As public health employees handle COVID-19 vaccinations, home test kit distribution and the approaching influenza season, the Washington County Board of Health has adjusted their office hours to help alleviate staff.

Interim Washington County Public Health Director Chris Estle asked the board during their recent regular meeting that they close their office to the public during the noon hour so everyone can have a break from the phones and demands of the department. She stated her understanding of the need for the office to be open for the public, “But I really don’t know how many people really come during that time. In theory we think they do, but they really don’t and people adjust to office hours accordingly.”

Estle added that this change should have no effect for staff that are out in the field, but really it is to help support staff in the office. Public health is open typically from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fiscal Administrator Peggy Wood supported this change as they did not fill a support staff position that was vacated in the fall of 2019.