County considers COVID reduction efforts

Vaccinations are available for 16 and older

Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter | Apr 15, 20210

COLFAX — COVID reduction efforts by vaccinations and Washington State University (WSU) were discussed by Whitman County commissioners.

Whitman County Public Health Director Chris Skidmore spoke with county commissioners April 5 morning about changes in the virus, people getting vaccinated and possible requirements at WSU.

“We are seeing more cases in the outer-lying communities, mostly tied to travel,” Skidmore said. “About 90% of the new cases in Washington are now the U.K. variant.”

A vaccine clinic held at Schweitzer Engineering in Pullman on April 10 was the biggest yet in Whitman County with more than 1,200 people receiving shots. He suggested the clinics could handle as many as 1,500 people in a day.

“But we need more vaccine to be able to do that,” he said.

Skidmore told commissioners how eligibility to get the vaccine increases on April 15 to anyone 16 years and older.

“We’ll get a better idea of what the vaccine hesitancy looks like in Whitman County as it opens up like this,” he said.

Commissioner Art Swannack toured a WSU vaccine clinic and reported on what university officials were saying about possibly requiring vaccination for students to return in the fall.

“If you’re not, make sure you get COVID tested before you get going,” Swannack said. “I was impressed otherwise. They had a good operation going, from what I saw.”

Commissioner Tom Handy concurred, who also took a tour.

Swannack noted a decrease in summer classes scheduled, which will reduce student counts from in June and July.

“So that’ll take some of the load off, hopefully,” Swannack said.