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COVID-19: Inslee Hopeful Construction, Elective Surgeries Resume May 4

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Jay Inslee said in an address Tuesday that Washington state would not be able to lift many of its novel coronavirus restrictions by May 4, and that he’s seeking more data in the coming days to make major decisions in some sectors of the economy.

There have been mounting calls for Inslee to ease the state’s stay-at-home order after a weekend protest drew about 2,500 to Olympia. The governor’s stay-home order runs through May 4.

“Some of you watching right now understandably want to know when we’ll get back to normal,” Inslee said.

Inslee said a few activities could return in the state on May 4 if data continues to show a downward trend in new coronavirus cases. 

The governor said he’s hopeful in the coming days that the state would be able to lift some restrictions on:

  • Construction
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Elective surgeries

Inslee also said Washington needs more tests, and until there is a COVID-19 vaccine workplaces will need to have physical distancing and protections in place for workers.  

“Until we have a COVID-19 vaccine, workplaces are going to look much different … ample physical distance will be required,” he said.

The state will provide guidance for businesses to know how and when to reopen in the coming days.

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Downtown Camas Business Signs Program Now a Fun, Cool Reality

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, with most people confined to their homes, you probably haven’t seen the long-planned Downtown Camas Signs program become a reality.

“We have been wanting way-find signs for years,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). ”Last year there was a little extra funding through downtown maintenance, and so we reached out to businesses to see what we could do with those funds. The way-finding signs are what stuck. We did a collaborative effort, and it’s an example of how Main Street works. The merchants all paid their signs, but the city paid for the poles and the installation. The end result is stunning!”

The DCA coordinated the project with all the local merchants.

A total of eight poles and 40 signs for downtown retail stores and restaurants were constructed and placed a few weeks ago. In addition, there’s a mill town collage, which is covered in plastic, and will be unveiled when society reopens. It was supposed to be unveiled April First Friday.

A few signs have to be re-done and will be installed soon.

“We are expanding the vibrancy of downtown Camas to 3rd and 5th streets and to all the side streets. It’s been a challenge because those streets don’t have all the electrical infrastructure that 4th Avenue does,” said Schulstad. “These signs help people know what stores are on these other streets. It creates awareness.”

And, of course, the timing of this is the great irony. When businesses re-open they will see a nice addition to downtown.

“We look forward to seeing everyone back as soon as it’s safe to do so,” said Suzanne Ferguson, owner of Juxtaposition, which is a brand-new furniture store. “The signs are beautiful.”

Wendy DelBosque, who manages Natalia’s Cafe, says the new signs add a nice touch to a “beautiful downtown.”

Signs
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Signs
On the corner of 4th and Dallas.
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Vancouver Police Launch Temporary Prescription Delivery Program

Vancouver, WA – On April 16, 2020, following the lead of neighboring law enforcement agencies, the Vancouver Police Department will begin a pilot prescription delivery program that is anticipated to be in effect for City of Vancouver residents while the Washington State Stay-At-Home Order is in place.

Vancouver Police Officers, teamed with Vancouver Police Recruit Officers who are waiting to attend the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy, will be providing free prescription delivery service to qualifying City of Vancouver residents.

In order to qualify for this free delivery program residents must:

Because the Vancouver Police Department cannot guarantee the time of the delivery, if an urgent delivery is needed, another delivery option must be considered.

Residents who meet the above criteria may call the Vancouver Police Department at (360) 487-7355 to request a prescription delivery from a Clark County pharmacy.  This service is available Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Immediately following pick-up arrangement residents must:

  • Contact their pharmacy to order and pay for their prescriptions and notify the pharmacy that Vancouver Police personnel are authorized to pick up their prescriptions. 
  • If the pharmacy informs the resident of a delay to fill the prescription the resident must call the Vancouver Police Department with information on when the prescription will be available for pick up.
  • The participant will need to present valid photo identification to the Vancouver Police employee at the time of delivery.

During deliveries, Vancouver Police personnel will be in their official uniform, will carry identification, will wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and will follow physical distancing guidelines. 

The Vancouver Police Department will be monitoring this pilot program daily and based on this assessment, the program will be evaluated for continuation or may be discontinued if it is not meeting the needs of the community effectively or appropriately. All pending and confirmed prescription deliveries will be completed prior to the program being discontinued.   

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COVID-19 Data Update: Latest Numbers For Washington State, Clark County

This is the latest COVID-19 data from multiple sources: Washington Department of Health, CRESA, Johns Hopkins, University of Washington, and updates from local hospitals.

Agencies in Washington and throughout the nation continue to update websites, and provide conference calls explaining what’s happening with the data they gather. This is a quick snapshot of what’s happening, as of April 15, 2020.

