By Pepper Fisher
(Story updated on Friday due to change in policies from health officials)
PORT ANGELES – In Friday morning’s Covid briefing Dr. Berry started with the numbers, and they’re pretty good compared to the rest of the state, A total of 999 cases have been reported in our county, with all but 14 patients recovered. There are no hospitalizations at this time, and our rate per 100,000 is down to 42.
Dr. Berry says we still lead the state with 27% of the population vaccinated with at least a first dose. That’s over 23,000 people. She says 71% of people over 65 have received at least a first dose. That is most of the people in that age group who want it, which is why we have moved into the 1-B-1 group.
Starting today with the popup event at the Vern Burton Center in Port Angeles, people over 50 who live in a multi-generational household may qualify. We’ll let the Dr. explain what means.
“That means either you live with grandkids or older relatives or you provide care to an elder relative or you provide care to grandkids in your life. That’s on the honor system. So if you report that you live in a multi-generational household and you’re over 50, we will take your word for it. The other group that’s important to acknowledge there is, if you are the support person for someone living in long-term care, and you are over 50 you also qualify.”
The Vern Burton event is fully booked, but the 50-and-over tier applies to all events going forward, including this weekend’s events at Port Angeles High School, and as of this writing there were still 300 slots available.
It should be noted that on Thursday we were told to direct you to the Dept. of Health website to fill in a questionnaire. They have since decided that was too complicated and are now going on the honor system for the 50-and-above group.
Simply go to clallam.net and follow the instructions, or call the hotline at 417-2430. If no one picks up, they’re with another customer and they ask that you leave one message only. They will call right back.
Also important; if you live outside of the Port Angeles area you can still register for this weekend’s events.