A year ago we all entered a Twilight Zone episode where, from one day to the next, life changed profoundly. As the COVID-19 virus spread exponentially around the world, we isolated ourselves from community, friends, and even family. In isolation we watched, horrified as the death toll rose to unbelievable levels, in part due to a paralyzed federal government. Many of us suffered the wrenching loss of family or friends to the pandemic.

Yet it is now spring, and with the widespread distribution of vaccines there is a palpable feeling of hope in our community. It’s almost like spring has entered our hearts, allowing us to believe we have surpassed the worst period many of us have experienced in our entire lives. We yearn for things to return to normal, though it is unclear what normal life will be; we shall have to define the new normal, together.

Throughout the past year KPTZ has, through the dedication of our small staff and many volunteers, operated as close to normal as it could. In fact, I am so proud of how the station grew its presence in the community by:

• becoming the main local conduit for COVID-19 information via Dr. Locke’s weekly updates to the county and city councils,
• broadcasting important local meetings,
• hosting John Mauro for City Manager weekly access to the public,
• expanding daily local news, as well as offering National Native News.

The pandemic has had a transformative impact on fundraising for KPTZ, as it has for many non-profits. Forced to abandon traditional biannual on-air fundraising weeks (which may be a relief to many including myself) we have shifted to short on-air appeals and even “silent” requests, reaching out to you directly for support.

This is one of those silent requests for your donation.

One major drawback of traditional community radio on-air drives is that it conditions listeners to think they should give once a year, which distorts our income, whereas expenses are constant. That is why we encourage you to become a sustaining donor, to convert your giving to a monthly payment, just like you probably do for other media sources. As a sustaining donor I do not have to wonder if it is time for me to donate because I know I am doing it regularly. And, it allows me to consider giving extra when I receive an appeal like this one.

Federal stimulus payments to you could help KPTZ.

I recognize that there are many unprecedented needs in our community, and that the many organizations working to meet those needs could put better use to the stimulus checks I receive than I can. So I have been fortunate to be in a position to redirect those funds to causes that matter to me. If KPTZ matters to you, and if you financially do not need your stimulus check, please consider using it to stimulate us! Yet just as importantly, think about the impact your giving can have on other worthy organizations.

Thank you very much for your support.

Cheers,

Robert Ambrose
President, KPTZ Board of Directors
Host, Rhythm Connection (Tuesdays 1-3pm)

Photo credit: Allan Bruce Zee
Allan Bruce Zee Photography

Today, April 5, Jefferson County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke shared his assessment of the pandemic in Jefferson County and answered questions submitted by KPTZ listeners.

General comments: 

• The national picture continues to be concerning at this point. An 18% increase was recorded for new cases nationally the last two weeks, with an average of 64,000 cases a day. This may be an undercount of new cases as testing for cases has declined nationally. Upper Lake states such as Michigan and northern states, are recording an increase in new cases, similar to the epidemic curve witnessed at the beginning of the pandemic, a year ago last March 2020. This most recent wave of cases is being driven by the new variants identified, particularly the UK, B.1.1.7 variant.
• All the variants are considered more infectious, as seen by the epidemiological curve playing out through Europe and now Canada, with consequential lockdowns until new cases subside. Home-grown variants, particularly B1.427, found in California, was thought to be the dominant strain causing the increase in cases in California during November and December of 2020. It is predicted that 35% of all new cases are the UK B.1.1.7 variant, with a doubling of these cases seen every 12.3 days. Washington State ranks third in the nation in genetic sequencing of new cases, and expects the UK variant (B.1.1.7) to be the dominant strain here by the end of April. With more infectious strains, epidemiologists and local health officers are monitoring cases weekly, looking towards acting with proven public health mitigation sooner, rather than later, if cases begin doubling week by week. The public showing their fatigue with pandemic measures and failing to suppress new cases, requires the recognition that individual liberty is a distraction here and our ability to act collectively on our own behalf is the limiting factor.
• New cases in this state have increased by 30% over the last two weeks, without a decrease in testing, as seen in other states. Testing rose by 45% over the last two weeks. New case rates stand at 136 per 100,000 population, with 3.4% positivity among those being tested. Pierce, Kittitas, and Yakima counties remain above the 200 new cases per 100,000 population threshold for remaining in the Phase III RoadMapTo Recovery plan outlined by Governor Inslee.
• Washington continues to record an increase in hospitalizations – 9% in the last two weeks – primarily among younger residents. This reflects the massive efforts by our state to get the most vulnerable age groups – 75 years old and up – vaccinated, thus avoiding hospitalization.
• Jefferson County recorded 7 cases last week, bringing our new case rate per 100,000 population to 22, with 1.65% positivity in persons being tested.
• Kitsap County is trending with a steady rise in cases, 104.3 per 100,000 population, with 5.5% case positivity. Clallam County recorded 38 new cases per 100,000 population, with 2.4% new case positivity among those tested.
• Nationwide, nearly three million vaccinations are given every day. Nearly 3.4 million vaccinations have been given in Washington, with 29% receiving at least one dose, and 18% fully vaccinated. Jefferson County has given nearly 23,000 vaccinations, with 49% of all county residents receiving at least one dose, and 34.5% fully vaccinated to date.
• In all regions, it is literally a race between getting residents vaccinated and the continual spread of more infectious COVID-19 variants, as communities struggle to further reopen businesses. Although Jefferson and other surrounding counties were early in receiving and giving available vaccine allotments, there are several issues that now impinge on this effort to get to the 70-80% fully vaccinated status which confers herd immunity. Dr. Locke is asking us all to evaluate the relative risk of all our activities and continue to mask, distance ourselves from others, wash our hands and get vaccinated, refrain from unnecessary travel and refrain from mixing with a lot of non-household persons, outside your small pod.
• Vaccine hesitancy also remains an issue for communities, with many of those wanting the vaccine having already received it. Those not really opposed to vaccines in general, but waiting on safety data from mass vaccination outcomes, need to be encouraged to make an appointment. Vaccine campaigns will stress the necessity to have higher levels of herd immunity to thoroughly reopen our community life with little or no new COVID-19 cases. Since vaccine availability is still ramping up, the playing field is not equitable yet for all residents who are still trying to get in line for vaccinations. Stratifying those who will choose not to get vaccinated, for whatever reason, takes away from our efforts to promote the risks and benefits of this modern and effective vaccine for those willing to consider the greater community benefits. With this virus, herd immunity is our economic ticket out of these recurring waves of new cases and continual threats of business closures.
• Although Jefferson County has one of the highest school exemptions for vaccines, those staunchly opposed to vaccinations are relatively small, about 5% overall.
• The most effective, persuasive model for most people who may be hesitant about getting the vaccine is to talk with a trusted medical provider or public health professional. Experience with other recommended vaccines can also persuade a person as to the risk and benefits of this particular vaccine. What does not seem to persuade anyone is scaring them about the consequences of not receiving the vaccine. It is a personal choice and one everyone should be well informed about.
• Facts about the benefits of having more people vaccinated also makes a difference for some who are hesitant. Dr. Locke pointed to a recent New England Journal of Medicine citing a study that shows the efficiency of reducing the spread of COVID-19 among the most exposed medical workers after their first and second dose of the vaccine. Medical staff were followed from mid-December 2020, through mid-March 2021. Transmission was interrupted by 80% after the first dose and rose to 90% by the end of the third month after the second dose. Dr. Locke cited this as strong evidence of the power of “herd immunity” in an environment with high exposure to circulating COVID-19 virus. These types of studies to determine the ability of the vaccine to stifle new infections were expensive and time-consuming, but necessary in order to document the powers of a fully vaccinated community, and the community benefits of collectively working toward herd immunity.
• Now is the time to expand the entities and organizations giving vaccines, as the cost of the larger organizations have borne the brunt of the organizing clinics, as well as the cost of giving vaccinations. Efforts continue to get other organizations to step up and apply to receive and give the vaccines. All organizations who receive an allotment of vaccines are required to get them dispensed into arms; otherwise, vaccine allotments are reduced if not given within a specific time frame. In the meantime, the three counties of Jefferson, Clallam, and Kitsap have formed a collaborative effort to sustain the scheduling of clinics and labor of getting county residents vaccinated, such as mobile and pop-up clinics for difficult to reach residents and homebound residents. These clinics require fewer resources and can be mobilized with fewer volunteers. A press release is expected soon to announce a pop-up clinic for less populated areas of our counties. The press release will be posted on the Jefferson County Public Health website with details about this clinic and how to make an appointment.
• The joint clinic sponsored by Jefferson County Public Health and the Department of Emergency Management at the Chimicum Schools site will resume Saturday, April 17. For those receiving their first dose at this site on March 17, staff will provide shots for those needing their second dose from 9am to noon. The afternoon will be dedicated to those residents wanting their first dose from noon to 3pm. These Saturday clinics are expected to serve about 600 residents for their first and second vaccinations each Saturday and are a convenient location for eastern Jefferson County residents who are currently working during the week. Residents can call the DEM COVID-19 Vaccine Phone Line for more information at 360-344-9791, M-F from 9 to 5pm.
• Starting April 15, all Washington residents, 18 years and older, are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. If the Pfizer vaccine is available, those residents 16 years and older are eligible for that vaccine. Current organizations providing vaccinations include the Jefferson Healthcare drive-thru clinic, near the hospital, as well as three pharmacies: QFC at Port Hadlock, Safeway in Port Townsend and TriArea Pharmacy in Port Hadlock with websites for vaccine registration. The fifth clinic is the PublicHealth joint clinic at Chimicum Schools on Saturdays.

