Skyline Health in White Salmon said in a statement that the current COVID-19 situation is “dire,” and is asking for the public’s help.  Noting COVID transmission and hospitalizations are at an all-time high, and the statement from Skyline says hospitals throughout the Gorge all share the same concern with staff shortages and increased COVID cases limiting bed capacity at larger hospitals, which means if someone is in need of advanced care due to a medical emergency, a bed may not be available.  Skyline is asking people to limit risky behaviors and activities…wear a mask under Washington’s statewide order going into effect today requiring masks for everyone over five years of age in most public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status, and get vaccinated.  Skyline says in Klickitat County, only 45% of eligible people have been vaccinated.