Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Latest Updates on COVID-19

Updated on Dec. 8

On Nov. 15, Governor Jay Inslee announced statewide restrictions, which are aimed at slowing the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 in the state of Washington. Governor Inslee announced a three-week extension, through Jan. 4, 2021, of the original restrictions on Dec. 8.

The restrictions include limits on social gatherings, indoor dining, retail business, religious services, gyms and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our daily lives, but there are many resources available to help you, your family, friends and neighbors.

Below you will find details on how Olympic Medical Center is responding to COVID-19, what to expect when you visit the hospital or make a primary care appointment, if you qualify to get tested at OMC and more. You will also find information on community resources, such as food and housing assistance, support for mental and emotional wellbeing, ways you can support local businesses and how you can enjoy the outdoors while practicing physical distancing.

We are all in this together.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

The U.S. FDA approved on Dec. 11 an emergency use authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine arrived in the state of Washington on Dec. 14.

OMC will begin administering the vaccine soon to front-line health care workers at the most risk of being exposed to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, those who work in the emergency department, inpatient units, Walk-in Clinic and the COVID-19 testing site. MORE

COVID-19 Testing Site

COVID-19 testing is available for individuals who have had a known exposure, symptomatic individuals and pre-procedural patients. Testing is not appropriate for asymptomatic individuals without exposure. MORE

Virtual Patient & Provider Visits

Details on how to join your virtual visit and what to expect. MORE

Community Resources

Resources for food and housing assistance, mental and emotional wellbeing, ways to be active outdoors and support local businesses. MORE

OMC News & Information

The latest news and information on COVID-19 from Olympic Medical Center. MORE

Should You Get a COVID Test?

Use the chart below to determine if you should be tested at the OMP COVID-19 Testing Site or if you should seek other options.

Pre-procedural test

Some procedures and surgeries require COVID-19 testing in the days leading up to the scheduled procedure. Patients who need this testing are notified directly.

Pre-procedural testing occurs at the COVID-19 Testing Site.

Symptomatic, no known direct, first-hand exposure

Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should contact their primary care provider first. If they do not have a primary care provider, they may utilize the Walk-in Clinic in Port Angeles or Sequim.

If you need medical attention, please seek appropriate care with your primary care provider, one of our Walk-in Clinics or the emergency department.

Symptomatic, known direct, first-hand exposure

Individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should contact their primary care provider first. If they do not have a primary care provider, they may utilize the Walk-in Clinic in Port Angeles or Sequim.

If you need medical attention, please seek appropriate care with your primary care provider, one of our Walk-in Clinics or the emergency department.

Asymptomatic, known direct, first-hand exposure

If you have a known first-hand exposure to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, please utilize the COVID-19 Testing Site.

Asymptomatic, no known direct, first-hand exposure

If you do not have symptoms and do not have a known first-hand exposure to COVID-19 then testing is not appropriate at this time. Please talk with your primary care provider about any concerns regarding COVID-19 and your health.

COVID-19 Testing Locations at OMC

Olympic Medical Center offers COVID-19 testing at the following locations:

COVID-19 Testing Site

The drive-up testing site located in the parking lot immediately west of 1035 Caroline Street. This site is open for pre-procedural testing and to test individuals who do not have symptoms but have had a known exposure.

Testing is not appropriate for asymptomatic individuals without exposure, and it is recommended they talk directly with their primary care provider with concerns about COVID-19.

OMP Walk-in Clinics

The Walk-in Clinics in Port Angeles and Sequim provide testing to symptomatic individuals and individuals who have had known exposure to COVID-19.

Testing is not appropriate for asymptomatic individuals without known exposure, and it is recommended they talk directly with their primary care provider with concerns about COVID-19.

Family Medicine, Children’s Clinic

OMP patients may be tested by their primary care provider, whether in the Primary Care Clinic or the Children’s Clinic. By appointment only.

The Emergency Department

The emergency department is for urgent and emergent cases. Please come to the emergency department or dial 911 if you are experiencing difficulty breathing or need urgent medical attention.

What to Expect When You Visit OMC

When visiting Olympic Medical Center during this time, we want you to feel informed about what to expect well before you walk through the doors.

Masks Are Required

For the safety of our community, all staff, providers, patients and visitors are required to mask when visiting an Olympic Medical Center facility, with the exemptions as noted:

  • Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing or persons otherwise unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
  • While communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Children under the age of five.

Visitors who will not wear a face covering outside of these exemptions will be asked to leave the facility.

Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged to bring their own face masks, but masks will be provided if there is a need. Visit olympicmedical.org/face-mask for tips on how to put on and take off your face mask. To learn how to make and clean your own cloth mask, click here.

Visitation Policy

Olympic Medical Center is screening and restricting visitor and public access to our facilities until COVID-19 is no longer a threat to patients, staff and our community. As of November 24, 2020, all routine visiting and escorting has been suspended in all areas of our hospitals and clinics. Please view our Visitor Guidelines page for details.

When to Seek Medical Care & Advice

If you have symptoms like cough, fever or other respiratory problems and would like to obtain a COVID-19 test, contact your regular doctor first, especially if your symptoms are minor. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.

If you have difficulty breathing, it doesn’t mean you have novel coronavirus, but you should call 911.

If you’re over 60 and you have underlying conditions like diabetes, heart disease and lung disease, come up with a plan with your doctor to identify your health risks for coronavirus and how to manage symptoms. Contact your doctor right away if you do have symptoms.

Urologist Alan Kowitz, MD, meeting with patient

Continuing Regular Medical Care

Clallam County Health Officer Dr. Allison Unthank recently praised local clinics – including Olympic Medical Physicians – for “operating under excellent infection control” and for being “safe for patient care.” Dr. Unthank recommends that community members continue to seek care from their providers. Per Dr. Unthank:

  • You may continue with your normal medical care. Please take care of yourself by filling prescriptions, etc. If going to the pharmacy makes you uncomfortable, consider the drive-through option or delivery. We do not anticipate shortages of medications so there is no need to ration or stockpile. Call your health provider for further information.
  • Please continue with your personal regular medical care and regular care for your children and all your loved ones, especially if you or they have chronic long-term conditions. It is important to maintain regular checkups and vaccinations. Do not be afraid to go to your primary care provider as they have all made arrangements to keep you safe while you visit.

Gathering Safely

Olympic Medical Center encourages the community to gather safely during the the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Enjoy indoor celebrations (holidays, birthdays, etc.) with just your household, and celebrate with extended family virtually
  • Always wear a mask if gathering indoors
  • Spend time with friends outdoors, ideas include hikes and park dates
  • If spending time outdoors, wear a mask if keeping a six-foot distance is difficult
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often

Thank you for helping our community decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Hear from Paul Larsen, PA-C, about how to safely get together during the holidays and throughout the year.

Entrance to the Walk-In Clinic in Port Angeles

Closures and Cancellations

  • Seasons Café and Espresso at the hospital is closed to the public.
  • All on-site support groups and classes have been suspended until further notice.
  • The OMC Patient Financial Services office at 519 Peabody Street is open during regular business hours. Masking is required. Please know that the following options are available:
    • MyChart – To make a payment or ask a billing question.
    • OMC Website – To make a payment or ask billing questions. Financial Assistance documents are also available here.
    • By Phone – Call (360) 417-7111 to make payments or speak to a representative.
    • If you have an issue where direct contact with a financial counselor is required and you are free of fever or respiratory symptoms, please dial the phone number above to make an appointment.

Additional Resources

Below you can find updated information and resources from national, state, and local health officials, in addition to information about gathering safely during the fall and winter months.