KPTZ listener’s questions:

• Listeners commented on the confusion of CDC guidance for safer traveling versus how that compares to eating indoors at a restaurant.  Dr. Locke admitted it may seem confusing, but cautioned that evaluating risk depends on several factors, including the number of persons in a confined area, time spent indoors, ventilation, adherence to masking, distancing, and mixing of unrelated households.  Airports will not allow anyone to fly if all protocols are not strictly followed. Traveling by air showed few situations where this posed a formidable risk of exposure and infection, whereas there has been clear documentation of outbreaks in restaurants.  If you fly somewhere, exposure has to do more with the activities you engaged in, once you arrived, such as maskless parties. If all the protocols are not followed in a restaurant, such as masking when you are not putting food in your mouth, the risk increases.  
• Data from the Washington State Immunization System contains all the vaccine doses administered to residents within 24 hours of receiving the shot. If this requirement is not met, the organization will not receive future doses of the vaccine allotments.  This is considered the most timely and accurate data on the vaccine rollout in this state. 
• Kitsap County has one confirmed case of the UK variant and Clallam County is reporting three probable cases.  These are considered more infectious than the original strain that circulated the globe in January 2020. 
• Access to COVID-19 PCR testing locally is targeted for those who exhibit typical symptoms for COVID-19 and those with known exposure to a confirmed Covid-19 case.  Although the CDC recommends getting tested 1 to 3 days before travel and 3 to 5 days after your return, sources for funding these sophisticated and costly tests remain limited.  Home test kits have been developed, but are not yet widely available.  Washington state is beginning a free voucher program through Walgreens in Bremerton.  Residents seeking testing due to travel may need to pay from their own funds, until less expensive, yet accurate testing is more widespread. 
• If an unvaccinated couple socializes with another fully vaccinated couple, which couple has the greater risk for exposure or transmission of the virus?  In general, more fully vaccinated persons present among those gathering reduce the risk of exposure for everyone, even those unvaccinated. However, the unvaccinated person needs to evaluate their individual risks, in light of any health conditions they have which may put them at risk of disease progression, once infected.  If the unvaccinated couple is at low risk, no masking or distancing is needed. Masking and social distancing should be used if the unvaccinated person is at high risk for developing complications, once infected. 
• The phased system for reopening the economy is not based on numbers of fully vaccinated residents, it is based on low new case rates, staying at or below a threshold, where current medical and public health resources would not be overwhelmed.  It is a balancing act of the economics of recovery and suppression of circulating viruses by traditional public health measures.  Looking back, ideally, many in charge would have liked to shut down completely until massive suppression of the virus occurred, but we are not ideally set up for the cost to our economy it would have taken to do this, nor was there the political will.

Willie Bence, Director, Department of Emergency Management:

• All those needing a second dose at the JCPH and DEM clinic at Chimicum Schools for the 4/17 mass vaccination clinic have been emailed to remind them to sign up. Those wanting assistance with securing an appointment can call the Vaccine Phone Line at 360-344-9791.
• Mr. Bence urged residents not to sign up more than once for a vaccine series, as once you have an appointment, you are guaranteed a shot, as well as the second dose, with the same organization. If you have signed up for more than one site, please cancel, as there are many waiting to get an appointment. There is no need to make an appointment at more than one site.
• The community mask program continues to produce masks and distribute them in the community. As we all participate more in community life, we will need masks for the foreseeable future. They can be found at food stores, as well as libraries. Disposable masks are seen more and more, littering our environment. If you see a disposable mask on the ground, please place it in a trash can. Mr. Bence also stated that reusable mask need to be laundered regularly.

Today, March 29, Jefferson County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke shared his assessment of the pandemic in Jefferson County and answered questions submitted by KPTZ listeners. Department of Emergency Management Director Willie Bence also gave an update on current Emergency Operations actions, in light of the most recent developments.

General Comments:

• The national picture appears troubling at this point. Past weeks recorded a decline in new cases, then a plateau. A 15% increase was recorded for new cases nationally, with an average of 63,000 cases a day. Twenty two states, with more than a 10% increase of new cases are seeing the evidence of the fourth wave of this pandemic. The presence of this fourth wave will also further complicate keeping schools safer, even as many teachers become fully vaccinated.
• To limit morbidity and mortality, suppression of the new variants imported from other countries, as well as our own homegrown variants of concern is critical. It is estimated that nearly one half of all new cases will be caused by the UK variant by mid-April nationwide. Washington State ranks third in sequencing efforts and this tracking shows the UK variant is spreading slower in this state currently, as compared to other states.
• Although nationwide deaths and hospitalizations continue to decline, it is projected that deaths among our citizens will exceed 650,000 by the time this pandemic ends, making it as lethal or more lethal than the 1918 pandemic.
• Washington recorded a 29% increase in new cases in the last two weeks, with cases primarily among the 20-39 year old group, possibly driven by variants of concern, especially the UK variant that has proven to be more contagious and can cause more severe disease progression in younger people. Washington’s new case rate stands at 125 per 100,000 population, while the new case positivity of those testing for COVID-19 is 3.3%. Plus there are a few counties with high new case rates, which are generally dense urban areas or areas with a concentration of college aged persons.
• Hospitalizations also increased in our state, up 12% statewide, with King County experiencing a 40% rise in hospitalizations, primarily among people aged 40-50 years. Hospitalizations for those older than 75 are non-existent at this time and have been attributed to the effectiveness and high rates of vaccinations for COVID-19 among this age group
• Jefferson County had no cases this last week, but recorded 7 new cases two weeks ago. Our case rate stands at 22 per 100,000 population, with 2% positivity of those testing for COVID-19. Neighboring counties are showing similar trends. Clallam recorded 43 new cases per 100,000 and 2.2% new case positivity. Kitsap recorded 80 new cases per 100,000 population. Jefferson, Clallam and San Juan County remain the lowest in the state for these metrics.
• More than 3 million vaccine doses have been dispensed statewide, with 24% receiving at least one dose and 15% fully vaccinated. Jefferson County leads all counties in dispensing one dose to 43.19% of its residents and 28% of its population fully vaccinated. 20,000 doses were allocated to this county as of a week ago Friday, and that does not include those delivered this last week (about 1,000 doses). Clallam County ranks high as well, making the peninsula counties leading in doses provided.
• This last Friday, Jefferson County did not receive all the doses requested, dropping to 800 doses. This is the temporary situation of reduced doses that Dr. Locke warned us about several weeks ago. Reallocation to other areas was expected, with a surge in allocations expected by mid April, and enough vaccine for all those who want the vaccine to be available by May. Vaccinations will remain by appointments for the near future.
• Vaccination efforts still face many challenges. Federal funding was not allocated for distribution within states or to the local counties, infrastructure, paid dedicated staff or the development and outreach to specific underserved or hard-to-reach populations. In the absence of these necessary funds, public hospitals, pharmacies and public health organizations have borne the burden and expense of vaccine rollout in local counties, without additional funding, creating administrative challenges. Funding is now in the pipeline from the current administration and plans are being made to support pharmacies and other organizations to develop more vaccination clinics which serve a variety of specific populations. This will be especially critical as the county has more vaccine supplies and the effort will be directed at encouraging more individuals to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.
• The next tier to become eligible for vaccine appointments begins Wednesday, March 31. These new tiers include all people 60 years and older, all people 16 years and older who have 2 or more co-morbidities or underlying health conditions, people, staff and volunteers in certain congregate settings, such as correctional settings, group homes for persons with disabilities, or settings in which people experiencing homelessness live or access services. It also includes high-risk critical workers in certain congregate settings such as restaurants, food service, construction, or manufacturing. The last tiers and the newly eligible tiers will add about 5 million more residents seeking the vaccine.
• While this approach continues to address and prioritize population groups who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 due to external social factors and systemic inequities, there is the recognition that these tiers are becoming more difficult to interpret for the general public as to whether or not they fit the profile of the eligibility tiers. Dr. Locke stated that many of his fellow health officers have proposed dropping the current tier system as vaccine supplies become more available. They propose this move to begin as early as mid-to-late April, if allocations to local counties are increase as projected. In the meantime, Dr. Locke asked everyone to use the state WAPhaseFinder with truthful responses to determine their eligibility and take advantage of available appointments. He stated we are beginning to have appointments available, with fewer takers, as the tiers have been difficult to figure out for the general public.
• The second clinic sponsored by Jefferson County Public Health and the Department of Emergency Management at Chimacum Schools this past Saturday ran smoothly and vaccinated 309 residents. As vaccine supplies increase, this clinic is anticipating serving about 600 residents a week for either their first or second vaccine doses.
• Jefferson Healthcare is delivering the bulk of vaccines (80%) at their clinic across from the hospital, while commercial pharmacies make up approximately 20% of doses given. The new public health clinic at Chimacum Schools vaccinated 639 residents of the nearly 21,000 doses given in this county to date.
• Dr Locke also spoke about the “best practices” we all need to maintain as more variants of concernbegin to circulate and our community works toward herd immunity. He referenced the recently published CDC recommendations for those fully vaccinated.
• Small gatherings with family members or others fully vaccinated people remains the safer course, although we are beginning to see the effectiveness of vaccines in suppressing new infections among hospitals and at-risk individuals. He cautioned those wanting to travel to areas with increasing or high prevalence of new cases or with more infectious strains. Traveling close to home may be safer for those fully vaccinated. The threat of an increase in cases close to home has not yet passed and it is unclear how and when we will reach herd immunity, especially if local or surrounding area resistance to getting the vaccine is high. Source from an infectious patient is still highly reduced if everyone continues to wear a well fitting mask, maintains social distance, and takes advantage of better ventilation by opening windows in closed, indoor spaces wherever possible.
• It is clear at this point in time that there remains disparity in access to vaccinations in every county. The goal of vaccinations remains preventing progression to serious disease among those determined to be at risk. While initially the tiers have served to capture a large portion of these individuals, a very different strategy, other than complicated tiers is needed and has been communicated to Governor Inslee. Barriers to access need to be determined and plans made to circumvent these problems, such as pockets of elderly, homebound seniors, or flexible programs for special-needs populations such as the homeless shelters or jails, with the use of the one dose Johnson&Johnson vaccine. This vaccine has only 5 doses per vial and lends itself to inoculating small groups of people, homebound seniors, or group homes for the developmentally disabled. Plans for these types of vaccination outreach efforts are in the planning stages.
• The issue of “extra or leftover doses” was raised and addressed. Organizations administering vaccines may have doses not used when a vial is opened and not everyone scheduled for an appointment shows up. As every vial has an expiration time limit, some clinics dispense unused doses to volunteers in the clinic and others may establish a wait list according to various criteria or networks of those needing the vaccine.
• Those counties exceeding the metrics for staying in Phase III have not, to date, been moved back to the Phase II. The recent statewide advancement to Phase III is not seen as the cause of the increase in new case rates or hospitalization. Dr. Locke noted that the current increases are most likely attributable to behavior 4-6 weeks ago due to opening up activities and increasing capacity in closed, indoor spaces.

