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COVID-19: City of Camas to Reopen Parks Facilities in Phases

CAMAS, WA – In accordance with Governor Jay Inslee’s easing of outdoor recreation restrictions announced April 27, the City of Camas will begin a phased approach to reopening its park system.

Beginning May 5, the first phase will open the parking lots at all City-run parks and trailheads, which were closed on March 31. Additionally, the bathroom facilities at Heritage Park, located at Lacamas Lake on Northwest Lake Road with access to Heritage Trail, will reopen. The restrooms will be cleaned and sanitized daily; however, to minimize contact with high-touch surfaces, patrons should use restrooms sparingly and with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind.

All other City-run restrooms and parks facilities, including play structures, sports fields, sports courts and picnic shelters will remain closed at this time to reduce crowds, limit group interaction and encourage social distancing during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Future openings will be enacted based on guidance from local and state health officials.

“Enjoy the open areas and trails while staying close to home to exercise, get fresh air and recreate with family members,” urged Parks and Recreation Manager Jerry Acheson. “Please practice appropriate physical distancing or wear a face covering when participating in outdoor activities. Together, we can keep our community healthy and safe.”

Individuals should not call 911 to report others in noncompliance and should avoid confrontations over enforcement. Instead, individuals are asked to adhere to the following guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation.

Before you go:

  • Recreate with immediate household members only. Recreating with those outside of your household creates new avenues for virus transmission.
  • Come prepared. Visitors may find reduced or limited or no restroom services. You are advised to bring your own soap, water, and hand sanitizer, as well as a mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Enjoy the outdoors when healthy. If you have symptoms including fever, cough or shortness of breath, stay home and save your outdoor adventure for another day.

When you get there:

  • Avoid crowds. Be prepared to go somewhere else or come back another time if your destination looks crowded.
  • Practice physical distancing. Keep 6 feet between you and those outside your immediate household. If possible, leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks.

Unrelated to the order, Clark County Public Health closed Lacamas Lake and Round Lake on April 24 due to elevated toxin levels and is advising against all lake use, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and water skiing. For details and updates, the public is encouraged to visit www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/public-beaches

The City will continue to monitor newly released information to determine additional modifications.

  • To see up-to-date programming and operations changes, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19
  • For access to City services, patrons can visit www.cityofcamas.us, call 360-834-6864 or use the CamasConnect app.
  • For support or someone to talk to, call the Camas Resource Helpline at 360-382-1300, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm.
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COVID-19: Governor Inslee Extends Stay-At-Home Orders Through May 31

OLYMPIA — Governor Jay Inslee announced Friday afternoon he is extending Washington’s stay-home order through May 31, but that he and state leaders are seeking ways for many businesses to open before then.

Inslee said Washington’s businesses would reopen in four phases, with some business sectors possibly opening back up before May 31. He said he would be allowing retail stores to do curbside pickup, as well as allow automobile sales and car washes resume business, with some COVID-19 restrictions. He also intends to allow drive-in church services at some point.

The current shelter-in-place order, initiated March 23, had been set to expire on May 4. Inslee had already extended the restrictions once as state officials tried to curb the COVID-19 outbreak, which has claimed more than 800 Washingtonians.

Inslee said earlier this week he wouldn’t yet lift the stay at home order, emphasizing that public health data — such as daily confirmed cases — while going down wasn’t acceptable levels to re-open society.

Inslee
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Faced with mounting pressure as the state economy tanks — one in 5 workers have filed for unemployment benefits — Inslee has opened up some parts of society including some construction projects, medical procedures, as well as state lands, fishing and hunting.

Demonstrators across the state are gathering today at county courthouses protesting the stay home orders on the grounds that they are unconstitutional and wreaking havoc on the economy.

The governor said on Wednesday he was tracking several metrics that formed the basis of his decisions, which include COVID-19 hospital admissions, fatalities, the percentage of people in the hospital with COVID-19 like symptoms and the percentage of people testing positive.

