By: Pepper Fisher
Port Angeles — Clallam County Department of Health has announced the county has had its first death due to COVID-19.
The patient was a man in his 80s who had underlying health conditions. The news comes on the same day that 5 more cases were added to our total which now numbers 146.
Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry Unthank frequently points to one metric in particular as a major indicator of where we are as a community in controlling the spread of the virus. The number of cases per 100,000 population in a two-week period. The number affects the policy decisions of many agencies, including health departments and even our schools.
At Thursday night’s Port Angeles School Board meeting, where they decided on the new school reopening plan, it was acknowledged that this number will be considered when deciding when to move on to each new phase.
25 or less per 100,000 is the goal. 75 or more is considered a high number and, if sustained, would be cause for tighter measures. As of Friday, Clallam County is at 58 when we factor in the 5 cases just added.
Dr. Unthank reminds us that people over the age of 65 and those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, COPD, and heart disease, are at the highest risk of complications from COVID-19. Though less common in younger age groups, she says severe complications have been documented in patients of all ages.
Clallam County residents are urged to:
- Keep your social circle small – no more than 5 people in a week
- Maintain a safe physical distance of 6 feet from others
- Wear a face covering when you are around others
- Stay home if you are sick
- Get tested right away if you are feeling ill or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19
- Wash your hands frequently
- Clean commonly touched surfaces frequently