KPTZ listener’s questions

• There is a difference between the state vaccination numbers cited and local entries giving vaccines, such as Jefferson Healthcare (JHC) because JHC only counts the vaccines they administer (80%), not all the vaccines given in the entire county. Pharmacies account for about 20% and are counted through the state database. There is also another stream of accountability as some residents have received their vaccines out of county. All entities are required to report the number of vaccines given within 24 hours, making the state numbers the most accurate.
• Social distancing remains important as more residents get their vaccine. Six feet, established in the United States, was based on respiratory droplet studies and the likelihood of aerosolized particles emitted from an infectious patient. Although studies have documented aerosolized spread beyond six feet, this distance provides good, but not complete protection.
• When you receive a vaccine at a pharmacy, the staff are permitted to charge an administration fee for providing the service, but there is no patient co-pay. The vaccine is at no charge to all residents and was relatively expensive to develop.
• If you did not experience any side effects from a second vaccine dose, it does not indicate the vaccine did not work. Although between 60-80% of individuals experience some side effects from the second dose, don’t worry if you don’t.
• Dr, Locke stated that for those seeking a vaccine appointment, if you answer the WAPhaseFinder questions honestly, and it states you are eligible, do make an appointment. As this may be the last two weeks of restrictions, Dr. Locke asks you abide by the hierarchy, because by mid-April, if supplies of vaccine comes through, there may be no need for tiers at that point. It is not possible for vaccine clinic staff or volunteers to verify the eligibility of every person scheduled for a vaccine. Those in Tier 3 and 4 can sign up starting March 31.
• For spring break plans next week, avoid travel or stay close to home. If you do travel, pay attention to new case rates, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. When you return home, isolate for 4-5 days and then seek a COVID-19 test and be sure to tell the nursing staff you have returned from out of the area. If you do not get a test, CDC guidelines advise you to quarantine for 10 days.

Willie Bence, Director, Department of Emergency Management(DEM):

• Although 309 people received vaccines this last weekend at Chimacum School, there is not enough vaccine allocated to Jefferson County to run a clinic this upcoming Saturday. Those receiving their first dose on March 21 at this clinic site can schedule for a second dose for April 17 on their own or through the DEM Vaccine Phone Line at 360-344-9791. If you do not schedule an appointment, you will be reminded by email or a call to make sure you receive the second dose.
• Volunteers are continuing to be recruited as all the clinics are staffed by volunteers and it will take months to vaccinate all residents who want a vaccine. Volunteers are now also needed to assist the Bainbridge retired medical corps who currently staff the Chimacum Grange site through TriArea Pharmacy in Port Hadlock.
• For those retired medical volunteers stepping up to assist, please be aware of the more extensive screening required for your category, as well as the few weeks of training needed before you are cleared for an assignment. Your participation is greatly needed and the DEM staff needs to clear some bureaucratic hurdles before you are put to work. All volunteers are directed to email [email protected] to sign up with vaccination efforts.

Today, March 22, Jefferson County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke shared his assessment of the pandemic in Jefferson County and answered questions submitted by KPTZ listeners. Department of Emergency Management Director Willie Bence also gave an update on current Emergency Operations actions, in light of the most recent developments.

General Comments:

• Nationally, new COVID-19 cases continue their downward trend, with the caveat that cases have plateaued with an average of 54,000 new cases for the last two weeks, with hospitalizations and deaths also decreasing. These downward trends of new cases still remain similar to the metrics recorded last summer, indicating the amount of circulating virus is higher than the initial surge of cases in March and April of 2020.
• Although Washington has seen a 9% increase in new cases statewide, with 126 per 100,000 population, western states continue to demonstrate lower metrics than the rest of the country. Washington ranks 47th among all states with the lowest metrics, along with Oregon and California. New cases in our state are 140 per 100,000 population. This trend may be temporary as more and more restrictions are lifted.
• Today, the entire state progresses to Phase III with restaurants allowing diners at 50% capacity within the restaurants as long as they are able to meet all the mitigation requirements, as well as sports and movie venues.
• Jefferson County has 344 cases to date, with 8 cases recorded in the last two weeks, reversing last week’s rate up to 25 cases per 100,000 population. Five of the new cases were within one family, who were already in quarantine when additional family members tested positive, lowering the likelihood of wider community transmission.
• Neighboring communities are also continuing to maintain their new cases at a lower rate. Clallam stands at 33 new cases per 100,000, while Kitsap recorded 77 new cases per 100,000 population in the last two weeks.
• New measures go into effect today which will determine each county’s ability to progress with reopening their businesses and activities. Case rates per 100,000 for large counties need to stay at or below 200 new cases for the last two weeks, while smaller counties with 50,000 residents or less need to remain at 30 or below, with no more than 3 hospitalizations during the same two-week period. Dr. Locke, as well as his fellow Public Health Officers, are advocating smaller numbers for new cases and hospitalizations as the metric threshold may be too liberal to contain transmission as we increase density for indoor businesses and events. The goal with a phased reopening is to suppress and maintain lower circulation of the virus and new variants as we gradually increase indoor capacity and certain other types of community gatherings.
• Jefferson County has delivered 17,606 vaccine doses to date, with 80% of all residents 65 and older with at least one dose of the vaccine, and 24% percent of the total population fully vaccinated. Washington has delivered 2.6 million vaccines in its residents arms, with 22% initiating a series and 12.5% fully vaccinated statewide.
• Last Sunday, the joint collaboration of Jefferson County Public Health and the Department of Emergency Management conducted the first of several planned mass vaccine clinics for county residents at Chimicum High School. Dr. Locke praised all involved in planning and volunteering for this event. The clinic was able to deliver 318 doses to those who signed up for appointments, as well as a few volunteers, so they would not waste any doses. As this site plans for further doses of vaccines, Dr. Locke stated that most likely morning appointments would be reserved for first doses and afternoons would take appointments for second doses. In the near future, clinics will be scheduled for Saturdays when vaccine availability is known.
• Vaccine supplies may be limited or not increase for the next 2-3 weeks as adjustments are made statewide. The next tier for eligibility is scheduled to be opened March 31st and will drop to Phase 1B, Tier 3 & 4. Supplies are expected to increase by mid-April and be more available by May 1. Each new tier that opens will outstrip our capacity at any of the vaccination sites and pharmacies to provide vaccines to those who want them.
• Dr. Locke advises all residents to use the state’s WAPhaseFinder website to check if you are eligible to schedule an appointment for the vaccine. The county Public Health site has all available vaccine sites listed, as well as their website links. As of Monday morning, both these sites had appointments.
• Dr. Locke spoke to recent evidence that some residents receiving their first vaccine in a two-dose series, have not returned for the second dose. He suggested that some individuals may fear the reported side effects with the second dose. He encouraged everyone to keep the appointment for the second dose as your duration of protection is improved when you complete the series.
• If your are fully vaccinated AND you are experiencing typical COVID-19 symptoms, Dr. Locke asks you to get tested. There have been about 100 people in this state who have been confirmed with COVID-19 infection after receiving a vaccination. This is due to the fact that not everyone develops sufficient protection from this vaccine, as the 92-95% efficacy means that about 5-8% of the time, vaccinated persons may not benefit from the vaccine’s protection: the majority will, but some may not. Persons with an active infection can pass it onto others. If your infection and symptoms occur close to your vaccination event, it is difficult to determine if the reaction is from side effects of the the vaccine or an actual, unrelated infection. You are advised to isolate and make arrangements to get the test for COVID-19. You can also call the nurse hotline (360-344-3094) at JHC to get advice on what to do. We are also at the stage when the variants of concern have been found in our state and may be the reason for your infection.
• On Friday, Governor Inslee rescinded his travel advisory for this state and now asks all residents to follow the CDC guidelines at this time. The optimal situation is to be fully vaccinated when traveling, get tested 1-3 days prior to travel, and get tested 3-5 days after you return home. Self-quarantine for 7 days if you test negative, and 10 days if you do not get a COVID-19 test after returning home. This is necessary as there are more variants of concern circulating now and some people do not get sufficient protection from their vaccine series. These new variants are more transmissible and have the potential to cause more serious disease and hospitalization.
• Regarding “vaccine cards”, Dr. Locke stated there were no immediate plans to establish proof of vaccination, as there are restrictions on who is eligible at this time. Some entities may establish this requirement for some activities; however that may be in the future.
• Some vaccine manufacturers have initiated vaccine trials for teens 12 years of age and older and expect to have results available by the early summer and possible recommendations and supplies for younger students by early Fall. These initial vaccines have an excellent safety profile and there is every expectation these vaccines will not be problematic for this age group. FDA trials for children 6 months of age and older will take longer and may not be available till 2022 as the FDA process is longer and more stringent for younger age trial participants.
• Dr. Locke stated that the current vaccines confer better protection than getting a natural infection of COVID-19. There are growing concerns for the increased residual effects of becoming infected with COVID-19 among 18-39 year olds, termed “long-haulers”. Vaccines prevent this condition.
• The reports of blood clots among those receiving the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine appears to be equivalent in that found in the population at large. The trials of this vaccine also saw no increase of blood clotting between the vaccinated group and those receiving the placebo among 30,000 participants. Although the US has ordered this vaccine, it appears we will have enough of the other three vaccines to vaccinate all citizens who desire the vaccine, and these doses will most likely be shared with other countries who remain in need of doses.

