays Harbor County Health Officer. “We are grateful to the Washington State Public Health Lab for helping us secure the testing supplies we need to be able to test more people.”
Testing will continue daily as long as supplies permit. To make a testing appointment, call the Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 call center at 360-964-1850.
Hospitals open for business
In their daily briefing, Grays Harbor Public Health, Grays Harbor Community Hospital, and Summit Pacific Medical Center encouraged people who have illnesses not related to COVID-19 to seek medical attention they need. Both hospitals in Grays Harbor County are taking precautions to reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 in their facilities, they said in a joint statement.
“As an Emergency Department Provider, I have been overwhelmed by the community support and how this community has worked together to keep COVID-19 in check,” said Dr. Julie Buck, Grays Harbor County Emergency Medical Services Program Director. “But I am worried that some people who should be coming to see us might be staying away. I am anxious to get back to taking care of those who need us.”
Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Harbor Medical Group clinics encourage their patients to continue to seek care for chronic conditions, acute needs, well-child checks and immunizations during the pandemic.
“We have changed many processes to create a safe clinic environment for our patients to have a face-to-face visit with their provider. We have also expanded services at our clinics to include telehealth, for patients that need to be seen but are unable to come in for an appointment,” said Elizabeth Tschimperle, Executive Director of Harbor Medical Group.
To make an appointment, call Grays Harbor Community Hospital’s contact center at 866-537-2778. You will be triaged by a nurse and scheduled for an appointment.
Summit Pacific Medical Center and Clinics also remain open to provide essential and emergency care.
“We are concerned that patients may be skipping important health care visits or forgoing care because they are worried about entering a medical facility during these times,” said Lauri Bolton, Summit Pacific Medical Center spokeswoman. “Extra precautions are in place to ensure we maintain a safe patient care environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Summit Pacific has suspended non-essential activities and limited visitor access to promote social distancing, and many employees are working from home, said Bolton. Employees working on-site must wear a face mask and complete a symptom and temperature check before each shift. All patients are asked to mask and a contained respiratory care unit is designated for the evaluation and treatment of suspected COVID-19 patients.
As an alternative to visiting in person, patients may request a Virtual Primary Care Visit. For more information or to schedule a virtual primary care visit with Summit Pacific Medical Center, call 360-346-2222 or visit https://summitpacificmedicalcenter.org/request-a-virtual-visit/.
