DAYTON—On Tuesday, Martha Lanman, Columbia County’s Public Health Director, discussed the Health Department’s response and activities regarding COVID-19 with the Board of County Commissioners.

She stated that there has only been one positive case of COVID-19 in Columbia County as of March 30. This individual has since recovered. Thirty-five tests have come back negative and there is one test pending.

The department goal is to “be prepared”, she said.

Department staff has been getting the word out about park closures, working with restaurants, and looking for volunteers who can assist with deliveries to people sidelined by COVID-19. Additional nurses are needed, as well.

Lanman said her department has just received a $100,000 grant from the Southeastern Washington Health Network for COVID-19 preparedness. A housing grant is in progress to help people who have no proper way to be sheltered, or who need to be in quarantine or in self isolation.

The Health Department is also offering a newsletter subscription with facts and information about the outbreak. To subscribe to the newsletter, follow the link at https://www.columbiaco.com/index.aspx?nid=18 .

Delphine Bailey is the contact person at the County Public Health Department for anybody who wants to assist in outreach to people sidelined because of COVID-19, and for nursing services. Volunteers will not come in contact with patients.

Bailey can be reached at the Health Department at: (509) 382-2181.