KPTZ listener’s questions:

• The CDC has lowered the social distancing guidelines in school settings under certain circumstances. This is possible when all other mitigation actions remain in place and practiced consistently. This is in an effort to balance public health goals and educational missions. Schools and their ability to reinforce these measures have remained a safe place for teachers and students to learn.
• Eating indoors remains with some risk as we increase indoor capacity. It is necessary to remove your mask while eating and the mixing of unrelated households still presents a chance for the virus to find new people to infect. If concerned, eat outside, or support our food establishments by ordering take-out. If you dine indoors, keep your mask on anytime you are not eating.
• Vaccine eligibility currently makes those working in congregate settings and/or in essential infrastructure fields eligible for making a vaccine appointment (Phase 1B, Tier 2), as well as any pregnant woman 16 years or older.
• Swimming pool use during this time appears to be a lower risk as the humidity of the environment reduces the formation of aerosols by trapping the smaller particles in the air. Continue to use 6 feet of social distancing and when not swimming, wear a mask.
• All the cases recorded in this county have been confirmed by PCR testing, even when initially tested by rapid tests, which provide less-reliable c-19 status of actual infection. Probable cases are treated like confirmed cases with home isolation, until proven otherwise.
• Dr. Locke advised against taking NSAIDS before getting the vaccine. This recommendation has been documented with other viral vaccines and can reduce the effectiveness of the protection you receive. The recommendation, if necessary prior to the vaccination, is to take acetaminophen.
• Dr. Locke explained that your protection from the effects of COVID-19 illness begins to build about 7 days after your first dose from a two-dose vaccine regimen. Antibodies build in an initial surge upon your second dose, then continue to build and peak by the 14th day after your second dose.
• Vaccine clinics are currently being planned for the county mass vaccination clinic at Chimacum High School on the weekends, Jefferson Healthcare 6 days a week, as well as TriArea Pharmacy. Call the DEM vaccine phone line (360-344-9791) to schedule an appointment. Two other pharmacies also provide vaccines: Safeway and QFC in Hadlock.
• Dr. Locke encouraged all seeking to travel to be aware of new case rates and trends before scheduling a trip for mandatory travel. Statewide, there is an overall increase, but it is in specific areas, not necessarily the I-5 corridor in Seattle. Avoid states with increasing rates, who more than likely will experience another wave of new cases as seen on the eastern side of the US.

Willie Bence, Director, Department of Emergency Management:

• Mr. Bence expressed appreciation for the success of the first join effort between JC Public Health and DEM staff for the Sunday, March 21 mass vaccination clinic at Chimacum High School. The current need for volunteers will extend several months and he encourages all those interested to volunteer at the Department of Emergency Management.
• Medical staff are also encouraged to apply at the same website. Those wishing to give vaccinations must have an active medical license in Washington. Retired medical practitioners from other states or non-active licenses can volunteer in roles that need a medical background, such as monitoring post vaccination reactions in patients or reviewing medical questionnaires with those waiting to be vaccinated. For those applying to volunteer, the DEM is trying to respond to your inquiries within 48 hours.
• Olympic Area Agency on Aging (OAAA) has been working on no-cost transport for those aged 60 and older with limited options to get to a vaccine site. They will also be working with DEM to establish a program for in-home vaccinations for persons who are currently homebound. They would likely use the one dose Johnson&Johnson vaccines for these individuals.
• Mr. Bence provided a perspective which came from one of our KPTZ Virus Watch Team members, Barney Burke: Roughly 1% of our Jefferson County population is being vaccinated daily, and this does not include the three pharmacies who are delivering roughly 100-200 weekly. Our progress has been considered stellar.

The following is a summary of the presentation made by Dr. Tom Locke, our local Public Health Officer and Willie Bence, Director, EOC, Jefferson County, during the Public Health briefings at this week’s Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting:

General Comments:

• Nationally, new COVID-19 cases continue their downward trend, with the caveat that cases have plateaued with an average 55,000 new cases for this last week, which represents a 19% decrease from the previous two weeks. Hospitalizations and deaths also continue to decrease. These downward trends of new cases still remain above the numbers seen in the initial two months of the pandemic as well as the second wave during the summer of last year.
• Washington state has followed trends similar to the national picture. New cases have declined 15% in the last two weeks with an average of new cases just below 700 a day. Washington ranks 47th among all states with the lowest metrics, along with Oregon and California. New cases in our state are 140 per 100,000 population. This trend may be temporary as more and more restrictions are lifted. Increases in larger group events such as sporting and higher capacity indoor dining have forced some European countries to impose more restrictive measures as they brace for an increase of new cases (a 4th wave), when protective measures were abandoned prematurely.
• Of great concern statewide is the increase of the UK variant now found here, as increased genetic sequencing testing on nasal specimens occurs. The UK strain accounts for about 20% of all new cases in the United States. Washington so far has detected 100 cases of the UK variant, which is known to be more transmissible to others, and more difficult to control. This variant is expected to be the dominant strain in Washington by late March or early April. Another concern was reported by Dr. Lindquist, the state Epidemiologist for Washington’s Department of Health, regarding an increase of new cases in the 20-39 year old age group. This continues to be an effort to balance lessening restrictions and the accompanying less cautious human behavior, with vaccinating as many persons as possible.
• This last weekend, Jefferson County ran a mock mass vaccination clinic in Chimicum in anticipation of new tiers being added to the list of those who could get a vaccination, as well as the steadily increasing supply of vaccine doses delivered to this county. This vaccination clinic is a partnership between Public Health and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM).
• Dr. Locke explained that Jefferson County still continues to suppress the circulation of this virus with 336 cases to date and a caveat about how public health counts cases in this pandemic, which sheds light on the most recent case added to our count. Cases testing positive with PCR testing are considered “confirmed” cases, while “probable” cases reflect persons testing positive with the less accurate rapid tests, without known exposure to a confirmed case. Both classifications are reported in local, state and national statistics. One case locally falls into this later “probable” category and was found upon surveillance for infection with a rapid test.
• Neighboring counties also continue to demonstrate suppression of circulating viruses in their case data. Clallam County has 37 new cases per 100,000 population, with Kitsap at 64 and Mason at 65 new cases, respectively, per 100,000 population.
• Dr. Locke also added that metrics used for recovery stages and re-opening phases will change at the state level. Gone are the percent of case positivity measures. The focus will be on changes in new cases per 100,000 population and hospitalizations for each county, based on a threshold population either above or below 50,000. Regional grouping with other neighboring counties will also cease as of next week when considering progression to reopening to higher indoor capacity and allowable activities.
• Vaccinations statewide are at or above 45,000 doses given each day, with 19% of all Washingtonians having received one dose, and 11% being fully vaccinated. Locally, 35% of residents have received their first dose, while 19.4% are fully immunized. Only Clallam county beats us with nearly quarter (23%) of residents with full vaccinations.
• Dr. Locke again expressed the goal of getting the vaccines into arms as soon as they are delivered to Jefferson County from the state. However, there will be a new allocation system which will adjust the number of doses to this county in the next few weeks ahead, to be sure other counties have their fair share to date. Jefferson County received a full vaccine as ordered this past week and will share some of this supply with Public Health for the vaccination clinic in Chimicum this weekend.
• A significant supply of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is expected to be available sometime in April. It has become more popular as it only requires one dose and provides the same protection against hospitalization and death as the other two vaccines. Thousands of doses are expected nationwide for this vaccine in May and June.
• On Wednesday of this week, more groups and individuals will be eligible for available vaccines. Currently all persons in 1A – 1B (Tiers 1 and 2) are eligible for vaccinations. The next group to be eligible is 1B-Tier 3. Those in Tier 4 can expect to be eligible near the end of April. Those healthy, who do not qualify earlier by the WAPhaseFinder hierarchy can expect to receive the vaccine by May. The tiers are designed on epidemiology factors of risk of severe disease and death either by age, occupation or comorbidities. Details can be found in the Washington state WAPhaseFinder.
• Restaurant workers have not been prioritized higher than the general public due to the lack of evidence of outbreaks among restaurant workers. The primary risk in indoor dining settings has been the higher risk to other diners. And locally, outbreaks have been among gatherings of unrelated, non-household members. The CDC has placed restaurant workers in the lowest tier.

