PORT ANGELES – As of Friday, Clallam County has gone three days without a new positive test result for COVID-19. There are still 14 positive cases, 833 people have been tested and 34 tests are still pending.
And while it now appears community transmission of the virus is at bay now, officials say they’re concerned about people coming from outside the area bringing the virus here.
Undersheriff Ron Cameron told a briefing Friday, that’s one reason they’re keeping local parks and facilities closed.
He says they are also getting word out to outsiders to stay away.
“We’re trying to work collectively across the county and try and keep the signage up. The state has been helping as much as they can put it signage on our state routes and things like that essentially tell everybody that’s trying to come this way. Hey, I don’t see what’s closed and it literally is I mean once you get up here, it’s there’s not much open.”
County health officer Dr. Allison Unthank says local people are still encouraged to get outside and exercise, as long as you keep appropriate distance from others. She says instead of going to the closed parks, seek out a trail that is near your home.
“Go to trails near your home. A lot of us in Clallam County are blessed that we live near trials. Certainly our folks in PA, there are trails within five miles in your house. But I agree people should not be traveling if you don’t live in Forks don’t travel to Forks to use these trails.”
Unthank says people need to strike a balance and it is good for your mental health to get outside and exercise, provided you stay at least six feet away from people.