Return to Phase 1 and vaccine on the horizon

POMEROY–The community is experiencing low COVID case number; Two active cases as of January 11 with some testing happening at the hospital but not much which is a good sign for our community.

Even though minimal cases are being reported, Inslee has placed Washington State back to Phase 1 as of this morning January 11, 2021. This means infection numbers will have to meet required minimums in all nine counties contained in the East Region (Ferry, Stevens, Pen Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Asotin and Garfield counties) to re-open. Restaurants are not open to indoor dining and only 25% capacity in phase 2. Also, low to moderate sports activity are permitted for practice and training outside only. "So, that's good," said Lanman. "So, we can have a little bit more outside fitness activities."

Communities will open or close according to the phase we are placed in each week which will be determined by what is reported each Friday. If numbers go up, the following Monday business will remain in Phase 1 or if the numbers go down and fall within the allowable percentage, communities will move to Phase 2. If the following week reports increase in COVID cases, the region will return to Phase 1. Towns will not know from one week to the next how their commercial, governmental and agricultural entities will be able to conduct business. "We must remember we are not doing this for the numbers," said Lanman, "we are doing this to keep our schools open, we are doing this to keep our seniors in our community safe. As we start to get vaccine in the next week or so and start vaccinating people, starting with 1A and 2A which are healthcare related people. Anyone in those two groups will be vaccinated first when vaccines arrive at the hospital," she continued. "As soon as we know vaccine is on its way, we will start scheduling appointments for people on the list first, then others as vaccine is available After all those in healthcare wanting vaccinations have been done, the next group, B1–people over 70, which is 370 residents in Garfield County. According to Lanman the B1 group will be able to start the vaccination process in the next week or two, or whenever the State decides to send more vaccines. She also said anyone can get on the list no matter what group you fall in.

A vaccine order went to the State last week, but according to Lanman, no word as to if or when the order has been filled or even sent. "We are just waiting to hear from the State on the status of that order," she said. "When the vaccination process starts, an order will go out on a weekly basis. It is important to get on the list to reserve your spot for vaccination, so when vaccine does arrive in the community, it can be administered as quickly and efficiently as possible. Presently, there is a steady stream of calls asking that their name be placed on "the list".