PORT ANGELES – Clallam County Health officials report eight new positive COVID-19 cases Wednesday. At least two of those cases are related to the cases at a congregate living facility that had been discovered over the weekend, at least two cases are unrelated to any other known cases, and one case is a person who contracted the virus here in Clallam County but lives outside the county. That case will not be counted as a Clallam County case, putting the total number of confirmed cases here at 44 with more than 450 tests pending.

Clallam County Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry Unthank still believes recent cases represent at least two separate outbreaks. One of those outbreaks is known to be associated with two cases out of Olympic Medical Center. Everyone known to have been in contact with those staff members have been contacted and are currently being tested. OMC tested about 220 people Tuesday and will continue that effort Wednesday. Results of those tests will begin to come in Thursday.

Unthank expressed concern that the latest trend in new cases in Clallam County and statewide show a need for residents to redouble their efforts in practicing safe habits.

The Governor’s mandate to wear a mask in most cases when outside the home went into effect last week. Free cloth masks are available to those in need at over 30 locations throughout the county. To see a full list of locations click here.