COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we have answers. 
Please visit doh.wa.gov or pacificcountycovid19.com for more information 

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new, or “novel” coronavirus that was not identified in humans before December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Most people will recover on their own, but some people can develop more serious complications, such as pneumonia, and require medical care or hospitalization. Older people and people with chronic illnesses are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.

How does the Coronavirus spread? 

It is most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
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• In the air by coughing and sneezing,
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands,
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands,
• Rarely, fecal contamination with coronavirus present.​

People are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest, though some spread is possible before people show symptoms.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms? 

• What to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19
• What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19?
• What do if you have symptoms of COVID-19?
• Ten ways to manage respiratory symptoms at home. 

How can I get tested? 

Pacific County Health and Human Services is offering drive through testing for anyone with one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Difficulty Breathing
• Chills

• Shaking/Chills
• Headache
• Sore Throat
• New Loss of Taste or Smell

• Nausea
• Nasal Congestion
• Loss of Appetite
• Fatigue 

Testing is offered on both ends of the county by appointment only. To get screened for an appointment, please call the Emergency Operations Center Monday - Friday , 8:00am - 4:00pm at 360-875-9407 or 360-642-9407

South Bend - Monday's from 1:00pm - 4:00pm & Wednesday's from 9:00am - 12:00pm
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Long Beach - Tuesday's from 1:00pm - 4:00pm & Friday's from 9:00am - 12:00 pm ​

How can I protect myself and others? 

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting and spreading coronavirus:
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• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water aren't available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick. Stay home as much as possible. Follow Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
• Stay six feet away from others.
• Follow recommendations from your local health department.