Here are the latest developments related to the Covid-19 outbreak for Grays Harbor and around the state.
The latest
As of 8:45 p.m. Sunday, March 15
– Gov. Inslee announced Sunday that he would be closing down bars and restaurants across the state, limiting them to delivery and drive up service.
– Grays Harbor County Health officials are looking for volunteers to help in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak. They’re particularly looking for people with backgrounds in health fields, but other skills will be needed as well. Go this website for more information: http://www.healthygh.org/covid19volunteer
– Congressman Derek Kilmer is holding a telephone town hall meeting Monday at 6:30 p.m. to talk about responding to COVID-19.
Health experts will be present with him. To take part or listen to the 6:30 meeting Dial in to 877-229-8493. The pin number you’ll need is 111435.
– Aberdeen Mayor Pete Schave declared a state of emergency Friday. At City Hall public access will be limited to first floor. More information about city services is available on Aberdeen’s website, www.aberdeenwa.gov
• President Donald Trump declared a national state of emergency on Friday afternoon.
• Gov. Jay Inslee announced Friday afternoon that all K-12 schools across Washington state must be closed from Tuesday, March 17, at least through April 24. Hoquiam schools will begin their shutdown Monday.
• Also on Friday, Inslee expanded a localized ban on gatherings of more than 250 people to the entire state.
• Timberland Regional Libraries will be closed from Saturday until at least April 6.
• At Grays Harbor College, starting Tuesday, March 17, classes will shift to online delivery except for labs and hands-on career technical programs. Core student support services remain open as of Friday, but the campus will be closed to the public until April 27.
• This weekend’s final performances of “Oliver” at the Bishop Center have been canceled; but the Driftwood Children’s production of “Charlotte’s Web” was still a go for Friday night as of 4 p.m.
• Fire District 8 has closed the North Beach Community Center until further notice.
• Grays Harbor County Commissioners declared a state of emergency in the county, which will speed up the process as county administators look for resources to deal with the outbreak.
• Grays Harbor County health officials reported Monday that a Grays Harbor man in his 60s tested positive for Covid-19. It’s the first confirmed case in the county, and still the only one. Two other Grays Harbor residents who were tested last week received negative results, according to health officials.
• Ocean Shores Fire Department announced actions taken after its vehicle transported the Grays Harbor resident who later tested positive for Covid-19 to Grays Harbor Community Hospital.
• Grays Harbor Community Hospital officials are working to develop a system for drive-up testing.
• On Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee outlined a list of requirements for long-term care facilities aimed at helping to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Some local facilities have taken steps to limit visitation and other public access.
Number of cases
The count of cases and deaths is a moving target, with jurisdictions reporting sometimes contradictory numbers. Ours might not match what other media and government agencies are reporting.
• Worldwide, there have been more than 167,179 confirmed cases and 6,450 deaths as of 5 p.m. Sunday, according to ncov2019.live.
• At least 769 confirmed cases across Washington state (42 fatalities) as of 3 p.m. Sunday, according to the state Department of Health website.
• 420 of those cases are in King County, with 37 fatalities, most of them associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.
• 176 are in Snohomish County (including 4 fatalities) are confirmed or presumed positive.
• 29 are in Pierce County, with no fatalities.
• 6 cases are in Island County, with no fatalities.
• 4 cases are in Skagit County, with no fatalities.
• 4 cases are in Yakima County, with no fatalities.
• 2 cases are in Grant County, with 1 fatality.
• 10 counties reporting 1 to 3 cases each, but no fatalities: Grays Harbor, Clark, Columbia, Jefferson, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lincoln, Spokane, Thurston and Whatcom.
Fire Stations:
Most local fire departments are asking the public to refrain from visiting the fire stations until further notice. Those having medical emergencies should call 911.
For now, several have suspended:
• Blood pressure checks to the public at stations
• Fire station tours
• Annual business inspections
Information Resources:
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus overview | Cases in U.S.
• Washington State Department of Health: Washington outbreak including statewide case count
• Grays Harbor County Health Department: General virus info
Stories
Governor closing down bars and restaurants to stop COVID spread
County considering limiting public access at county-owned buildings
Here are our most recent articles on the local and national impact of the coronavirus.
Fauchi says Americans should prepare to hunker down further
Inslee orders all schools closed until at least April 24
Local school officials develop closure plans
Stafford Creek, other prisons suspend visitations
City of Hoquiam cancels events, meetings
Roundup of event cancellations
National effects of coronavirus
A doctor and a Grays Harbor county health official offer answers to some frequently asked questions.
Grays Harbor County Commissioners declared a state of emergency Thursday in order to help cut through red tape as county officials look for resources to deal with the outbreak.
Jails limit bookings in expectation of C-19 pressure
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Best practices
Basic hygiene:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol sanitizer.
• Covering coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you’re sick or around someone who is.
• Don’t use a mask unless you are ill. Healthy people shouldn’t use them unless they’re treating someone who is sick.
Ocosta Crab Feed still on
As of Friday at 5 p.m., the Ocosta Booster Club crab feed was still set to go on as planned Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Ocosta Recreation Hall.
Cancellations and postponements
As of Friday at 5 p.m., we know these events will not be happening as originally scheduled. If you know about a local event that should go on this list, please email us at newsroom@thedailyworld.com.
March 13-15
• “Oliver” performances at the Bishop Center
March 14
• Clean and Free event in Ocean Shores
• Grays Harbor Hawks Celebrity Basketball Game
• Cosi Lions fundraiser
• North Beach Senior Center St. Patrick’s Day Event
March 15
• Humptulips Grange 100th Anniversary Celebration
March 17
• Elma United Methodist Church St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
March 19
• 100+ Women Who Care event
• Grays Harbor Community Hospital Healing Gallery opening
March 21-22
• Razor Clam & Seafood Festival
April 2
• Easter egg hunt at Olympic Stadium
April 24-26
Grays Harbor Shorebird & Nature Festival
Weekends
• North Beach PAWS garage sales suspended until further notice