  • COVID-19 positive tests statewide: 10,694 (+156 over 2 days).
  • COVID-19 negative tests statewide: 112,160
  • COVID-19 deaths statewide: 541 (+25 over 2 days).
  • Clark County COVID-19 deaths: 15 (unchanged over 2 days).
  • Clark County positive COVID-19 tests: 258 (+19 over 2 days).
  • Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized (ICU): 7 (unchanged)
  • Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized, total: 20 (+1 over 2 days).
  • Local produce growers are having difficulty getting plant starts for their operation due to reduced workforce/capacity among their suppliers.
  • PeaceHealth Southwest is currently low for testing supplies and PAPR hoods.
  • Legacy Salmon Creek is critically low on duckbill N95 masks (Med-line & Kimberly Clark) and PAPR face shields. They are low on PAPR helmets, Oxivir Wipes, and GlideScope Blades and Disposable covers.
  • Otherwise staffing, beds, and other supplies are currently green for area hospitals.
  • In-house testing capabilities are now operational at PeaceHealth Southwest.
  • Clark County Community Services ​has established 116 beds​ in the Vancouver area for isolation of people who are unhoused and are confirmed to have COVID-19 but do not require medical treatment, and quarantine of people who are confirmed to have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.

We will continue to post new COVID-19 data.

Data
COVID-19 data: Cases in Washington show the curve starting to flatten.
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COVID-19 Effect: Camas Parks & Rec Cancels June’s Camtown Youth Festival

Camas, WA — Camas Parks & Recreation is cancelling the annual Camtown Youth Festival at Crown Park in Camas on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak and considering the health and safety of our event participants, the decision has been made to cancel this year’s on-site park event.

“We know that our community is eager to gather and engage in many of the wonderful events and activities (such as Camtown) that our city has to offer. We also know that it will only be a matter of time until we can come together for enjoyment, whether it’s to attend a concert, sporting event, festival, or a fundraiser,” says Krista Bashaw, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Camas Parks & Recreation. “We have future events in our sights and continue to plan for those, so that when the gathering green light is given, we’ll be ready to go with many of the great events our community is used to and ready for.”

Stay home. Stay healthy.

For information on any of the City of Camas events, contact Camas Parks & Recreation at [email protected]

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Camas Schools: Update on Meetings, Video Conferencing, Grading, Graduation

The Camas School District (CSD) continues to make adjustments related to the COVID-19 outbreak and its lingering effects on education. This article contains the latest CSD updates.

School Board Meetings

The CSD School Board has now conducted their second school board meeting remotely. If you’re interested in joining in the future, you can do so through the information provided at http://www.camas.wednet.edu/about-csd/school-board/meeting-info/

School Communication

Schools will be sending information about the remote learning week with any announcements and special events. CSD will be continuing to work at streamlining this communication with you. 

Video Conferencing

Earlier this month, CSD notified families they were delaying video-conferencing between students and teachers as they researched the safety and security of various platforms. As of Wednesday, April 15, Google Meet will be supported as the teacher-student video-conferencing platform for Camas School District. 

  • CSD Netiquette – Message to Families: Please review these guidelines with your student(s), if you have not done so already. The information includes an explanation of video-conferencing and an opt-out process, should families so choose. Complete the opt-out process by Tuesday evening, April 14, as teachers may begin using Meet the following day.
  • The Zoom video-conferencing platform will still be used for some teacher-parent communication.

Print Resources

Please contact your school administrator or teacher for more information if you are having difficulty accessing resources online or need additional support. The team continues to find creative ways to problem-solve with you. 

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Grading

High School: Due to the emergency closure of schools by Governor Inslee, high school students and middle school students earning high school credits will have two options for how final grades will be posted. Additionally, the governor has stated that student grades will not be harmed as a result of the closure. Students not meeting minimum passing requirements shared by their teachers by the end of the term will receive an incomplete and be given opportunities to work towards the credit.  Please review the grading expectations document for more important details.

Senior Project: Camas High School will be adjusting the criteria for completing senior projects. High school staff will provide information and support to help students complete projects with adjusted criteria. 

High School Credits: Students will still be required to meet the 24 credit requirements. Should students receive a No Credit or Fail a course, they will be required to make up work for those classes as needed to meet core graduation requirements. Class of 2020 students who were previously on track to graduate may be eligible for additional considerations due to new waiver legislation. 

For middle school trimester three final grades, students will be receiving a pass or no credit grade. Middle school students taking high-school level courses will be graded in the same manner as high school students. Students can select a pass/no credit or the grade option by June 1. 

Elementary school report cards will be completed at the end of the school year in June, like in previous years. Teachers will record marks for all applicable areas which apply under distance learning circumstances; some areas will not be able to be assessed and will be left blank. Our practice of teaching and learning continues during this time and our teaching staff is committed to providing engaging learning opportunities for each student and family. 

