New Guidance Provides Hopeful Outlook for Next School YearThe guidance provides schools with the health and safety guidelines needed to begin planning for a safe fall return.![]() OLYMPIA—June 11, 2020 ”Nothing we have been through these past three months was in the training manual,” begins the letter from Superintendent Chris Reykdal in new guidance on reopening schools in the fall. “This guidance is grounded in my belief that the most equitable opportunity for educational success relies upon the comprehensive supports for students provided in our schools with our professionals and the systems of supports we have built,” he later states. Today (June 11th) , the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) released guidance that lays a framework for schools to begin planning what their return to school in the fall looks like. The guidance was developed in partnership with the state Department of Health (DOH); the Governor’s Office; the Department of Labor and Industries; and a broad stakeholder group of more than 120 educators, practitioners, parents, community-based organizations, legislators, and students. “Learning is a social activity, and we want to see our students back in the classroom,” Reykdal said. “Protecting the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. If schools can meet the guidelines laid out today by DOH, they will likely be able to open their doors in the fall for in-person instruction.” While face-to-face learning is the goal, the guidance includes three concepts for school districts to consider adapting and building from should they be limited in face-to-face learning in the fall:
How a district reopens school will be decided in partnership with their students, staff, families, and their local health authority. While reopening is not tied to the Governor’s Safe Start Plan, districts in Phase 1 or Modified Phase 1 must receive approval to reopen from their local health authority. “Today we are setting a path for moving forward with school activities in the summer and school reopening in the fall,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “We have been working closely with Superintendent Reykdal and his staff at OSPI, state Department of Health, the Department of Labor and Industries, and a wide range of stakeholders across the state to ensure the health of all students and educators,” he continued. “We all want students back in educational settings, but we must continue to monitor health data carefully, and proceed with caution,” Gov. Inslee continued. “This virus is unpredictable and has upended our regular ways of doing everything. Therefore, if COVID cases spike or spread, we may need to reassess this plan. We cannot guarantee that school facilities will open in fall. But for now, this guidance provides a path that schools, educators, and families need to plan for the coming months and the fall. Kids need to be learning but they also need to be safe and healthy.” School districts that meet in person will be required to follow the Department of Health’s health and safety guidelines, including requirements around physical distancing, face coverings, and personal protective equipment (PPE). “Schools are foundational to student, family, and community health and well-being,” said State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy. “DOH guidance provides health and safety measures to reduce the risk for spread of COVID-19 so that students have access to the critical physical, mental, and social health benefits school provides.” More Information
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The Washington State Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19 as well as guidance and resources you can share. Let's go over what happens if you get exposed to COVID-19, from beginning to end. What if I get contacted by my health department?
QuarantineIf you have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you will be asked to quarantine. This means staying in your home for 14 days. If you have kids or other family members in your household, they can still leave the house, but if you get sick, they will have to stay home too! During this time, you are feeling just fine. Maybe worried. Maybe jealous because your family members can leave the house. You’ll be monitoring your health—taking your temperature every day. You’re probably getting a call every day or so from one of our friends at the health department to make sure you have everything you need. They will help you out if you need to get food, medication, or other supplies picked up without leaving your house. Count down the days! After 14 days, if you have been healthy this whole time—no fever, no cough, no other symptoms associated with COVID-19--you can leave your house again! But, if you do get sick, the health department will ask you to isolate yourself from other people as completely as possible. IsolationIsolation is very important so you do not spread COVID-19 to anyone else. When you are in isolation, you are feeling sick. Your family members who live in your house with you are quarantined. They need to stay in the house but away from you! You will need to stay isolated for at least 10 days and until your fever has been gone for three days, and the rest of your symptoms are much better. You’ll continue to hear frequently from someone at the health department, who will help make sure you have everything you need so you do not need to leave the house. Testing
Once you test positive for COVID-19, someone from the health department will ask you who you have been in close contact with during the time period when you could have been contagious (when you feel sick plus about 2-3 days before you started to feel sick). If you have been quarantined, this is most likely no one outside of your immediate household. If you have been in public, you will let the health department knows who has been within six feet of you for more than 15 minutes. Get Tested in Pacific CountyDrive through testing for COVID-19 has been expanded to include anyone with one or more of the following symptoms in Pacific County:
Then the process starts all over again as the health department calls your close contacts and asks them to quarantine so they don’t spread COVID-19 to anyone else. This strategy is a trusted public health approach that has been used here in Washington and all over the world for decades to stop the spread of contagious diseases like tuberculosis, measles, Ebola, SARS, and, now, COVID-19. Our experience with other contagious diseases tells us that, with your help, we can control COVID-19, and safely reopen our economy. Practice CompassionHas someone you know had to quarantine or isolate themselves because of an exposure to COVID-19? How can you help? Can you drop off a meal or send a text to check in on them?
