COVID-19 FAQ

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Frequently Asked Questions

When Can I Get My Vaccine?
We are following the WA State COVID-19 vaccine prioritization guideline. Eventually there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants it. To determine your eligibility for vaccination visit FindYourPhaseWA.org
I Called and Requested a Vaccination But Have Not Heard Back.
If you have called and left your required information with the Covid Vaccine Request Voicemail Service you will not receive a return call until an appointment and vaccine are available to you. Remember that the demand for the vaccine is greater than the current supply, even if you are eligible there may be a delay in you receiving the vaccine.
What type of COVID-19 Vaccine is Available at Skamania County Community Health?
WA State has made available the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for distribution.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. More information is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Learn more about how COVID-19 spreads at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html
What can I do to protect myself, my loved ones, and my community?
- It’s still safest to stay home.
- If you go out, stay six feet apart, wear a face covering and wash your hands.
- Stay local.
- Get tested if you feel ill.
How do face masks work to prevent spread of COVID-19?
Any of us can carry the virus and not realize we’re spreading it when we talk, cough or sneeze. Cloth face coverings can reduce the release of virus particles into the air when a person with COVID-19 speaks, coughs, or sneezes. You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a cloth face covering, even if you don’t think you have COVID-19. Cloth face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing, washing hands, and staying home when ill, but they may be helpful when combined with these actions.
What are the face mask requirements?
There are three orders in place related to face coverings:
- A requirement for employers to provide appropriate face coverings or masks to all employees who don’t work alone and for employees to wear the appropriate covering as directed.
- A DOH Secretary’s order (PDF)
- A Governor’s proclamation (PDF)
Each document outlines a particular area of responsibility and enforcement. They work together to emphasize the importance of wearing masks in public. They encourage people and businesses to mask up to save lives and help reopen local economies.
What is a confirmed case?
A confirmed case is defined as a person who has tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus. All states, including WA, count total cases for the entire area (state and county). COVID cases are assigned to Skamania County based on short and long term residents. Deaths are reported only by county of permanent residency, not location of death.
What is a close contact?
A close contact is a person who has been within about six feet of a person with confirmed novel coronavirus infection for a prolonged period of time or has had direct contact with secretions from a person with confirmed novel coronavirus infection. The definition of “close contact” used in Washington is the same as the CDC definition.
I had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 but I am not sick. What should I do?
You should stay home and self-isolate. Monitor yourself for any COVID-19 symptoms and contact Public Health at (509)427-3850 for guidance on your specific interaction with the person who has COVID-19. You may need to be tested for COVID-19.
Will I be notified if I was in close contact with a confirmed positive case?
All direct contacts are notified within the first 24 hours as state regulations require. If you haven't been called, you were not identified as a close contact. If you are concerned about your risk, call your healthcare provider.
Why does public health need to perform case investigations and contact tracing?
Interviews are important because they help public health professionals:
- Determine close contacts for positive cases
- Provide important information about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Understand how people are feeling to track the progression of the illness
- Connect people with resources while they isolate or quarantine themselves
What does the interview process look like?
When public health learns that someone has tested positive for COVID-19, an interviewer reaches out to talk to that person, usually by phone – this is known as a case investigation. When talking to the person who tested positive for COVID-19, interviewers work to determine their close contacts – anyone who has been within 6 feet of them for 15 minutes or more while they were infectious. Interviewers then reach out to inform close contacts of possible exposure. This is the next step to prevent the spread of disease, known as contact tracing. Interviewers do not reveal the name of the person who tested positive for COVID-19 when speaking with close contacts.
What happens if someone declines an interview?
There is no penalty for declining an interview. We hope anyone contacted will see the value of preventing the spread of disease and help us protect their loved ones and communities.
What types of test are there for COVID-19?
When someone is suspected of having COVID-19, a viral PCR test is administered. This test is a diagnostic tool. A positive result means it’s confirmed that the patient has or has recently had COVID-19. Viral PCR tests work by detecting specific genetic material within the virus. When you give a sample, it’s compared against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, to see if it’s a match. Once a person is infected with SARS-CoV-2, the PCR test may not show the presence of the virus for 5 days after exposure. So you could have it, but the test may not show it for awhile. Timing is key for getting a positive test result.

An antibody test is a blood test. It can be done on anyone with or without symptoms, and it is not a diagnostic tool. An antibody test may tell you if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 at some point in the past. But the test isn’t reliable for confirming an active infection, and science doesn’t show if having the infection in the past means you have immunity against the disease.
How many test kits does Skamania County Public Health have?
This varies significantly, but we have over 1000 at this time.
Where can I get tested for an active infection?
Tests are available at Skamania County Public Health for Skamania County Residents. Staff will complete a phone questionnaire with you, then schedule a simple drive up nasal swab. If you have questions call Skamania County Public Health (509) 427-3850. Please note: If you enter the building, you will be asked to go back to your car and call the office. You may also contact your primary care provider to inquire about testing options available to you.
How are self-swab nasal tests done?
Gently insert the entire soft tip of the swab into one nostril until you feel a bit of resistance and rub it in a circle around your nostril 4 times. Next, gently insert the same swab into the other and rub it around the same way.
How long does it take to get test results?
The time to get results can be as quick as 36 hours and as long as 14 days. Over the last few weeks, Skamania County Community Health is receiving results on average in about 5-6 days. The time for results changes each week depending on how behind the labs are—with lots of testing and lots more cases, the labs run tests first for those in the hospital and those who are sick and in a high risk group first and then runs all other tests.
What should I do while I wait for my results?
If you are an essential worker that is tested and do not have symptoms you can return to work or home. If you are not an essential worker and were tested because you have symptoms of COVID, you and anyone in your household need to self-quarantine until the Health Department calls with your result. Depending on your result and situation, you might need to quarantine longer. Please refer to the attached WA Department of Health guidance on “Suspected COVID-19.” https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDcasepositive.pdf
What’s the difference between isolation and quarantine?
Isolation is what you do if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19. Isolation means you stay home and away from others (including household members) for the recommended period of time to avoid spreading illness.

