Somewhat reminiscent of the Covid pandemic years, Clallam County health officials say there are so many new cases of the COVID-19 virus showing up in the community, multiple long term care facilities have now been confirmed as being in “outbreak” status.  Peninsula Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry says five facilities in the county – which are the majority of them – have now been classified as being in outbreak status.

“As far as what’s driving those outbreaks, probably the biggest contributor is just the amount of COVID-19 itself. There is quite a bit of COVID-19 transmission going on right now and the safety precautions that were in place during the height of the pandemic have been really relaxed significantly in long term care facilities. And some of that’s good. You know we want to make sure the people have visitors and can participate in activities and all those other critical things. But the more connections you have, the more likelihood that some of that virus gets in.

She says that one of the challenging changes since the lifting of the declaration of emergency is that staff in long term care facilities are not required to mask outside of an outbreak which has led to a lot of transmission.

“For the facilities that do have an outbreak in place, they are mandated to have masks and encourage patients to have masks as well. And quite a few other infection related protocols as well. So we’re working with all of that at this point. But it is concerning that our long-term residents are at high risk of severe disease.”

Even visitors are encouraged to wear masks.

“Yes. So if you are visiting a family member in a long term care facility it’s a really good idea to wear masks generally, but especially now to wear a high quality mask given that there is likely transmission of COVID-19 in that facility.”

In addition, it’s a good idea she says, to make sure when visiting that you are well in order to reduce any likelihood of bringing anything into the facility.

An outbreak is declared when it is confirmed five or more residents are documented that they got it in the facility.