No new virus cases on peninsula on Sunday

Jefferson County expected to reach infection rate of 0

Both Clallam and Jefferson counties had zero new positive COVID-19 cases Sunday, and Jefferson County’s infection rate is expected to drop to 0 per 100,000 population today.

Both counties have seen a downward trend of cases and infection rates since the beginning of August.

Clallam County has had 242 total reported cases since March, with nine active cases.

The infection rate Sunday was 21 per 100,000 during the past two weeks, said Clallam County Health Officer Dr. Allison Unthank.

Jefferson County has had 71 total positives since March, with no active cases.

If the current numbers hold today, the county’s infection rate officially will be 0 per 100,000, said Dr. Tom Locke, Jefferson County health officer.

Jefferson County has had one positive case during September, and most schools in the county opened with a hybrid plan early in the month that included in-person instruction.

“Sooner or later, it probably will happen (positive cases in schools), but we have plans for when that happens,” Locke said. “You have to not overreact and also allow the educational mission to continue.”

Clallam County, which had its schools open to virtual instruction this month, hopes to transition to some in-person classes beginning Oct. 5.

Locke will provide his weekly COVID-19 update to the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners at 9:45 a.m. today. It can be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/jeffcomeetings.

Locke will address questions submitted from radio station KPTZ listeners and commissioners.