Garfield County approved to move to Phase III

POMEROY–Garfield County’s Phase III application has been approved by the Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) and affirmed by Governor Inslee.

In Phase III, professional indoor and outdoor sporting activities and outdoor youth team sports and outdoor adult recreational team sports are included. In addition, private business such as movie theaters, libraries, and museums may reopen under specific guidelines.

If a COVID-19 outbreak occurs within the jurisdiction, the Garfield County Health District (GCPH) must notify the Washington State Department of Health within six (6) hours, any day, any hour. In addition, the GCHD is required to monitor signs for communal transmission or acceleration and again report it to the WSDH.

Activities released for action are Outdoor recreational sport activities of 50 or fewer people. Recreational facilities, sports without audience participation at less than 50 percent capacity. Gatherings of 50 or less and citizens may resume non-essential travel

Restaurants and taverns can operate at 75 %with table size no larger than 10 persons. The bar areas in restaurants open at 25 % capacity. Movie theaters 50%, Customer-facing government services, Libraries, Museums, and all other businesses not listed except for nightclubs and events with greater than 50 people.

People at high-risk are encouraged to limit public participation in Phase 3 activities. These people are: persons 65 years of age and older; those with underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, immunocompromised, severe obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, people with liver disease and those who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

If there are urgent concerns related to transmissions, outbreak or prepared readiness, Dr. Wiesman reserves the right to immediately revoke the approval. The Governor also retains the right to reimpose restrictions upon our jurisdiction under his authority.

A list of requirements can be found at https://www.governor.wa.gov/issues/issues/covid-19-resources/covid-19-reopening-guidance-businesses-and-workers.

No decisions have been made yet on a timeline for a county moving to Phase IV.