Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Health announced COVID-19 testing data will soon be reported using the total number of tests completed. This is a change from the current reporting, which reflects the total number of unique individuals ever tested.
One COVID-19 Case Reported in Mason County Wednesday
After weeks of multiple COVID-19 test results reported in Mason County residents, Mason County Public Health reported only one new case Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
The August 12th, 2020 – 4:00 p.m. news release says: “Since the last release (8/11/20), Mason County Public Health was notified of One (1) additional Mason County residents that tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to Two Hundred Fifty-Six (256) positive cases in Mason County. Mason County Public Health is continuing contact interviews.
Watch North Mason School Board Special Meeting
[LIVE VIDEO] Watch the August 12, 2020 North Mason School Board special meeting. School board members and district staff are meeting via Zoom video conferencing. MasonWebTV Powered by HCC is providing a live video stream of that Zoom meeting beginning at 6:30 PM. Purpose of the meeting is approval of the District’s reopening plan. If you would like to provide public comment please email jyoung@northmasonschools.org.
SR 302 Minter Creek Bridge Construction Brings Additional Lane Closures
Travelers who use State Route 302 near Purdy may encounter daytime and overnight delays starting Thursday, Aug. 13 and Friday, Aug. 14.
Construction crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation are paving a section of the highway near the newly constructed Minter Creek bridge.
Funds to Connect Students to Online Learning Released
Through the CARES Act, Congress allocated funds to local school districts and to state education agencies to provide support in covering emergency COVID-19 costs. Here are the allocations to Mason County school districts:
| District | Final Total Allocation | Immediately Available | Available on 8/15 |
| GRAPEVIEW | $57,134 | $45,708 | $11,427 |
| HOOD CANAL | $186,647 | $149,317 | $37,329 |
| MARY M. KNIGHT | $62,120 | $49,696 | $12,424 |
| NORTH MASON | $490,972 | $392,778 | $98,194 |
| PIONEER | $301,564 | $241,251 | $60,313 |
| SHELTON | $975,237 | $780,190 | $195,047 |
| SOUTHSIDE | $56,283 | $45,026 | $11,257 |
Last spring when Washington’s K–12 schools were closed for in-person learning, school districts across the state pulled together every laptop, tablet, smartphone, and wifi hotspot they could so students were able to continue learning and educators could continue teaching.
What To Do If You Can’t Get Out In a House Fire
The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds residents that getting out quickly in the event of a fire is the most effective way to prevent injuries and deaths. The SFMO recommends residents to:
- Be sure that you have operable smoke alarms installed in every bedroom and in the hallways on each floor of your home.
- Plan and practice a home fire escape plan. Be sure everyone has two ways out of each room. Include in the plan methods for exiting rooms above or below ground level, and for assisting household members who may have physical limitations.
If you can’t get out:
Mason County Reports Six More COVID-19 Cases Tuesday
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, Mason County Public Health reported six more county residents who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The August 11th, 2020 – 4:00 p.m. says: “Since the last release (8/10/20), Mason County Public Health was notified of Six (6) additional Mason County residents that tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to Two Hundred Fifty-Five (255) positive cases in Mason County. Mason County Public Health is continuing contact interviews.
LifeNet Health Recognizes MGH for Support of Tissue Donation
On Aug. 10, 2020, LifeNet Health recognized Mason General Hospital for its outstanding support for the gift of tissue donation. Mason General Hospital received the Washington Critical Access Hospital of the Year Award, which is given to hospital partners for outstanding collaboration and commitment to achieve and sustain high standards in support of the donation process through education, leadership, outreach and activities.
22 New Cases of COVID-19 Reported Monday in Mason County
Monday, August 10, 2020, Mason County Public Health reported 22 more confirmed positive COVID-19 test result in the County.
An August 10th, 2020 – 4:00 p.m. news release says: “Since the last release (8/7/20), Mason County Public Health was notified of Twenty-Two (22) additional Mason County residents that tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total to Two Hundred Forty-Nine (249) positive cases in Mason County. Mason County Public Health is continuing contact interviews.