Observations of a Clatsop County Public Health COVID 19 Call Center Volunteer

This was sent to me from one of our Surf Pines residents. Seems like good information for the community. Thanks for the submission. T

I am a volunteer at the Clatsop County Public Health COVID 19 Call Center.

Our purpose is to provide whatever information we have on COVID testing, vaccine doses & scheduling, and generally what the county is doing to support the community. Our telephone number is (503) 325-8500 and press option 2.

People may call at any time Monday-Friday, 9-12 and 1-5.  We normally answer within 3 rings. I am not aware that any call was sent to voicemail.

The following observations are from my experience at the call center.
Feel free to distribute as you wish. This is as of February 4, 2021.  I am not a county representative, just a volunteer to help out.

• The county receipt of doses is inconsistent.  The county is challenged with planning since the situation is so dynamic.  Regardless of what the governor wishes or publishes, the county is behind the power curve due to lack of doses,
• The county is still doing group 1a – first responders, health care workers, and teachers.  Group 1b – 65+ and some others are next.  Unfortunately we do not know when 1b will start.  It is vaccine supply dependent.
• Make sure you are in the Clatsop County database, known as the COVID survey. The website is COVID-19 Vaccine Survey | Clatsop County Oregon.  The County public health is using this to gather information.  Ensure you include email, text, and telephone information.  The county is unclear how to proceed with notification until they get a better handle on vaccine supply. So, all three pieces of contact information is to your benefit.
• If you believe you should have a higher priority, your doctor must contact Public Health and state your case.  We cannot make that determination.
• Should you believe you need testing, call us and we will schedule you. The testing site is at 1790 Williamsport Rd, Astoria, OR 97103.  We will give you more detailed information on the call. 
• Pay attention to the radio, newspaper, and TV for information.
• You can also call us for the latest information.  We will always pass on what we know at the time.