Message from the Washington State Department of Health: Shellfish Programs Update in Response to the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order

This message was sent to shellfish industry members on 3/24/20

We have received some inquiries about the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order yesterday. Food and agriculture businesses, such as shellfish operations, have been classified as essential businesses and are able to operate. For more information Please reference the Governor’s order and additional information is available at: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed.

Please keep public health in mind during all of your daily activities. Continue to maintain healthy business operations, including social distancing and staying home as much as possible.

As stated in previous messaging, we are still performing essential functions intended to protect public health. Laboratory work, inspections, growing area evaluations, harvest site approvals, export certificates, and shellfish license renewals are continuing.

Right now, our office is closed to the public. Staff are working remotely, but are available by phone and email.

Dani Toepelt, R.S.
Shellfish Licensing & Certification Section Manager
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Environmental Public Health
Washington State Department of Health
danielle.toepelt@doh.wa.gov
Office: 360-236-3347
Cell: 360-890-6054

Scott Berbells, R.S.
Shellfish Growing Area Section Manager
Office of Environmental Health & Safety
Division of Environmental Public Health
Washington State Department of Health
Scott.Berbells@doh.wa.gov
360-236-3324

Visit the Washington State Department of Health web page (https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus) or subscribe to the agency’s blog (https://medium.com/wadepthealth) if you would like COVID-19 updates.

Links to additional resources for Washington State shellfish growers are available here.