Six new covid-19 cases reported

On Monday, Wahkiakum Health and Human Services (WHHS) Director Chris Bischoff reported six new cases of covid-19 among Wahkiakum County residents.

Bischoff said the patients were associated with the Naselle/Grays River Valley School District, and all were in quarantine.

"The risk of contracting covid-19 in Washington is very high," Bischoff said in the announcement. "Highly effective vaccines are available for anyone 16 and over; the sooner everyone is vaccinated the sooner we get back to normal."

This brings Wahkiakum to a cumulative total of 114 cases with 10 of those potentially active.

Pacific County Health and Human Services is working with the Naselle school district, Bischoff said. WHHS is working with both entities to ensure that appropriate protocols are followed.

"We are working to identify anyone who may have an exposure risk because of contact with the individuals. Those people with close contact will be notified by Health and Human Services (WHHS) staff," he said.

Vaccines are available to anyone 18 or older in Wahkiakum County. Health officials say that getting vaccinated is the best possible protection from covid-19. WHHS encourages everyone who hasn’t already been vaccinated to contact the health department or their personal medical provider and get scheduled to get a vaccine. The health department can be reached at 360-849-4041, M-F 8 to 4:30.