KPTZ listener’s questions:

• Regarding the ethics of crossing county lines to get vaccinated, some facilities, such as the Jamestown Health Clinic, have not put restrictions on who is vaccinated, as they are a sovereign nation. Their goal is to get vaccines into anyone who goes through their drive-thru clinic, including anyone in the car. Just recently, all the vaccines available in the drive thru have not been used. Jefferson County will monitor usage of any local clinics and may consider adjusting plans if available vaccine doses slow down or go unused.
• Pharmacy now accounts for about 19% of all vaccines delivered in Jefferson County. Some residents have received doses when not in priority category through “leftover” doses at the end of the day. All vaccine clinics, in an attempt to not waste doses, have lists of persons to call who may be next in line when a person has not shown up for their appointment, or has canceled with short notice. Once vaccines are prepared for the day, they must be given within a specified time period. Dr. Locke stated it requires a bit of luck to get a vaccine in these circumstances, and second doses are guaranteed in these situations.
• For those fully vaccinated, the CDC guidance is specific in keeping small gatherings and types of activities in detailing “safer” scenarios. Those in this category are advised to think of all the activities, and need to keep in mind no situation is without risk. Although not specified in the CDC guidance, Dr. Locke would consider below 30 persons would be a medium size group and upwards of 200 a large group. Singing with others close by, so as to hear each other, would be pushing the envelope on what could be considered safe. All elements of numbers, type of activity, closeness, setting and ventilation must be considered.
• Monoclonal antibody treatment, nicknamed BAM, is available through Jefferson Healthcare as well as other standards of treatments for those with more severe disease progression.
• All vaccines in current use are authorized under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Full approval involves application to the FDA for full approval and involves submitting detailed documentation regarding safety and efficacy data. Pfizer has indicated its intention to submit an application in the near future, similar to their briefing reports submitted for their EUA last November. There are over 30 million people who have received vaccines at this point in time, supplying sufficient data points for evaluating this vaccine for full approval.

Willie Bence, Director, Department of Emergency Management (DEM):

• This weekend was spent preparing for the first mass vaccination clinic sponsored through Public Health and the DEM. The clinic is set to run this Sunday, March 21, details to follow. They expect to have 300 doses available of the Moderna vaccine.
• The clinic is by appointment only based on the current eligible populations specified in the WAPhaseFinder. More dates will be added week by week, as the vaccine supplies are confirmed. The goal is eventually to have about 600 doses each day a clinic is scheduled. Appointments can be made through the DEM Vaccine phone line at 360-344-9791.
• These clinics are all volunteer lead and staffed by community members. This means that volunteers will be needed for the next several months. Volunteers can sign up for future clinic needs at [email protected].
• Medical staff is also encouraged to apply at the above email address. Only those wishing to give vaccinations must have an active medical license in Washington. Retired medical practitioners from other states or non-active licenses can volunteer in roles that need a medical background, such as monitoring post vaccination reactions in patients or reviewing medical questionnaires with those waiting to be vaccinated.
• For those applying to volunteer, the DEM is trying to respond to your inquiries within 48 hours, but be patient as many community members have stepped forward to help. The weekend clinics need as many as 100 volunteers every weekend, so there will be a role for all who want to help. Volunteers will still be needed for the Jefferson Healthcare site as well, which is running 6 days a week, with 300-350 patients receiving a vaccine.

Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Tom Locke and to Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting

Today, March 8, our local Public Health Officer, Dr. Tom Locke shared his assessment of the pandemic in Jefferson County and answered questions submitted by KPTZ listeners.

General comments:

• Nationally, new COVID-19 cases continue their downward trend, with the caveat that cases have plateaued with an average 60,000 for this last week, which represents a 12% decrease from the previous two weeks. Total cases have climbed to 29 million and deaths have reached 524,000 since this time last year.
• Washington has seen a similar drop in new cases detected, with 678 cases per 100,000 population.
• Jefferson County has dropped to 16 per 100,000 population, with no new cases reported in this past week and 15 reported during the last two-week period. Surrounding counties grouped with our statewide, regional RoadMap to Recovery plan have likewise seen lower numbers of new cases reported. Clallam has reported 32 cases per 100,000 population. Kitsap reports 61 new cases per 100,000 population, with Mason reporting 38 cases per 100,000 population. All counties are now in Phase II of the Governor’s recovery plan at this time.
• These new, lower case rates are deemed to be the intersection of several factors, as Dr. Locke explained. “Seasonality” refers to a time when populations are moving outdoors, opening windows for better ventilation, and spending less time indoors with unrelated household members, which reduces the likelihood of transmission. The majority of the local population is continuing to follow CDC mitigation efforts to suppress the low, but continuing circulation of the virus, as well as the overall volume of virus present. Washington is among states with the lowest seroprevalence. Our community is also ramping up the number of vaccinations given as supplies from the federal government increase.
• These lower new case rates rely on any person with typical influenza or COVID-19 symptoms to continue to seek testing, especially if they have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 infection. As cases dwindle, traditional public health interventions such as case investigations and contact tracing will further suppress the circulation of the virus. So it is critical to continue to seek testing if they have symptoms. People testing positive for the coronavirus also have more options for treating the clinical disease.
• The CDC’s long-awaited guidelines for describing “safer” activities for those fully vaccinated were announced today. “Fully vaccinated” is defined as being 14 days past your second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine OR 14 days past your first shot of the Johnson&Johnson vaccine. CDC’s long awaited guidelines for persons meeting these criteria can gather indoors with one household of individuals who are at lower risk of complications from COVID-19 disease, with no masks or social distancing. Washington state will likely follow these guidelines and produce documents for our state once the guideline details what exceptions and caveats have been published. This movement toward fewer restrictions is in keeping with recent changes detailed by the CDC, such as dropping the quarantine requirement for those fully vaccinated (see above) to quarantine post-exposure to a newly diagnosed COVID-19 case. If you have been vaccinated and develop symptoms, isolate until the condition has been diagnosed or after Covid-19 testing is completed.
• Vaccine news shows nearly 16% of Washington residents have received 1 dose, with nearly 9% fully vaccinated, exceeding our state’s goal of daily vaccinations of 45,000 doses a day. Jefferson County is now vaccinating all those over the age of 65 years and older, so register at the JHC website (https://jeffersonhealthcare.org/covid-19-vaccine/). If you have registered and have not received a notification to make an appointment, something went wrong, so call the phone line at 360-344-9791 and volunteers will help you make an appointment. Do not delay at this point.
• All school personnel and childcare workers of any age also can now receive a vaccination. Tri-Area Pharmacy has ordered and is awaiting 500 doses of the Johnson&Johnson vaccine for this population, with clinics to be planned.
• Near the end of March (March 22), the next tier of persons will be eligible for the vaccine. This includes those who work in congregate settings at high risk for infection, pregnant women, and younger persons with co-morbidities, as well as first responders not previously included in the 1A tier. Clallam County will coordinate vaccinations for these workers in Forks for the west Jefferson County workers. Nearly half of the residents in west Jefferson County are tribal citizens, where vaccinations have been given through medical, point of care sites.

