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DAYTON–The Columbia County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2021-07 to renew the contract securing housing for individuals with COVID-19 and then appointed Lewis Neace, DO, as Health Officer.
When Public Health Administrator Martha Lanman presented Resolution No. 2021-07 to renew the contract securing housing for COVID sufferers, Commissioner Charles Amerein objected to what he perceived as non-disclosure from the Department of Commerce (DOC) over handling this each quarter. He claimed the DOC is not transparent in the contract because it does not include requests for proposals or present bids.
Lanman said it's the last payment and she is unsure how the State plans to move forward because counties need a place to house people with coronavirus who cannot stay safely at home. The resolution passed with Amerein dissenting.
An unexpected motion passed when Lanman updated progress being made towards Dr. Neace taking on the Health Officer position. Amerein moved to appoint him despite objections from Lanman indicating the State needed to approve him first. Amerein referred to RCW 70.05.050 to show that it is within the Commissioners' rights to appoint. Following the unanimous approval, Lanman said she would follow-up with the State about the validity of the appointment and write up the contract.
Lanman reported to the County Commissioners Board of Health on April 19 the County has its first positive Coronavirus case since February 24 and that multiple contact tracing is being conducted within the County that could result in additional positive cases. Lanman acknowledged cases are going up around the state and the importance of staying vigilant to remain in Phase 3. However, she pointed out for the County to move back, there would have to be both more than 30 active cases and three hospitalizations. To date, the County has not had that high number of cases at any given time.
Public Health, together with Columbia County Health System, is trying to increase awareness about the vaccine to decrease hesitancy to receive it as sign-ups dwindle. According to Lanman, vaccinations are available to anyone 16 years and older. If it doesn't pick up, there is discussion about moving the clinic from the Fairgrounds Pavilion to a smaller space. She estimated the County is 30% vaccinated.
In addition, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been "paused," according to a statement from the Washington State Department of Health. "This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution based on the appearance of a rare but serious side effect including serious brain blood clots combined with low platelet counts in six patients, all women under 50. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will review these cases in the days ahead and will recommend guidance going forward."
Out of the 100 doses given to the County, only 10 were administered. The remainder will be held at the State's request until further notice.
Since the State has begun to open up, people have been approaching Public Health about holding both outdoor and indoor events. Lanman said guidelines were just released from the State for events, one of which is the requirement for a safety manager. That person is responsible for ensuring guidelines are followed about spacing, food handling and masking and requiring symptom checks. Indoor events have tighter restrictions.