Graduation

Graduation is such an amazing celebration for each student, their family, and our community. CSD will be working with staff and students to plan a virtual ceremony in June, and they will also plan on having a traditional graduation ceremony at the earliest, safe date allowed by our state. CSD is committed to providing a graduation ceremony for all of our seniors.

Lacamas Magazine will keep you updated on Camas schools when new developments arise.

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COVID-19: City of Washougal Closes Playgrounds, Docks, Sports Courts/Fields

The City of Washougal Parks Department is responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency and related federal, state and city directives in order to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the community and our staff. To ensure the safety of its citizens, the City of Washougal has closed playgrounds, restrooms, docks, sports courts/fields, and picnic shelters until at least May 4th. The City will continue to work with Clark County Public Health to evaluate our options beyond this timeline. The closure coincides with the extension of Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy,” order.

”During this time please continue to exercise and spend time outdoors,” said Michelle Wright
Interim Deputy Director of Public Works for Washougal. “Please note parks and trails should always be limited to current social distancing of six feet or more between people from different households.”

In order to meet public health recommendations for protecting citizens and employees, parks maintenance crews have been split and are working every-other-week shifts. During this time, the City’s park will be mowed less frequently and other routine tasks will be deferred.

Please continue to practice physical distancing:

  • Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to parks and trails. Wash your hand, carry hand sanitizer, do not visit public space if you have symptoms, and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
  • Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect city works.
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For information on the status Clark County parks within Washougal, please visit https://www.clark.wa.gov/covid19.

For information about the City of Washougal’s response to COVID-19, please visit http://cityofwashougal.us/COVID19.

The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine additional modifications as needed and would like to thank the public for its patience and understanding.

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COVID-19: City of Camas Rolls Out Utility Relief Options to Homes, Businesses

CAMAS, WA – The City of Camas Finance department is now offering multiple ways to ease the burden of utility payments for Camas residents already in arrears and all Camas small businesses while the community continues to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

“We understand that our customers may be experiencing financial hardship due to the widespread closure of businesses across the country during the pandemic,” said Finance Director Cathy Huber Nickerson. “If you are experiencing financial hardship, maintaining a dialogue with the City about your situation and having a plan in place ensures we can work with you on the extended resolution of your utility balance.”

For residents already in arrears as of February 19, 2020:

  • Payment Plans – After setting up a plan, residents may make partial payments toward their utility balance in the amount and the frequency they can afford.
  • No Late Fees – For payments due from March through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020, residential customers will not incur late fees on utility payments.
  • No Shutoffs – The City recognizes the vital need for access to water for sanitation during the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, residents with an outstanding balance for November/December 2019 service, originally due on Feb. 10, 2020, did not have their water service shut off on March 18 as planned. No shutoffs will occur through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020. The balance will still be owing and may be paid in full or through a payment plan. No late fees will apply.

To set up a payment plan, residents currently in arrears must complete and submit the Residential Utility Assistance Payment Plan form.

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Utilities cannot be suspended during a payment plan and charges will continue to accrue. For this reason, residents are encouraged to set up a payment plan with installments as large as possible.

The City will revisit these programs in late April and determine whether more residents and businesses need relief options. Moreover, if the current Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation is extended, the duration of these programs may be modified.

For small businesses, defined as those in incorporated Camas with fewer than 50 employees:

  • Payment Plans – After setting up a plan, small businesses may make partial payments toward their balance in the amount and frequency they can afford; or
  • Balance Deferment – Small businesses that are unable to fulfill a payment plan and have applied for a small business loan may be eligible to defer their utility balance while awaiting loan funds. Deferments can be up to three months long or until loan proceeds have been received.
  • No Late Fees – For payments due from March through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020, residential customers will not incur late fees on utility payments.
  • No Shutoffs – The City recognizes the vital need for access to water for sanitation during the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, residents with an outstanding balance for November/December 2019 service, originally due on Feb. 10, 2020, did not have their water service shut off on March 18 as planned. No shutoffs will occur through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, currently set to end on May 4, 2020. The balance will still be owing and may be paid in full or through a payment plan. No late fees will apply.
  • Temporary Opt-Out of Garbage Collection – While their operations are closed, small business may elect to stop garbage service from City of Camas.

Utilities cannot be suspended during a payment plan or deferment, and charges will continue to accrue. For this reason, businesses are encouraged to set up a payment plan with installments as large as possible or to make partial payments during a deferment. Both options limit balance accrual.

To pursue a payment plan or deferment, small businesses must complete and submit the Small Business Utility Assistance form.

