County Applies for Phase 3 Variance

POMEROY–Garfield County Commissioners signed a resolution to approve moving forward with the Phase 3 variance application which was later updated at a special meeting on Wednesday, June 3, with a new application dated June 3. Garfield County Public Health District Administrator Martha Lanman is hopeful to have approval for the variance by Monday, June 8, 2020.

Lanman met with the County Commissioners on Monday, June 1, 2020, to discuss the status of applying to the Washington Secretary of Health to move forward to Phase 3 of the Safe Start Plan which she had just received. Garfield County is one of the very few counties that are now eligible to apply for Phase 3, and the only county still maintaining zero cases of the coronavirus. The commissioners were in favor of re-opening the county which would further reduce restrictions on the community. However, Lanman is concerned about the influx of people from outside the county who will visit Garfield County. She believes decisions about what activities should be allowed be paramount. It is also important to continue to follow distancing protocol and if anyone is sick or has a fever, to remain at home.

Changes that will occur in Phase 3, will be that outside gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed, and outdoor group recreational sports activities, including pools, gyms, and playgrounds, will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Restaurants will be able to operate at 75% capacity, with table seating up to 10 people. Bars would be able to open and operate at 25% capacity, and theaters at 50% capacity. Libraries and museums may open, as well as all government offices, although telework is still strongly recommended. Non-essential travel can resume, and churches may have up to 100 people for services. Nightclubs and events with more than 50 people would still be prohibited.

Sheriff Drew Hyer reported the Corps of Engineers will open the dunes to recreational use, but he said they should wait. He asked Lanman her opinion and she replied that we “can’t limit it to 50 people,” and thought it should not be allowed until the county enters Phase 4.

John Hirsch, Emergency Services Director, asked the commissioners about allowing the usual fireworks activities at the fairgrounds for the Fourth of July celebrations. It would be a challenge to limit the number of people attending, or enforce social distancing, and it should not be allowed this year. The Commissioners will take it under consideration and discuss it at a future meeting.

An interlocal agreement with Columbia County was approved for the hiring of an additional registered nurse to be shared with Columbia County. Garfield County cost would be $16,399.41 for the remainder of 2020 and $35,604 for 2021. The nurse would work in Garfield County two days per week, and in Columbia County three days. Lanman has applicants for the position and would like to finalize the hiring process.