You have questions, we have answers. |
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Testing is offered on both ends of the county by appointment only. To get screened for an appointment, please call the Emergency Operations Center Monday - Friday , 8:00am - 4:00pm at 360-875-9407 or 360-642-9407
South Bend - Monday's from 1:00pm - 4:00pm & Wednesday's from 9:00am - 12:00pm
Long Beach - Tuesday's from 1:00pm - 4:00pm & Friday's from 9:00am - 12:00 pm
Long Beach - Tuesday's from 1:00pm - 4:00pm & Friday's from 9:00am - 12:00 pm
How can I protect myself and others?
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting and spreading coronavirus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water aren't available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
- Stay home if you are sick. Stay home as much as possible. Follow Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
- Stay six feet away from others.
- Follow recommendations from your local health department.
There are several steps you can take before, during and after you go grocery shopping to keep yourself and others safe.
Before you go
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/images.jpg?1590607606)
- Only make needed trips. Don't go to the store if you're sick, and be extra cautious if you or a loved one is more likely to get sick from COVID-19.
- Wash your hands.
- Consider ordering groceries online for pick up or delivery.
- Check for special hours. Many stories offer special shopping hours for people over 60, pregnant people, and those with medical conditions
At the store
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/covid-2.jpg?1590607863)
- Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth.
- Use hand sanitizer or an antiseptic wipe to clean the handles of a grocery cart or basket.
- Keep your distance of at least six feet between you and others, even in the checkout line.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Don't touch your face.
- Save some for your neighbors. Only buy what you need so there will be enough for everyone.
When you get home
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/covid-4.png?1590607615)
- Wash your hands.
- Practice food safety. Don't disinfect your groceries. Wash your fruit and vegetables as you normally would.
For more information, visit
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/positive.jpg?1590184026)
Convincing your loved ones to stay home can be a challenge. Here are some tips on having a conversation about staying home and staying healthy.
Tell them why you are concerned
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Ask them to put your mind at ease by adjusting their normal activities. Appeal to their desire to help. Try suggestions like, “I would be very happy if you ordered your groceries to be delivered instead of going to the store.”
Make it personal
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/video-chatting-apps.jpg?1590183004)
Rather than explain the situation in numbers and statistics, talk about how their choices impact others. Put a face to the people who are affected by the coronavirus. Talk to them about the rewards of good choices they can make now. For example, "Staying how the next few weeks means we can still go to the family reunion next year."
Don't blame
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/bt4mtbte7jexjmv3ds4bctra2y.jpg?1590183270)
Avoid statements like, "I can't believe you went to the store," or "what were you thinking?" Be empathetic and non judgmental by asking open-ended questions. Ask them what they are hearing and listen closely. If you can identify why they don't want to stay home, you can offer alternatives to help them cope.
Teach them
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/04-02-20-video-chat.jpg?1590183416)
This could be an opportunity to teach your loved ones how to use online food delivery services and chatting technology. Technology can help your loved ones stay home, have their needs met, and feel better.
Reassure them that they are not alone
In Washington and around the world, we are all in this together. Let them know that social distancing does not have to mean social isolation. Encourage them to go outside - as long as they stay 6 feet away from others. Help your loved ones write letters, email friends and family, and try video chatting.
Reassure them that you are there for them.
Reassure them that you are there for them.
Stay Home. Stay Healthy
Spread the facts
How well does my cloth face mask protect me from COVID-19?
In general, we wear cloth face masks because they protect other people from getting COVID-19 from us, in case we have it and don't know.
Cloth face masks work best if they have several layers of woven fabric, we have clean hands, and we stay at least six feet away from other people.
Cloth face masks work best if they have several layers of woven fabric, we have clean hands, and we stay at least six feet away from other people.
