Pomeroy still in Phase 1

By Charlotte Baker

POMEROY–The East Region remains in Phase 1 of which Garfield County is collectively a part. The numbers for the area are apparently not within the parameters of Phase 2 requirements. The numbers here, are 668 COVID-19 tests given of which 557 were negative as of February 4, 2021 at 1 p.m. There have been 12 hospitalizations with four deaths. Presently, six positive COVID patients are recovering with no pending tests and 101 positive cases have fully recovered.

Vaccines have been given to well over 200 people in the B1–65 years or older; 50 years living in a multi-generational home and frontline workers on January 29 and February 5. According to the CDC, “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, which have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U. S. history…. While some people have little or no side effects, others may experience pain or swelling at the injection site, a headache, chills, or fever. These reactions are normal and show the vaccine is working. Safety measures have been put in place in case a person has a rare allergic reaction.” To place your name on the “list”, call 509-843-3412.

Safety is a top priority and the continued practice of masking, distancing and washing hands often still prevails. There is no updated information as to when East Region will move into Gov. Jay Inslee’s new Phase 2 reopening plan. Each region must reflect 1.) a 10% decreasing trend in case rates; 2.) 10% decrease in coronavirus hospital admissions; 3.) an ICU occupancy that is less than 90%; and 4.) positive test rate less than 10%.