COVID-19 cases remain steady on Peninsula

It’s too soon to tell how reduced COVID-19 restrictions are affecting coronavirus transmission on the North Olympic Peninsula, health officials said.

No new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Clallam or Jefferson counties Tuesday.

“I’d say so far, so good, but this is a long road,” said Dr. Tom Locke, Jefferson County health officer. “Anyone who thinks the virus has disappeared is sadly mistaken.”

Clallam County’s positive case total held at 27 on Tuesday, with 26 cases recovered. Jefferson County’s case total remained at 31, with 30 recovered, according to county health departments.

Both counties are in the second phase of Gov. Jay Inslee’s four-phase reopening plan.

“I think people are appropriately cautious when they start to venture out into the world,” said Dr. Allison Unthank, Clallam County health officer. “I think as long as we keep doing that — going slow as we open up our social circles — I think we can really do quite well.”

Anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, including cough, fever and shortness of breath, is encouraged to get tested.

COVID-19 tests are available at primary care clinics, walk-in clinics, tribal clinics and a drive-through system at Jefferson Healthcare.

“Do call ahead, please, especially if you think you might have COVID-19,” Unthank said in a telephone interview.

Counties must remain in Phase 2 for at least three weeks before becoming eligible to apply to enter Phase 3. Phase 3 would allow more businesses to reopen and larger public gatherings.

“We’re pulling together the data to see if Jefferson County qualifies for moving to Phase 3,” Locke said Tuesday. “We’re anticipating that decision will be made next week by the Board of Health on Thursday.”

Locke said the latest challenge in the fight against COVID-19 is the “very appropriate, very needed” marches in support of Black Lives Matter and against police misconduct.

“These are also things, unfortunately, that stimulate coronavirus transmission, so we’re bracing ourselves for an increase from that,” Locke said. “It’s pretty much inevitable in the Seattle area, and whether it will spill out into other areas or not is yet to be seen.”

“We don’t think the risk is significantly increased for people who attended demonstrations on the Olympic Peninsula in Port Angles or Sequim or Port Townsend,” Locke added.

“It’s mainly because we have a lot less infection on the Olympic Peninsula.”

________

Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.

More in News

Neil Howe works Wednesday at the ReStore for Habitat for Humanity East Jefferson County in Port Townsend. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Habitat homes expand in Jefferson County

More than 10 units under construction now

Dawn Reid, right, shows Gov. Jay Inslee a pencil drawing of her daughter, Kimberly, after Inslee signed a bill titled with Kimberly’s name. State Rep. Debra Lekanoff, left, took part in the ceremony. (Gabe Galanda)
Governor signs Kimberly Bender’s Law

Legislation named for Quileute tribe member ratchets up penalty for custodial sex abuse

Port Townsend Farmers Market returns Saturday

Opening ceremonies to proceed rain or shine

KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Reinking, left, receives a lapel pin from Holly Rowan, president of the Clallam County Veterans Association, during a Vietnam Veteran Commemorative Ceremony on Wednesday at the Northwest Veterans Resource Center in Port Angeles. A total of 22 Vietnam veterans and six surviving spouses of veterans were honored with pins and certificates in an event sponsored by the veterans association and the Michael Trebert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Veterans lauded in Port Angeles

U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Reinking, left, receives a lapel pin from… Continue reading

Danny G. Brewer
Active search suspended for Sequim man

The active search for a 73-year-old man reported missing south… Continue reading

Interest high in housing facility

Dawn View Court to open in April

Most Read