New COVID-19 Cases recover at home

POMEROY–Martha Lanman, Garfield County Public Health Administrator, reported at the Garfield County Public Health District meeting October 26, 2020, there were a total of 15 people in the county who tested positive for COVID-19, who have all recovered.

It was later reported on October 28, four other positive cases and one pending, all over the age of 20, had been identified and are recovering at home. Lanman also conveyed counties all around Garfield County had seen increases in positive cases over the previous weekend, including Whitman, Asotin, Walla Walla and Columbia Counties. She urged community members to continue to practice all safety measures to guard against any further spread.

Washington State continues to prepare for vaccine distribution so when one becomes available, plans will be in place to deliver it to the population as soon as possible. However, Lanman advised Garfield County may not be high on the priority list for distribution. The State intends to vaccinate first responders, health care workers, and people in long-term care facilities first, and then will determine others who should be vaccinated next. She estimates it may take three months to get completely "ramped up" for general distribution.

Currently there is a one-day turnaround for results, and quick response test kits are being distributed across the state that will give an accurate result in 15 minutes. The first shipments were sent to long-term care facilities and critical access hospitals, such as the Garfield County Hospital. However, the hospital had not received their shipment as of October 26, 2020. Lanman assured shipments will continue each week, and in time Garfield County will receive an adequate supply.

Resolution 2020-35, which provides hazard pay of $100 to healthcare providers working directly with COVID-19 positive patients was approved by the Public Health board.

Martha Lanman requested $2,860 to be utilized as hazard pay of $100 per month for certain employees, including two nurses who work directly with COVID-19 positive people. Lanman said these employees are on call at night and on weekends as stand-by help and as long as all duties relate to COVID-19, funding would be allowed through the CARES Act. Even though other public employees have experienced working hardships, public health employees are in direct contact with positive cases placing them as a higher risk virus exposure.

A public hearing for a 2020 Budget Amendment; Resolution 2020-36 held on October 26 resulting in a $217,000 difference of the original amount, was approved. The amendment was created and approved because of extra COVID-19 funding received by the Public Health District and extra expenses incurred during the pandemic.

Resolution 2020-34–Extension of Emergency Housing, was approved. It includes $39,150 and extended funding term from November 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. Lanman added that they may not use all of the funds, but a further extension beyond the end of the year will not be available. To date, housing has been used and needed, but is not sure what January requirements will entail.

The next meeting of the Garfield County Public Health District will be November 23, 2020, at 10 a.m., as part of the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners regular meeting. The public is invited to attend by teleconference.