Pierce County Health Department Resuming In-Person Services

TACOMA, WA — Our pandemic year is finally drawing to a close. Another welcome sign Monday that Washington is starting to pivot back to normal: the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department confirms it will be resuming in-person services at the start of next month.

"COVID-19 disease rates are declining sharply, and vaccination rates continue to rise," writes health department Deputy Director Cindan Gizzi. "This is great news, and we appreciate the steps you’ve taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community."

Beginning July 1, the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, though Thursdays hours may be adjusted in the near future. Visitors will still be asked to wear masks, and while they do not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, they will need to take a quick questionnaire upon entry to prove they aren't exhibiting COVID symptoms.

For those who do not feel comfortable visiting in person, the health department will continue to offer many services online at its website, allowing residents to order birth certificates, get food worker cards or report safety complaints over the internet.

The health department returning to the office may not seem like earth-shattering news, but it is a signal that Pierce County leadership is ready for life after COVID. The department is the latest of several local government agencies that are beginning to return to pre-pandemic normals. Monday, the Pierce County Auditor's Office also announced it was returning to in-person services, effective immediately, and on June 30, the state is poised to lift almost all of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions.

>> Read more about the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department's return on the health department's blog.