The Do's and Dont's of Cloth Face Coverings
Although there is currently no statewide requirement to wear face coverings, Public Health - Seattle & King County recently directed all residents to King County to wear cloth face coverings in public places. This seems like a good time to review the Do's and Don'ts of wearing cloth face coverings.
DO cover your face with a couple layers of cloth while in public places.
DO wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before you put your face mask on and after you take it off.
DO wash your cloth face covering in a washing machine after a day's use.
DO take a cloth face covering with you if you are hiking or visiting a park. Although you do not need to wear one outside, you may find that you need to come within 6 feet of someone else on a trail. At that point, put your cloth face covering on, say hello, and carry on.
DON'T wear surgical-grade masks or N95 respirators. We need to reserve those for health care and other frontline workers.
DON'T think that wearing cloth masks means we can gather in large groups of people. At best, a cloth face mask covering is just one added level of precaution. It doesn't really help unless we are also washing our hands, staying home when we are sick, and practicing physical distancing.
DON'T wear a cloth face mask covering while exercising outdoors. It's not dangerous, just annoying and not necessary.
DON'T touch your cloth face covering after you put it on. Try not to touch your face at all.
DON'T put a cloth face mask on a child under the age of 2, or on a person with a disability that keeps them from being able to remove it.
DON'T worry that a cloth face covering might restrict your oxygen. It's not airtight. If you ever feel like you're having trouble breathing, remove the cloth face covering and sit down. If the feeling persists, call 911.
DO wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before you put your face mask on and after you take it off.
DO wash your cloth face covering in a washing machine after a day's use.
DO take a cloth face covering with you if you are hiking or visiting a park. Although you do not need to wear one outside, you may find that you need to come within 6 feet of someone else on a trail. At that point, put your cloth face covering on, say hello, and carry on.
DON'T wear surgical-grade masks or N95 respirators. We need to reserve those for health care and other frontline workers.
DON'T think that wearing cloth masks means we can gather in large groups of people. At best, a cloth face mask covering is just one added level of precaution. It doesn't really help unless we are also washing our hands, staying home when we are sick, and practicing physical distancing.
DON'T wear a cloth face mask covering while exercising outdoors. It's not dangerous, just annoying and not necessary.
DON'T touch your cloth face covering after you put it on. Try not to touch your face at all.
DON'T put a cloth face mask on a child under the age of 2, or on a person with a disability that keeps them from being able to remove it.
DON'T worry that a cloth face covering might restrict your oxygen. It's not airtight. If you ever feel like you're having trouble breathing, remove the cloth face covering and sit down. If the feeling persists, call 911.
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering
Cloth face coverings should...
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/facemask-instructions-01_orig.png)
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops
Include multiple layers of fabric
Allow for breathing without restriction
Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
Be secured with ties or ear loops
Include multiple layers of fabric
Allow for breathing without restriction
Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g, grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community - based transmission.
CDC also advises the use of simply cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidelines.
CDC also advises the use of simply cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidelines.
Cloth Face Covering FAQs
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/faw.jpg?1590162271)
Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly? Yes. they should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering? A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering? Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering? A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering? Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
Sew and No Sew Instructions
Sewn Cloth Face Covering
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/published/sewn.jpg?1590162792)
Materials:
- Two 10"x6" rectangles of cotton fabric
- Two 6" pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties)
- Needle and threat (or bobby pin)
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
![Picture](/uploads/5/8/7/9/58797525/step-one_orig.jpg)
Tutorial:
1. Cut out two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch. Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the mask as if it was a single piece of fabric.
1. Cut out two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch. Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the mask as if it was a single piece of fabric.
3. Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the mask. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle of a bobby pin to threat it through. Tie the ends tight. Don't have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic head bands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the mask behind your head. |
Quick Cut T-shirt Face Covering (no sew method)
Materials:
Tutorial:
- T-Shirt
- Scissors
Tutorial:
Bandana Face Covering (no sew method)
Materials:
Tutorial:
- Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20" x 20")
- Rubber bands (or hair ties)
- Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)
Tutorial:
More Information
Article by Rubina Kapil - March 20, 2020
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.
You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.
Isolation from friends and family, job loss and death are challenges we’re all facing during these days of COVID-19.