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18th LD Representatives: Everyone Plays Role in Ending COVID-19 Crisis

All Washingtonians have a role to play in bringing the COVID-19 crisis to an end, says Senator Ann Rivers, Rep. Brandon Vick and Rep. Larry Hoff in this op-ed they submitted today.

As millions of Washingtonians continue to abide by Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, the question on everyone’s mind is: When will our state reopen? 

Some are asking that question out of concern for their economic future, as they’ve recently been laid off and now have little to no money coming in the door. Others are asking out of concern for public health and safety, worried that lifting restrictions too soon could lead to a new round of COVID-19 cases. 

The truth is there is no perfect roadmap for the weeks and months ahead. What we do know is we all have a role to play in bringing this crisis to an end. By making wise decisions, including practicing social distancing, infections will continue to decrease and Governor Inslee will have the data—and confidence—he needs to reopen more economic and recreational activity in our state. 

We saw an example of this confidence recently when the governor announced private construction companies could resume operations if they followed new safety requirements to protect workers. While long overdue, it was a good decision that will help tens of thousands of Washingtonians and inject much-needed revenue into our economy. With that said, this cannot be the only action the governor takes. Nearly one million Washingtonians have been forced to file for unemployment as a result of this crisis. Governor Inslee must have a sense of urgency in bringing business leaders together for discussions about what other industries can immediately—and safely—get people back to work. 

COVID-19
Senator Ann Rivers, Representative Brandon Vick, and Representative Larry Hoff.

That is just one of the many recommended actions in the Safe Economic Restart Plan that was proposed by House and Senate Republicans in mid-April. Another is to exempt small businesses from paying both sales and B&O taxes for one year. Our small businesses have been crushed by this ongoing economic shutdown. Providing tax relief at the state level—in concert with relief from the federal Small Business Administration—would help many of them keep their doors open. 

Outside of business, we have agreed with those who have been calling for restrictions to be lifted on a number of recreational activities, including fishing, golfing and hunting. If Washingtonians can be trusted to go to the grocery store and safely practice social distancing, then they can be trusted to responsibly engage in outdoor activities. In a recent press conference, Governor Inslee announced each of these activities would be reopened to the public starting May 5.

While there are likely to be some significant challenges ahead as we continue to recover as a state, the governor’s recent actions have given us confidence the data he’s seeing is trending in the right direction. We know our state has already flattened the coronavirus curve. Now we must avoid a recurrence of this disease as more restrictions are lifted on economic and recreational activity. By working together and following common-sense safety protocols, we can ensure we are successful in that endeavor.

Reps. Brandon Vick and Larry Hoff, both R-Vancouver, represent the 18th Legislative District. 

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COVID-19 News Digest: CW Port Cancels Summer Events; Fishing, Hunting to Reopen

This is a COVID-19 news digest report from today:

  • The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today it will reopen some recreational fishing and hunting in a phased approach. The department wants hunters and anglers to enjoy their respective sports only if they can do so locally, while also practicing physical distancing. Effective May 5.
  • Golfing and public access to state parks will also open up May 5.
  • Lauren Jenks from the Washington Department of Health: “Health equity is when everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. None of us are as healthy as we could be unless all of us have the opportunity to be healthy.”
  • The Port of Camas-Washougal announced today the cancellation of all spring and summer community events hosted by the Port. “We did not come to this decision lightly, as these events represent some of our favorite days each year at the Port.”
  • The canceled events include: 1) National Trails Day and Eegah’s Birthday event on June 5th; 2) 4th of July Concert & Fireworks event at Washougal Waterfront Park; and 3) Wheels & Wings Community Appreciation event at Grove Field on August 29.
  • This fits a growing trend that governments and municipalities are essentially cancelling large summer events.
  • The state of Washington received $2.1 billion in federal COVID-19 stimulus money, which is being distributed to counties and cities over the next 10 days. Today, Governor Inslee announced that of the state’s $2.1 B, he would be sending $297 million to local governments that did not receive any direct allocations. The appropriations reflect a $55 per capita allocation for county governments and $30 for city governments, with each county guaranteed at least $250,000 and each city at least $25,000.
  • COVID-19 positive tests statewide: 13,686 (+1,401 over 5 days).
  • COVID-19 negative tests statewide: 175,477 (+42,477 over 5 days).
  • COVID-19 deaths statewide: 765 (+83 over 5 days).
  • Clark County COVID-19 deaths: 21 (+5 over 5 days).
  • Clark County positive COVID-19 tests: 339 (+26 over 5 days).
  • Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized (ICU): 4 (unchanged over 5 days).
  • Clark County COVID-19 cases hospitalized, total: 16 (-3 over 5 days).
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The Camas Shirt Project: Helping Out Downtown Businesses