KPTZ listener’s questions:

• High-quality masks for use in non-medical settings can be reused, as long as face fit is not compromised. Air dry for three days, especially if damp, before reuse.
• Delayed reactions to the vaccine can occur, such as dizziness as reported by one of our KPTZ listeners. It could also be a reaction not related, but temporally associated, due to the recent receipt of a vaccine. This information can be reported to a national database by anyone. It is called VAERS and can be found online (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/vaers/index.html) and has been available for many years as a way to determine the breath of reactions that can occur with any vaccinations. Anyone can also sign up for a program called VSAFE (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html) for after vaccination monitoring.
• Even those with previous, serious COVID-19 infection can receive the vaccine. If you had a severe reaction to the first shot and are wondering about getting the second dose, you will need to consult a knowledgeable medical provider regarding their advice. To note, just one dose does provide good protection from more serious disease and death. There is no evidence that prior COVID-19 illness presupposes a person to a stronger reaction to vaccination.
• Those between 60 and 64 years can realistically expect to be vaccinated sometime in May.
• Vaccine hesitancy exists and will be addressed with a public health campaign to reassure the public of it efficacy and safety. This is appropriate when we enter the stage of pushing for a higher herd immunity. We’ll need 70-80% of the population to be fully vaccinated to severely suppress the circulation of the virus.
• The projected opening for the mass vaccination clinic is Saturday, March 21. Vaccines have been ordered and, if filled and delivered, directions will follow soon for this event.
• Dr. Locke discussed how community life might be able to have some semblance of expected activities as long as new cases continue to decline. Traditional events and festivals may be able to be scheduled with adjustments depending on the state of the pandemic. The variants continue to be a concern, with a rapid rise of the UK variant becoming the dominant strain in the US. The South African variant continues to show some resistance to the current vaccines being offered.

Willie Bence, Director, Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Jefferson County:

• Plans continue to be developed for the mass vaccination clinic near the end of March, pending receipt of supplies of vaccines. JHC is nearing their max capacity for first and second vaccinations at the drive-through site, so plans will eventually shift to the mass vaccination site as the eligibility for vaccine continues to include more residents.
• There still is a need for licensed medical staff to give injections and monitor reactions at the upcoming mass vaccination clinics. Other non-medical volunteers will be needed for traffic control and assistance with paperwork. Please email the EOC to register to volunteer.
• Because vaccine supplies still outpace the need, volunteers will not receive a vaccine in order to participate in any of the sites where vaccines are given, as all CDC recommendations are followed to keep us all safer.
• The best campaign for reducing vaccine hesitancy is to share your experience with getting the vaccine. So talk it up, be respectful of others’ concerns, and be realistic about your experience, as it may have a more powerful influence on others.
• The vaccine phone line has some alternatives for transport to the JHC drive-thru clinic. You can reach them at 360-344-9791, Mon-Fri from 9 to 5pm.
• The Commissioners thanked all the public health staff and emergency operation workers for their professional leadership and efforts, including the public health nurses who worked case investigations all year long and have now transitioned to vaccine clinics.

Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Tom Locke and to Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.

Today, March 1, Jefferson County Public Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke shared his assessment of the pandemic in Jefferson County and answered questions submitted by KPTZ listeners. Department of Emergency Management Director Willie Bence also gave an update on current Emergency Operations actions, in light of the most recent developments.

Even though broadcast of the March 1, 2021 Public Health Briefings was incomplete, the entire segment is now included in this audio recording. 

• We joined the update as Dr. Locke was discussing the progress and plans for getting schools back in session with all students present. Data for various in-person school programs shows that, even without teachers vaccinated, there is very little transmission among children younger than 10 years of age. The data shows that transmission occurs primarily among older students.
• While no Centers for Disease Control (CDC) documents currently exist with details about gathering with other non-member households who have completed their vaccinations, they are expected when sufficient data regarding transmission patterns are reported in the process of re-opening.
• And while some experts suggest non-member households, fully vaccinated, could gather together, there are reasons not to do this at this time. There are still many in our community who will not be able to get the vaccines for months as the supplies are still limited. Circulating variants, which are more easily transmitted, are doubling every 10 days and it is expected the UK mutated virus will soon be the dominant variant in Washington. Any mild symptomatic or asymptomatic new infection allows the virus a chance to mutate and spread to other susceptible persons. We are advised to continue the CDC recommendations. Dr. Locke described it as a race to vaccinate enough of our population, while at the same time, greatly suppressing the amount of circulating virus in the community.
• The protection the current vaccines provide may be about one year. It is expected that we will need yearly booster shots, and that those will be adjusted for variant strains, similar to the yearly flu vaccine program. Re-engineering the proteins prominent in the circulating variants is easily facilitated by the technology used initially in developing these vaccines.
• The need to vaccinate entire populations yearly means public health and healthcare institutions need to create a high-volume infrastructure to accomplish this goal.
• While vaccinations are generally given through points of care and pharmacies, the volume of vaccinations needed would strain our current system. It will depend on how the pandemic plays out from here forward. The best scenario would be a steady decline in cases, mass vaccinations administered simultaneously, with good suppression of this virus, thus allowing traditional public health measures to further control the spread of outbreaks.
• The other possible scenario might be that, as we reopen our economy, the virus continues to mutate and spread, especially in dense, urban areas, typical of the community spread characteristic of the three waves seen so far in this pandemic. Hence the phrase “Don’t let down your guard”.
• The Governor is looking very carefully at signs of increased virus transmission as the state proceeds into Phase II of our Road Map to Recovery. With limited occupancy in indoor settings specified in Phase II, data regarding transmission is being carefully scrutinized. It may take a few weeks to see the effects of the reopening before planning for Phase III can be developed. The Governor is leary of re-opening too soon as cases decline, and then having to reverse progress made and imposing restrictions again. This cautionary stance has served Washington state well, placing us among those states with the lowest morbidity and mortality rates in the nation.
• Regarding vaccination news, Dr. Locke announced this week that Jefferson Healthcare will be giving both first and second doses in the drive-thru clinic, which actually doubles the number of persons served. Vaccine allocations now number 1,170 doses for the first dose to Jefferson County, and are paired with a similar allocation for three weeks later, as well as the same amount for initial doses each week. When eligible for more than this amount, a mass vaccination site will be opened.
• This week, the age band continues to drop for those eligible to be vaccinated, currently notifying those aged 67 years and older who have registered. Those in households with grandparents who are the legal guardians of their grandchildren, as well as those in households who care for a dependent elder are now also eligible. The legal guardians and elder caretakers need to be 50 years of age or older. They are directed to the Jefferson Healthcare website to register to be notified when a supply becomes available.

Comments by Willie Bence, Director, Department of Emergency Management (DEM):

• The vaccine call center now has a plan for those residents without an email address, WiFi, or computer access to schedule an appointment for a vaccination. Those in this category who are 65 years and older can call the phone line and a volunteer will make the arrangements. Individuals who are in multigenerational households 50 years and older, who are the legal guardians of their grandchildren, or a caretaker of an elder can also use this phone line to schedule a vaccination if they have limited access to the internet or a computer. Call 360-344-7971, Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm for assistance.
• As the age band drops lower, the phone assistance line remains in operation, with ongoing evaluation as to the need to remain open. For the foreseeable future, Mr. Bence sees it remaining open to assist those with limited internet and computer access.
• Plans for a mass vaccination clinic continue to be developed with the county facing the limitations of a drive-thru clinic as vaccine allocations continue to increase and hold steady. Timing for this mass vaccination site again depends on available supplies and is anticipated to begin either near the end of this month and/or early next month.

Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Tom Locke and to Willie Bence by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.

Today, February 22, 2021, our local Public Health Officer, Dr. Tom Locke shared his assessment of the pandemic in Jefferson County and answered questions submitted by KPTZ listeners.

Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Tom Locke by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.

General Remarks:

• Nationally, new COVID-19 cases are continuing to decline, noting a 44% drop from two weeks ago, averaging 66,000 cases a day. The actual case numbers, unfortunately, are far greater than those actually detected through COVID-19 testing. Hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline as well, although the nation saw deaths attributed to COVID-19 reach over a half million this past weekend.
• As of February 12, 2021, Jefferson County has reported 330 cases, only 2 cases last week, and a case rate down to 65.83 cases per 100,000 population and a 1.76% case positivity.  The New York Times continues to place Jefferson County among the areas nationwide with the lowest case rates and percent positivity numbers.
• Neighboring county metrics continue to decline among those areas placed in our regional RoadMap to Reopening plan.  Clallam County reports 54 cases per 100,000, Kitsap County reported 86 cases per 100,000, while Mason County recorded 65 cases per 100,000 population.
• Although case rates per 100,000 population are substantially decreasing, the appearance and rise of viral variants of SARS-CoV-2 pose a continued risk in terms of their increased ability to be easily transmitted, as well as cause more severe disease and death.  The United Kingdom variant has been found in Washington state with the confirmation of 19 cases and is expected to become the dominant strain in the US, within the next few months. While the UK variant is sensitive to the two vaccines being given, the South African and Brazilian variants show some vaccine resistance. 
• The  appearance of these variants highlights the need to continue CDC recommendations, and most importantly, vigilance in refraining from mixing non-member households at this point in time.  At the same time, all individuals wearing high quality masks and doubling them keeps the virus variants from getting a stronger foothold in communities. Double masks, surgical on the inside with cloth on the outside, improves protection for the source case, reducing the spread of infection.
• Dr. Locke cautioned that as much as 60% of the NK95 respirators available here do not meet FDA standards.  Residents can find a list of acceptable KN95 respirators on the FDA and CDC websites.  
• Nationwide, first vaccine doses have been administered to 12.2% of the population, with 4.5% having received both doses. Locally, Clallam and Jefferson County stand at 2,958 vaccine doses administered per 10,000 population.  There will be a steady ramping up of supplies available week by week.
• A third manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson is expected to present their data from clinical trials this week to the FDA, and if approved, may have a supply available near the end of March, with 1,000,000 doses in the first delivery. By May, another two manufactures may be approved and producing vaccines. 

