Public Health

Please visit our COVID-19 Update page for more information.

COVID-19 in Columbia County

Columbia County Public Health has opened our doors to the public and are asking that you wear a mask when you come in for services and keep 6 feet of physical distancing to protect our staff and those in our lobby area.

If you are not feeling well or prefer not to come into the office we will continue to serve your needs through web based services, phone or email.

COVID-19 testing is ordered at the discretion of local health care providers. Public Health does not provide COVID-19 testing and does not need to approve testing for COVID-19. Positive test results are immediately notifiable to Columbia County Public Health. Columbia County Health Systems offers COVID-19 testing. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should call their health care provider in advance so the facility can take steps to prevent exposing others. Testing should come at no cost to the patient, whether they have insurance or not.

 Please visit our COVID-19 Update page for more information.

Phase III in Columbia County

The governor's office will provide industry-specific guidance and safety criteria for businesses listed in each phase of the plan. Business activities are not authorized to open until a business is able to meet all safety criteria. Guidance documents will be added here as they become available.

Workplace safety and health complaints may be submitted to the L&I Call Center: (1-800-423-7233).

General questions from employers about the Safe Start plan can be directed to the state's Business Response Center.

Additional workplace safety guidance is available on our Business & Workers page. Visit our What's Open page for more information about which personal, recreational and spiritual activities are allowed.

Phase I, II and III Business Activity Guidelines

Safe Start: Business Guidance, County Status and What’s Open

Please visit our COVID-19 Update page for more information.

Helpful Links

Mission Statement

Our goal at Columbia County Public Health is to protect and promote the health and safety of each resident in Columbia County. Columbia County Public Health provides health related information, addresses public health concerns, partners with the State of Washington and the national Public Health Network to provide up-to-date information to our community. Columbia County Public Health works to empower people to develop and strengthen a healthy, safe, and resilient community.

Programs and Services

  • ABCD Dental
  • Accountable Communities of Health
  • Basic Food Stamps
  • Birth Records
  • Children w/ Special Health Care Needs
  • Death Records
  • Environmental Health
  • Food Worker Cards
  • Foundational Public Health Services
  • Health Benefit Exchange
  • Immunization Records
  • Marijuana Prevention and Education
  • Maternal Child Health
  • Medicaid Insurance Signup and Renewal
  • Public Health Emergency Preparedness
  • Restaurant Inspections
  • Sewer Inspections
  • SNAP Education
  • Tobacco Prevention and Education
  • WIC Benefits

Here at the Public Health we are in close contact with all local stakeholders, including healthcare and local school districts, and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). We have been participating in daily webinars and calls to stay up to date on the current situation.

Many parts across the world are experiencing an expanding outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The risk to the public in Columbia County is still relatively low; however please take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
  • Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.
  • Consult CDC's travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms. If you are feeling sick with mild symptoms and do not need to see medical care, stay home while you recover. If you are sick and plan to seek care, please call before going in for care so arrangements can be made to prevent exposing others. For urgent medical needs, call 911.

Public Health Weekly Newsletter

When you sign up for Columbia County Public Health emails, you will receive the latest information regarding COVID-19 (Columbia County, WA) from Public Health on a weekly basis. If you have any questions, please call Public Health at 509-382-2181.

Sign up for weekly updates!