Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
COLFAX – Whitman County was approved to Phase III by the state Secretary of Health Saturday with conditions. One condition is that an individual Phase III business sector (such as movie theaters, libraries, and museums) may reopen only after the state publishes its guidelines for the specific sector, which was expected to be done over the weekend. The business is only allowed to reopen after it can implement those guidelines.
By moving into Phase III, recreation has opened up for outdoor sports or activities for up to 50 people and recreational facilities, such as pools and gyms, can open to 50 percent capacity. Professional sports are allowed without an audience. Also as part of the phase, gatherings of 50 people or less and non-essential travel are allowed. Restaurants/taverns can increase to 75 percent capacity with table size limited to 10 and bars can open to 25 percent capacity.
County offices are now open to the public.
High risk populations are strongly encouraged to limit their participation in Phase III activities.
Whitman County officials submitted the application to move into Phase II of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reopening plan June 5.
“I think we’re in a good position to move into Phase III,” said Public Health Director Troy Henderson during the Board of Health meeting Friday.
“We do appear to be in a much better position than many other counties,” said Commissioner Michael Largent.
The board unanimously approved a motion to recommend the county move into the next phase. The recommendation was followed up by the Board of County Commissioners approval to submit the application.
The question of testing capacity came up during the board of health meeting.
“We’ve got plenty of testing capacity,” said Henderson. He encouraged anyone with even mild symptoms to be tested, noting the data collected would be important.
Commissioners discussed the logistics of meeting the Governor’s mandate that all employees wear face masks unless they work alone. Henderson pointed out the mandate only applied to employees and not the public. He also said employees do not need to “police” mask wearing by customers. Businesses are required to put up signs asking customers to wear masks; whether businesses enforce it is up to the business.
Henderson also said he does not anticipate moving to Phase IV for some time. Based on comments from the state Secretary of Health and other health officials across the state, the time between Phase III and IV could be a couple of months.
Commissioners discussed the possibility of applying for a Phase 3.5 with some modifications allowing for larger groups.
No decisions have been made yet on a timeline for a county moving to Phase IV according to the approval letter. Business guidelines can be found at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start.
Jana Mathia is a reporter at the Whitman County Gazette.
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