Governor orders statewide "Stay home, stay healthy"

DAYTON-Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) reviewed the personal distancing protocol in County and other public buildings required by Gov. Jay Inslee after receiving the latest “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order broadcast statewide on March 23, 2020.

In the Governor’s address Monday, Inslee reiterated safety practices outlined in the earlier briefing on March 13, 2020, but has found it necessary to extend the restrictions to include all Washingtonians voluntarily stay at home, with a caveat when the order is signed, it is legal and enforceable.

County Prosecutor Dale Slack spoke for the County saying, “We’ve taken the position that law enforcement will use any reported violations as an opportunity to educate on the dangers rather than an opportunity to charge anyone with a crime.”

Local law enforcement will take the approach to educate rather than cite. Sheriff Joe Helm indicated that with tightened limitations, it will not be so much about citing violations of the order, he expects increased calls concerning domestic issues, theft and drugs.

Immediately following the address, which called for tighter restrictions for social distancing and his order to “Stay Home, Stay Healthy,” the BOCC called an emergency meeting Tuesday. They directed their inquiries toward county department heads asking how each were managing the social distancing guidelines within their offices and with the public.

All offices reported that they had adopted the guidelines with some working from home, some closing the doors to the public and others working scheduled periods within the office to ensure only one being in office at a time. In some cases, distancing is being followed when two employees must work at the same time. County crews will be working on rotation.

Maintenance Supervisor David Finney reported seeing many in the county buildings not observing proper precautions and said that he hoped to see people taking it more seriously. One step he suggested was putting a sign on the courthouse elevator to allow only one person at a time to which the commissioners agreed that should be done.

Pay for employees who are home with symptoms would be covered under sick leave and those who are home because they have household members with symptoms would be covered under administrative leave. Employees in either situation are required to stay home and not come to work in fear of losing wages. In this instance, the State’s Emergency Declaration, allows FEMA to reimburse documented wages paid on leave.

The commissioners affirmed that the fairgrounds are closed to public and private events with the exception of horse boarders who are allowed to individually care for their animal(s). They are asked to get in and get out, do not congregate.