Questions from KPTZ listeners: 

• Current guidelines for gathering with non-household members, who both have completed their vaccinations, do not exist at this point in time, but current studies may offer some guidance when completed.  Vaccine trials did not answer the question, once vaccinated, if subsequently infected with the coronavirus, could you pass it on to others.  The trials addressed the severity of disease and death.   
• Jefferson Healthcare does not encourage residents to sign up more than once with the registration notification process. Currently, there are approximately 7,000 residents over the age of 70 years waiting to be notified for a vaccination slot and the limited supplies of vaccine available. Registrants are being called or emailed in descending order by age. 
• For nearly a month, Jefferson County did not receive any vaccine for first doses.  This week 1,100 doses arrived for first doses, and our county is slated to receive the same amount next week.  Areas residents 71 and older are now being notified by JHC to sign up for an appointment, so it is important to go online and register to be notified.  Vaccinations are also available at area pharmacies, which receive between 100-200 doses a week and they all have registration for appointments at their websites. 
• A solution is in the works for vaccine registration for those without email or internet access.  The Department of Emergency Management operates a phone line at 360-344-9791 to register residents M-F, 9am to 4pm for those without internet access or an email to register with JHC. They are testing the solutions this week.  
• Healthcare providers are listed in priority as 1A and qualify currently for vaccination now through the JHC registration process or pharmacies.  They must be actively seeing patients and have a current license. 
• Most people will have a sore arm as a result of vaccinations, with both first and second dose.  Some people will have side effects from the second dose, such as fatigue and/or headaches, chills, fever, itching, and a rash at the injection site.  These reactions are more typical in vaccine recipients under 55 years of age. You are fortunate if you don’t have side effects, but this does not suggest your immune system is not reacting as it should. 
• The most serious reactions to the vaccine manifests within minutes of receiving the shot.  Reactions include the feeling that the throat is closing or a drop in blood pressure, signaling a systemic allergic reaction.  All vaccination sites are prepared for this rare type of reaction and can treat persons on the spot, if necessary. Those individuals with this type of reaction should not get a second dose. This is the reason for all those vaccinated to be observed and monitored for 15 minutes after the injection or 30 minutes if you have this type of reaction with other vaccines. 
• It is advised for you to stick to your own county of residence for the vaccine, although every vaccination, anywhere, increases our safety.  Currently, the available supplies are allocated by population percentages, with a new plan being finalized by the Governor that accounts for the number of persons at highest risk by age or other factors.  Available supplies are the limiting factors, nothing else.
• While age has been the primary factor for selecting those persons for the limited availability of vaccine doses, persons over 65 years of age with underlying health conditions are being considered for vaccinations.  The medical conditions are listed on the CDC website and include those undergoing chemotherapy, severe lung and heart disease, and diabetes, to name a few.  This hierarchy is subject to change and is controlled by the Governors and guidance from the CDC. 
• With the expected revised plan for vaccine allocation from the state soon, vaccine tiers will be opened in the future for mass vaccinations sites, as the predictability of long-range supply supplies will be more stable, forecast for three weeks in advance.  Locally, we may be able to do this in March, as the vaccine supplies will outpace our capacity at the drive thru sites.  

Today, February 16, 2021, our local Public Health Officer, Dr. Tom Locke shared his assessment of the pandemic in Jefferson County and answered questions submitted by KPTZ listeners.

Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Tom Locke by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.

General Remarks:

• Nationally, new COVID-19 cases are continuing to decline, noting a 41% drop from two weeks ago, with hospitalizations down nearly one half million. A more troubling trend is the decrease in COVID-19 testing nationally and statewide. 
• Washington, having seen a surge in December and January, continues to see a drop in new cases, averaging 670 cases per day.  This is down 58% from the last two weeks, bringing the cases per 100,000 population to 259.  New case positivity has also dropped to 6.3%, from 7.0% last week. Dr. Locke reminded us, although this is a decline in case rates and positivity, we are coming down from a peak in the pandemic that is the highest we have seen to date.
• As of February 12, Jefferson County has reported 326 cases, with a case rate down to 66 cases per 100,000 population and a 3.4% case positivity.  The New York Times recently placed Jefferson County among the areas nationwide with the lowest case rates and percent positivity numbers.
• Neighboring county metrics continue to decline among those areas placed in our regional Road Map to Reopening plan as well, enabling all four counties to move into Phase 2 as of February 14.  Clallam County reported 62 cases per 100,000 population with 2.6% new case positivity.  Kitsap County reported 112 cases per 100,000 and 5.1% new case positivity, while Mason County recorded 105 cases per 100,000 population and 4.9% new case positivity. 
• Vaccines rates are rising, now achieving the goal of giving vaccinations as soon as supplies are received.  The US is averaging about 1,000,000 doses per day, with Washington State having vaccinated about 1,000,000 residents to date. Locally, Jefferson County has vaccinated about 8,000 high-risk persons, with Jefferson HealthCare inoculating about 85% of county residents and 15% being given by local pharmacies.  The county is soon to finalize its plans for mass vaccination sites, when it is anticipated the vaccine supply will be more readily available near the end of March. April and May may bring more supplies, with June and July having more massive supplies, when anyone will be able to get the vaccine without significant problems. 
• The path of this pandemic stands at a fork in the road, according to Dr. Locke.  He quoted Dr. Tom Friedan, a former CDC Director, who stated that to avoid a fourth wave of increased cases as we reopen our communities, our commitment to safer behavior will determine the direction of our local epidemic.  So now is the time to recommit ourselves to masking, distancing, and washing our hands.  Masking directives were recently published by the CDC, giving us specific information on the greatest protection for dampening the transmission of this virus.  A good quality mask has a tight weave (can’t see sunlight) in the fabric of the outer mask, preferably three layers, over a paper surgical mask worn next to your face, which provides a tight fit. If an infectious source case is not masking, only an N95 respirator could provide as much protection (90-95%) as this double masking protocol.  We have been advised to mask anytime you are with a non-household person, regardless of vaccination status. 
• Dr. Locke discussed the importance of continued testing for COVID-19.  We may be less motivated to get a test when we have symptoms, but this remains the way to further control transmission in our community.  Although we have virtually eliminated an influenza season, it is critically important to get a test, especially when you are running a fever, a hallmark of COVID-19 infection.   Testing when symptomatic and isolation / quarantine can continue to reduce spread locally.   It protects other household members as well as anyone with which you interact and continues to be our best public health strategy.  
• Moving to Phase 2 on the Olympic Peninsula seems doable at this time if we continue to follow prevention protocols. Dining with the same members of your immediate household is safer than mixing households in indoor settings for a prolonged time period.  The evidence of the sustainability of the current reopening measures will be first seen in those communities along the I-5 corridor. This will be evaluated every two weeks. If there is no rise in new cases, this may indicate a better outlook for us locally.  
• The recent drop in cases is not likely due to increased vaccination rollouts, but more reasonably attributed to seasonality factors. We are coming out of the prime time of the year for reduced transmission in respiratory illnesses.  While some areas have seen higher naturally acquired infections that limit the spread of this virus, masking of nearly 80% of the nation also contributes to the drop in new cases. While cases continue to drop, Dr. Locke reminded everyone that it is from an extremely high prevalence of cases.  It is important to recognize the intersection of widespread rollout of vaccinations and prevention measures that will end this pandemic for us locally. 
• KPTZ listeners were concerned about ADA access when the current volume of vaccinations are being done through a drive-thru near the hospital, not really accessible to those with only wheelchairs. Dr. Locke stated that upcoming mass vaccinations sites will accommodate these individuals, as well as point-of-care opportunities. 
• Washington state currently does genomic sequencing on about 2% of respiratory isolates to look for virus variants.  The cost is very high to build more capacity, so the state has a focus on two variant problems identified.  The first priority is testing those persons who test positive for COVID-19 two weeks after completed vaccinations. The second is testing those persons with an anomaly with their PCR results, specifically the third arm of the test that triggers a positive result called the ‘S” drop.  
• Dr. Locke encouraged those who are trying to convince others to get the vaccine to let individuals proceed according to their own timeframe.  Safety data continues to be similar to the results reported by the two leading manufacturers, with nearly 38 million doses given in the United States.  Nearly 71% of citizens have expressed an interest in taking the vaccine, which will be good coverage to protect us all.
• Regarding the KPTZ listener question about rapid testing in schools, Dr. Locke stated that the verdict is not in on the efficacy of using this in school settings. School superintendents have done some trial testing and a report is expected soon. This type of testing is more accurate with those reporting symptoms versus those without, again being a timing issue of test application and best used in areas of high seroprevalence of new cases. If the report warrants use, Jefferson County would be able to get the testing kits.
• Vaccine eligibility continues to focus on those at highest risk of severe disease and death. A new supply of first doses are expected this week. About 7,000 residents have signed up for notification through Jefferson HealthCare and will be called as their age tier comes up, older through younger, the goal being saving lives.
• Dr. Locke explained that you are fully immune 14 days after the second vaccination and cautioned that one in twenty people, if exposed, still may experience severe disease if they are exposed and become infected.
• Jefferson County has not been penalized for it’s low seroprevalence of new cases. It’s just a factor of uneven distribution of the vaccine. He explained that the state still needs to determine a formula for distribution, as the counties still do not know, from week to week, whether they will receive an allotment and how much. The professional association of public health officers has suggested allotment based on the percentage of high-risk groups in each county, until supplies increase. Currently, when an allotment comes in, you have about a 10% chance of finding an appointment for the prime dose, relative to the demand.

