Public Health Officer for Jefferson and Clallam Counties, Dr. Allison Berry gave a public health report to the Jefferson Board of County Commissioners on January 2, 2024. Also along was Jefferson County Director of Emergency Management Willie Bence. Dr. Berry mentioned that there is a surge going on of COVID-19, especially of the latest variant: JN-1. Gatherings and events around the holidays contributed to the surge, and she said there are also more cases of Influenza and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and now strep. She said that a sore throat with a fever, without hoarseness and loss of voice are the hallmarks of strep. Because strep is a bacterial infection antibiotics are indicated, so getting a throat swab at the doctor’s office is needed. She also said that if a parent suspects their child has any of these maladies that calling the doctor’s office in the middle of the night is possible and a good idea. In answer to a listener’s question about deer being carriers of COVID, for most people keeping your distance from deer would keep you safe. You will get Covid by being exposed to people who have Covid-19. Hunters should mask and wear gloves while dressing their prey. Willie Bence spoke about the mild winter we have had so far, which is likely to continue and that the Warming Center in the Pope Marine Building in downtown Port Townsend is open every day. He also spoke about the NIXLE Alert service, a voluntary free subscription service which can provide warnings in the event of emergencies and extreme traffic delays on major routes of more than a half an hour. You can sign up on the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management website.