Quarantine is what you do if you have been exposed to COVID-19. Quarantine means you stay home and away from others for the recommended period of time in case you are infected and are contagious. Quarantine becomes isolation if you later test positive for COVID-19 or develop COVID-19 symptoms.

CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html
How long does isolation and quarantine last?
Quarantine lengths vary based on a person’s specific situation. Contact Public Health at (509) 427-3850 for questions about your specific quarantine dates. Also refer to this link for CDC guidance:https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html
Can individuals be required to stay in quarantine?
Yes. Local Health Officers have three options for initiating the quarantine or isolation of an individual. The procedure chosen should be based on the amount of cooperation expected from the individual to be quarantined or isolated. For more information https://www.doh.wa.gov/ForPublicHealthandHealthcareProviders/EmergencyPreparedness/IsolationandQuarantine#release
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html
My test result came back as negative for COVID-19. Do I still need to be concerned?
If you test negative for COVID-19 by a viral test, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. You might test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during your illness. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then.
How is the data for positive case numbers gathered?
When people in Washington state are diagnosed with certain conditions, the law requires labs and doctors to notify the local health jurisdiction. All positive COVID-19 cases that are Skamania County residents are put in the state electronic health system and also the provider calls or faxes Public Health within 24 hours. The county case count is only verified through testing. Contact tracing is a complex system and based on numerous dates, contact time frames per hour and day and location. There are very few assumptions made in Public Health. Contact tracing is a well established Public health system that has been used for many years to prevent and mitigate communicable diseases.
What does ‘total positive cases’ mean in regard to COVID-19 case numbers?
All states, including WA, count total cases for the entire area (state and county). The county case count is only verified through testing. COVID cases are assigned to Skamania County based on short and long term residents. Deaths are reported only by county of permanent residency, not location of death.
What does ‘recovered’ mean in regard to COVID-19 case numbers?
"Recovered" means a person who tested positive has been released from quarantine.
Will the community be informed of protected health information of the individuals testing positive for COVID19?
No. There is a federal law, called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), that sets rules for health care providers and health plans about who can look at and receive your health information, including those closest to you – your family members and friends. The HIPAA Privacy Rule ensures that you have rights over your health information. Learn more about your rights under HIPAA at https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/guidance-materials-for-consumers/index.html
Can you share the location of the local positive cases?
No. Skamania County is a small enough county that if we listed specific locations of cases it may define specific people. This would be a HIPPA violation. The current cases can be described as being located from Washougal to Underwood and all communities in between; no specific "hot spots".
Why are the case total numbers on the county website sometimes different than the state website?
There may be occasional but temporary discrepancies between COVID-19 case counts on the State and County website due to variances in reporting mechanisms. Community Health will begin adding county COVID case updates Monday-Thursday on the Skamania County Community Health website and Facebook page as they change. We will post as soon as possible after receiving the verified adjusted case, yes that does mean that it can change at any time.
What are the possible psychological ramifications of a pandemic?
This can be a stressful time. It is normal that you or your loved ones might feel anxious, sad, scared or angry. You are not alone. It is okay to seek out and ask for help. Washington State Coronavirus Response Website has the following webpage with resources around Mental and Emotional Well-Being: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family/mental-and-emotional-well-being#:~:text=If%20you%20need%20someone%20to,language%20access%20services%20are%20available.

Skamania County Community Health provides mental health, substances use, and Pathways services. We are committed to supporting our community members through this difficult time. Services continue to be available in-person, by ZOOM, or by telephone. If needed, please reach out to SCCH to request services at (509)427-3850.

Additional Questions:

If you have questions regarding COVID-19 in Skamania County please utilize the website: https://www.skamaniacounty.org/departments-offices/advanced-components/covid-19-microsite. Or ask questions directly by email: COVID19questions@co.skamania.wa.us.

For those requesting information on recreation in Skamania County please contact the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce: (509) 427-8911 or info@skamania.org

Frequently Asked Questions

When Can I Get My Vaccine?

I Called and Requested a Vaccination But Have Not Heard Back.

What type of COVID-19 Vaccine is Available at Skamania County Community Health?

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

How does COVID-19 spread?

What can I do to protect myself, my loved ones, and my community?

How do face masks work to prevent spread of COVID-19?

What are the face mask requirements?

What is a confirmed case?

What is a close contact?

I had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 but I am not sick. What should I do?

Will I be notified if I was in close contact with a confirmed positive case?

Why does public health need to perform case investigations and contact tracing?

What does the interview process look like?

What happens if someone declines an interview?

What types of test are there for COVID-19?

How many test kits does Skamania County Public Health have?

Where can I get tested for an active infection?

How are self-swab nasal tests done?

How long does it take to get test results?

What should I do while I wait for my results?

What’s the difference between isolation and quarantine?

How long does isolation and quarantine last?

Can individuals be required to stay in quarantine?

My test result came back as negative for COVID-19. Do I still need to be concerned?

How is the data for positive case numbers gathered?

What does ‘total positive cases’ mean in regard to COVID-19 case numbers?

What does ‘recovered’ mean in regard to COVID-19 case numbers?

Will the community be informed of protected health information of the individuals testing positive for COVID19?

Can you share the location of the local positive cases?

Why are the case total numbers on the county website sometimes different than the state website?

What are the possible psychological ramifications of a pandemic?