The following is a summary of the presentation made by Willie Bence, Director, Department of Emergency Management:

• Recruitment continues for medical and non-medical volunteers, with an eye toward the mass vaccination sites to be held when supplies of vaccines increase. It will take months to respond to this demand for the vaccine and many in the community are needed for this task. The call center to assist with making appointments is still in operation and anyone can call 360-344-9791, Monday thru Friday, 9am to 4pm.
• Those over 65 years of age are encouraged to register on the Jefferson HealthCare website to be notified when their age tier appointments are available.
• Phase 2 has arrived in Jefferson County and Mr. Bence asked that you observe masking guidelines when indoors as our service and support staff are not currently eligible for vaccinations and the risk of transmission continues since they interface with the public for many hours at a time.  Closing and reopening becomes expensive and threatens their existence when safety protocols are not strictly followed. 
• Our stellar county road crew employees were able to salt traffic areas prior to the snow as well as ploughing where needed. This is a good time to revisit your emergency preparations for readiness, as this year pandemic concerns occurred alongside pandemic concerns. 

Today, February 8, 2021, our local Public Health Officer, Dr. Tom Locke shared his assessment of the pandemic in Jefferson County and answered questions submitted by KPTZ listeners.

Submit your Public Health questions to Dr. Tom Locke by emailing [email protected]. Note: The weekly deadline for these to be submitted is on Fridays at noon, to be answered at the following Monday’s BOCC meeting.

General Remarks:

• Nationally, new COVID-19 are declining rapidly, noting a 31% drop from two (2) weeks ago, with an average of 118,000 new cases a day, which was last seen in November 2020.  There has also been a decline in COVID-19 testing, suggesting many actual cases may go undetected. 
• Washington, having seen a surge in December and January, has seen a similar drop (27%) in new cases detected, with 298 cases per 100,000 population and 7% case positivity.  Washington state ranks third (3rd) in the nation behind North Dakota and Hawaii in the decline of new cases. 
• As of this day, Jefferson County has reported 321 cases, up from the previous two (2) weeks. Our case rate now stands at 125 per 100,000 population, up from 72 per 100,000 population in the previous reporting period, with an increased case positivity of 4.46%.  Increased cases are driven by cluster outbreaks, with 23 cases within a contained, non-public setting and the others by small non-household gatherings. These clusters, investigated quickly, limit spread to the wider community, making containment possible when close contacts are quarantined prior to testing positive. Dr. Locke reaffirmed the efficacy of the PCR test with regard to the cycle threshold (Ct) criticism mentioned during public comments today. 
• Neighboring Clallam County has 82 cases per 100,000 population with 3% new case positivity.  Kitsap County reported 132 cases per 100,000 and 5.7% new case positivity, while Mason County recorded 143 cases per 100,000 population and 8.1% new case positivity. 
• Vaccine supplies from the state continued to be limited, with 5,945 vaccinations given by Jefferson Healthcare(JHC) to date, while local pharmacies have vaccinated an additional 890 county residents. Our allotments locally have been reduced temporarily to give previously under-allotted counties their fair share. Currently, nearly two-thirds (2/3rds) of supplies ordered have been left unfilled. Vaccine allotments and shipments are expected to stabilize towards the end of February with an expectation that counties will know the allotment quantity weeks ahead of planning appointments.  Although JHC is set up to vaccinate large numbers of residents a day, they have not received a supply for prime doses for a few weeks.  This is expected to be resolved over time, with expectations of receipt of supplies to match the demand for vaccinations, including the Johnson & Johnson vaccine candidate that is seeking an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) hearing from the FDA scheduled for February 27, 2021. 
• Three (3) variants currently found in the US, discovered by genomic sequencing, are being tracked. Mutations in viruses are expected due to the high frequency with which they replicate, however, these changes appear to make these variants more readily transmitted to another person by as much as 30%.  These strains have varying sensitivity to the current vaccines being used. Hence, strenuous control efforts need to be increased, to reduce chances for replication and the virus “escaping” the vaccines’ mechanisms of mounting an immune response. 
• The current focus to reduce the spread of the new variants revolves around  improving the science behind masking design and use.  Guidelines for a better fit, improved filtration, and source control will be addressed by a new statement from the CDC to be released soon.  Dr. Locke warned that face shields only provide eye protection from flying debris and are useless to protect from infection or as a mechanism for source control.  Surgical masks, now more widely available, worn under cloth masks reduce your risk of infection and better protect others. He expects these protective measures to continue for the next few months, until a steep and sustained drop in new cases occurs.  
• Dr. Locke addressed residents going to other county pharmacies to get the vaccine. He stated the counties were not in competition as the goal is to get as many residents vaccinated as soon as possible, although he cautioned that getting the second (2nd) dose should be given at the same site of the first (1st) dose. He noted that Mason County ranks first (1st) in completion rate of both vaccine doses delivered,  while Clallam County, supplemented by vaccine supplies from the Jamestown Family Health Clinic, ranks first (1st) among all counties in rate per 10,000 residents vaccinated for the prime dose.

KPTZ listeners questions:

• The proposed revamping of health board regions by the Governor was purported to be linked to an area’s healthcare and hospital surge capacity, but does not appear supported by epidemiological data, per Dr. Locke. Plans are still being considered in senate committees, with an eye toward significant funding of public health infrastructure to possibly come from the health insurance system, in recognition of the long-standing, under funding of this vital disease prevention program.  
• A new COVID-19 test kit will soon be available for home use. This new device uses a link to your smartphone, reports the results to the state DOH, and in combination with symptoms, reliably indicates infection.  Sensitivity of this COVID-19 test (the reliability of a true indication of infection), remains dependent on when the test is taken in your disease process.  
• Currently, individuals who are over 75 years, or undergoing chemotherapy, or other complicated medical conditions remain the focus for prime vaccinations as supplies permit. Jefferson Healthcare is using its current patient database to identify these individuals for appointments or when next they interact with the healthcare system to provide the prime dose.  Unidentified high-risk elders are encouraged to contact their primary care provider for assistance in getting in the queue for a prime dose. 
• With vaccine supplies limited currently, appointments for those in the 65-74 year old age cohort may have to rely on area pharmacies to provide vaccinations, as Jefferson Healthcare is still allowing appointments only for the 75 year old and up age cohort, due to their high risk of severe disease progression and death.   
• Timing of the second dose of the vaccine series can be reasonably delayed and still provide expected protection from severe disease and death. It does not need to be matched exactly to manufacturer’s time frame, but should not be a problem if vaccine supplies are limited.  Most vaccine providers are making appointments for the second dose when the prime dose is delivered, however, actual vaccinations are supply-dependent at this time. 
• The question of transmission of the coronavirus to others once you have been vaccinated has not been thoroughly studied, as this is difficult to study and carry out.  There is some preliminary, non-peer-reviewed data that suggests interruption of transmission is possible with a vaccine currently in clinical trials, AstraZeneca. It’s not exactly clear at this point in time, but may be an unexpected benefit of the vaccination.
• Clinical trials are currently enrolling teenagers to answer questions of safety and efficacy. Pfizer is studying 12 to 16 year olds, with Moderna enrolling 12 to 18 year olds. It may take until the summer to have initial data for the older age groups.  Children 11 years and under typically have very mild symptoms and may not be involved in clinical trials in the near future. 
• Vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer used messenger RNA technologies to create their vaccines, which delivers a bit of the genetic code to cells, providing the RNA recipe to make surface spike proteins which activate your immune response. It requires a prime dose and a final dose within 3 to 4 weeks of the first dose.  The Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines use a more common technology called viral vectored vaccines. This method uses a harmless adenovirus engineered to carry the genetic code for the SARS-Cov-2 spike protein into cells and requires only one dose.  All these vaccines prevent progression to severe disease and death, have side effects similar to seasonal flu vaccines, and can be reformatted easily if regional variants become predominant in an area. 

Willie Bence, Department of Emergency Management (DEM) said:  

• State medical licensing boards are allowing medical practitioners in retirement, without a current license, to apply for emergency authorization during this pandemic to assist with mass vaccination efforts. So the medical pool for these events has grown.  Non-medical volunteers have also stepped up to volunteer, although the current need has been filled.  Mr. Bence stated that 112 shifts were filled in about 4 hours, demonstrating the willingness of this community to support the goal of mass vaccination events as the supplies increase over time, providing us a prospective view of this long-term commitment.  
• President Biden has enacted changes to the Stanford Act by Executive Order that will allow states and counties to recover more of their local costs due to this pandemic. Counties can now recover 100% of their costs through FEMA and our local DEM is currently reviewing their costs and will resubmit their documents for more reimbursement, which means the traditional 25% local match is recouped by our county.  This is retroactive to January 2020, the start of the pandemic.