Grays Harbor County health officials say two Harborites “are under investigation for the novel coronavirus and will be tested for COVID-19,” according to a release from the county Public Health and Social Services department.

There have been no confirmed cases in Grays Harbor County of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19

“The COVID-19 situation in Washington State is evolving rapidly and there is now evidence that the virus is spreading in communities,” the release states. “Public health officials believe that there will likely be an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases as testing becomes more readily available. The most current information about the number of cases in Washington State is available on the Washington State Department of Health’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) webpage (doh.wa.gov/coronavirus).”

On Tuesday (March 5), state DOH reported that there had been nine deaths from the coronavirus. All nine people were from Washington state.

The release from the county offers some tips for helping to cut the spread of diseases in general:

Actions you can take now include:

· Stay home when you are sick.

· Stay away from people who are sick with a fever and cough.

· Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

· Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw out used tissues and wash your hands.

· Avoid touching your mouth and eyes.

· Get a flu shot.

· Make plans for what you might do if your child’s school closes.

· Find out your options for sick leave or working remotely if you need to stay home, or care for someone at home.

· Talk with your neighbors and make a plan to help one another if one of you gets sick and stays at home, such as dropping groceries off at the doorstep.

More information is available from the following sources:

CDC: cdc.gov/coronavirus (includes guidance for businesses, schools, individuals and families).

Washington State Department of Health: doh.wa.gov/coronavirus.

Washington State Department of Health call center for general coronavirus questions: 1-800-525-0127, press #.

Grays Harbor County Public Health: healthyGH.org.