You are not alone. COVID-19 is affecting families across the world.
We encourage you to stay connected with your loved ones while practicing physical distancing. It’s important that you support one other during this difficult time, especially if your loved one may be facing a mental health concern.
We encourage you to stay connected with your loved ones while practicing physical distancing. It’s important that you support one other during this difficult time, especially if your loved one may be facing a mental health concern.
Use tips from the MHFA curriculum to reach out to someone who might need you.
- Treat the person with respect and dignity. Listen non-judgmentally, and respect the person’s privacy and confidentiality.
- Offer consistent emotional support and understanding. In difficult times, we all need additional love and understanding. Remember to be empathetic, compassionate and patient.
- Have realistic expectations. Accept the person as they are. Tough times can make it harder than usual to do everyday activities like cleaning the house, paying bills or feeding the dog.
- Give the person hope. Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, they will feel better and there is hope for a more positive future.
- Provide practical help. Offer help with overwhelming tasks, but be careful not to take over or encourage dependency. For example, offer to bring groceries over.
- Offer information. Provide information and resources for additional support, including self-help strategies and professional help.
Several tips for what NOT to do are:
- Don’t tell someone to “snap out of it” or to “get over it.”
- Don’t adopt an over-involved or overprotective attitude toward someone who is depressed.
- Don’t use a patronizing tone of voice or a facial expression that shows an extreme look of concern.
- Don’t ignore, disagree with or dismiss the person’s feelings by attempting to say something positive like, “You don’t seem that bad to me.”
Many health professionals believe self-help strategies can be helpful when you’re feeling depressed or anxious. It is a good idea to discuss the appropriateness of specific strategies with a mental health professional.
Some strategies include:
- Self-help books based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Researchers have sought to develop a CBT-based guided self-help intervention that may prove useful for adults with intellectual disability in addition to depression or other mental health challenges for which CBT has been shown to be helpful.
- Computerized therapy. Self-help treatment programs delivered over the internet or on a computer; some are available free of charge.
- Relaxation training. Teaching a person to relax voluntarily by tensing and relaxing muscle groups; some programs are available for free online.
- Complementary therapies. Scientific studies of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, exercise and dietary supplements have shown that these therapies do make a difference for depression.
If you’re still not sure what to do, reach out to your primary care physician. This person can help you with determining the best next steps for mental health support strategies, resources or treatments.
Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference for yourself and your loved ones during this difficult time.
Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference for yourself and your loved ones during this difficult time.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14th, 2020
Writer: Chief Criminal Deputy Pat Matlock, PIO
Pacific County Emergency Operations Center
COVID-19 Response
Direct Response: (360) 875-9407 / (360) 642-9407 or [email protected]
Writer: Chief Criminal Deputy Pat Matlock, PIO
Pacific County Emergency Operations Center
COVID-19 Response
Direct Response: (360) 875-9407 / (360) 642-9407 or [email protected]
Pacific County Asks for Your Help with Survey
SOUTH BEND, WA. – The Pacific County Emergency Operations Center in coordination with Pacific County government officials is conducting a very important survey to gather information about the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pacific County. We want to know about your experiences during the COVID-19 outbreak. This survey is very user friendly and simply asks you to answer a series of very short questions related to the COVID19 pandemic.
Please know that your participation is voluntary. You may choose to skip any question or end the survey at any point. The survey data is subject to public records; however, survey answers are anonymous. This survey does not ask you for any identifying personal information. The deadline for the survey to be complete by is May 25th, 2020. Links to the survey are listed below.
Click here for English:
Click here for Spanish:
These links as well as accurate and up-to-date sources of online information can be found at Pacific County Department of Health & Human Services. Click here.
For more information, please contact the Direct Response line at (360) 875-9407 / (360) 642-9407 or [email protected]
Please know that your participation is voluntary. You may choose to skip any question or end the survey at any point. The survey data is subject to public records; however, survey answers are anonymous. This survey does not ask you for any identifying personal information. The deadline for the survey to be complete by is May 25th, 2020. Links to the survey are listed below.
Click here for English:
Click here for Spanish:
These links as well as accurate and up-to-date sources of online information can be found at Pacific County Department of Health & Human Services. Click here.
For more information, please contact the Direct Response line at (360) 875-9407 / (360) 642-9407 or [email protected]