The City will continue to monitor feedback from residents and businesses, as well as the guidance of public agencies, to determine future modifications and support mechanisms. For an up-to-date listing of changes to city programming and operations during the COVID-19 crisis, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.

Members of the public who have a need or concern may contact [email protected] or 360-834- 6864. For assistance with errands, food, supplies and more, residents may call the City of Camas Resource Helpline, 360-382-1300, Monday-Friday, 9 am – 6 pm.

To request a payment plan, deferment or waiver, residents already in arrears and small businesses should contact the City of Camas Finance Department at [email protected] or 360-834-2462, Monday- Friday, 9 am- 5 pm.

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Natalia’s Cafe: A Hub of Generosity During Crisis; Helping Senior Citizens

Camas, WA — Natalia’s Cafe, located in the heart of downtown Camas, has made significant adjustments during the current COVID-19 quarantine orders. Like all Washington restaurants, they quickly adapted to becoming a food takeout business.

It’s caused significant pain to the quaint corner diner, whose tables and counter barstools are typically filled during peak hours seven days a week, but they’re finding their way.

Owner Erica Slothower and manager Wendy DelBosque continue to adapt to changes, creating and promoting specials, and although it’s not an ideal situation, it is working. Slothower continues to run the back office, while DelBosque runs the kitchen.

What’s been happening over these past few weeks is that many patrons pay significantly more than the cost of their meals, and are asking those funds to be donated to feed the needy among us — particularly senior citizens.

”We identified it was a challenge to keep seniors home,” said DelBosque. “So we had an initial donation come in with a request to feed people who needed it. With the help of Lynn Foster and Wayne Pattison we got a list of people to help. Since then, we’ve had more donations come in to continue with the program. If customers know more people that need help, they can also sponsor meals and we can continue to cook for them. For $10, you can buy a special breakfast or lunch delivered. You can call us at 360.844.5968.”

Community activist and Good Samaritan, Wayne Pattison, reached out to the cafe and has a list of people who are in need of help.

”This idea came from Erica’s customers at Natalia’s,” said Pattison. “Meals on Wheels called me and I came up with a list of seniors. The meals are getting out there. I’m hoping enough people continue to donate. This is an essential service. I called 127 of our seniors off our list, and 46 people requested it. I have a number of them are struggling with being locked up. So today, we’re going to call them all again to check up on them. There’s an emotional toll to all of this. We humans need eye contact. This quarantine is taking a major toll on our senior citizens.”

“As donations come in, we will continue to identify people who need a good meal, said DelBosque. “We’re planning to help our local first responders and could use your help. We want to keep it very local — Camas and Washougal. We will continue to do this as long as the donations come in.”

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COVID-19 Update: Latest Washington DOH Data; UW Projections

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) has provided its latest COVID-19 data, as of April 5, 2020. This report also includes University of Washington COVID-19 data and projections showing that peak hospital resources happened four days ago on April 2, and a projection of 632 deaths by Aug 4 (was predicted to be 1,400 deaths 10 days ago.) Also, Washington is now sending 400 ventilators to other states, such as New York.

As of April 5, 2020

  • 338 deaths
  • 7,984 confirmed cases               

County specific totals can be found here.

COVID-10
COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

Total deaths were not reported in the updated data for March 30 and 31, though the current totals are correct.

COVID-19
Confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Beginning March 28, 2020, DOH gave notice that its daily updates were for data from the previous day at 11:59 pm. Therefore, the data point for a certain day on the above charts represents confirmed cases through the day before at 11:59 pm. 

Mortality rates by age as of April 2:

Age                     Mortality Rate

<19:                                0%

20-39:                           .16%

40-59:                           .72%

60-79:                             6%

80+:                              20.4%

Overall:                        4.1%

The total number of deaths and cases and the mortality rates are not officially reported by age group by DOH, only the percentage was. We did our own math to formulate these totals using the percentages by age group with the total reported cases and deaths. Also, note that these figures do not take into account individuals who may have the virus but do not get tested for the virus.

Tests:

Negative: 80,327

Positive: 7,591

Total: 87,918

COVID-19
COVID-19 tests in Washington.

Negative tests were not reported March 24 and 25. Tests were not reported for March 30 and 31.  

IHME and University of Washington Predictive Model:

Predicted peak deaths per day is predicted to be 19 on April 6. This prediction has drastically moved up from last week’s prediction of a peak of 28 deaths per day on April 24.

Red Line: Actual deaths per day.

Dashed Line: Predicted deaths per day.

Shaded Area: Where the experts predict, with 95% confidence, the actual deaths per day trend will end up.

COVID-19
University of Washington Predictive Model.

Hospital Admissions

According to the Seattle Times and DOH, hospitalizations for patients with COVID-like symptoms dropped this last week in Washington.

COVID-19
Weekly hospitalizations in Washington.
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