The number of Clallam County residents testing positive for the novel coronavirus remains at 11, Peter Raiswell, Public Information Officer for Clallam County Emergency Management said on Friday, April 10.

Out of 628 submitted tests, 592 are negative and 45 are pending.

Almost 8,000 masks and 200 gowns have been made and distributed through the donations and volunteers group, Raiswell said.

Sequim’s Emergency Coordinating Center has set up a donation drop-off center at Greywolf Elementary School, 171 Carlsborg Road, to support the emergency response efforts to the 2019 novel coronavirus threat. Donations are accepted 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday.

To drop off a donation, drive through the north gate of the school and circle around to the back of the building; a volunteer will meet people donating items at their car. Residents donating items are asked to stay inside their vehicles.

There is still a need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) devices, specifically masks and gloves. Hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes are also needed. For more information, email to kuhio1@comcast.net.

Clallam County is still seeking volunteers to help with the COVID-19 response effort. To help out, contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Becca Yucha at byucha@co.clallam.wa.us, or report directly to the Vern Burton Center, 308 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles, between 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Holiday weekend precautions

With Easter weekend here, county officials encourage people who are celebrating the holiday to keep observing the physical distancing recommendations from state, regional and national health officials.

“Without wishing to ‘rain on anyone’s parade’, we all need to realize that we are not clear of our virus issues just yet,”: Raiswell said.

“Physical distancing is the most powerful weapon we have against the COVID-19 virus, and even a one time relaxation of vigilance could have far reaching and unintended consequences. Even if you feel fine you cannot be sure you are not carrying the virus and be capable of transmitting it.

“Don’t go to the beach, don’t party, and don’t visit a friend or family member even for a one on one visit. The risk is too high to everybody given how easily this virus has been shown to spread among people. It’s sensible to assume that no one is immune at this point.

“Clallam County has been successful in containing the virus so far due in very large part to the clear and wise directions from Dr. Unthank, the County Health Officer, and the willingness of people to follow that guidance. And we all want to keep it that way.”