In an effort to help Downtown Camas businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, several local businessmen banded together to create The Camas Shirt Project.

Mel Locke, owner of Universal Martial Arts, and Joseph Graves, Founder of HYVÄ SPC, are working hard to do what they can to help out. The shirt was designed by Tolo Tuitele, of Fuel Medical, and printing is being handled by David McCalib’s team at Printforia at the Port of Camas-Washougal.

Their goal is to sell 20,000 T-shirts, with profits to be distributed to downtown businesses.

“Mel wanted to do something to help out downtown, which is the heart of Camas,” said Graves, who lives in Washougal, but was raised in Camas. “This all came together very quickly after that first conversation.”

To get your shirt, visit www.shirtsforcamas.com

To have your business included in the profit sharing, join at: www.shirtsforcamas.com/signup

Program Overview

  • The shirts will be printed on demand so there is no need for pre-ordering or buying a large amount of inventory
  • They’ll add up the online sales, subtract the cost and divide by the number of participating businesses
  • To be considered a participating business and receive an equal portion of the profit, a business only needs to do two things:    
    • Help get the word out, this can be done through: 
      • social networks
      • email lists
      • physical displays 
    • Let them know who you are and that you want to participate at www.shirtsforcamas.com/signup
  • Buy shirts at cost and sell directly to your customers:
    • Let them know you want to resell on your sign up form
    • This provides more revenue to you as a merchant
  • Shirts can be purchased at www.shirtsforcamas.com  
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Camas Schools Clarifies Student Learning For Remainder of School Year

Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent, Jeff Snell, provided additional clarity today about how to assess student learning for the remainder of the school year.

He said the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) convened a task force to consider the challenges school districts are facing across the sate.

“Our staff has been working diligently to create meaningful learning experiences for your students,” he said. “They also want to provide relevant and helpful feedback to each student in their growth journey. Trying to determine an equitable way to assess student learning during these extraordinary times is very challenging. We appreciate the thought and care that went into this guidance, which you can access at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance & Resources: https://bit.ly/2KDuAgR.” 

Below is a summary of how the Camas School District will assess student learning for the remainder of the school year, which includeS adjustments to the CSD high school model based on OSPI’s guidance.

“Your student’s schools and teachers will be communicating more details with you in the weeks to come,” said Snell.  ”Tomorrow, we will be sending a survey link to share feedback about the remote learning experience to date.  We’re hoping you can share what’s working and any feedback about how we can improve.”

Kindergarten through 5th grade

During this period of remote learning, each grade level team at every elementary school has identified essential standards for instruction beginning May 4. Grading and feedback for K-5 students will only be for those essential standards that each grade level team has identified. These are the same essential standards that are being used by teachers to design learning experiences for their students. 

Elementary school report cards will be completed at the end of the school year in June, like in previous years. For the third trimester, to align with OSPI’s expectations, each student will receive a mark of 2, 3, or 4 for the essential standards identified for this period. The language and rubric to be used for a 2, 3, or 4 are those currently displayed on the report card. Standards that were not addressed (those not identified as essential) will be left blank.

”The 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,” said Snell. “Students are expected to participate and engage in the remote learning activities that are being provided by classroom teachers and specialists.“ 

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Middle School

Final grades during remote learning for middle school students will be a pass or incomplete for non-high school courses. Middle school students taking high-school level courses will be graded in the same manner as high school students (see below).  Schools will provide continuous learning through the end of the school year and learning feedback to students and families about progress made on prioritized learning standards. This feedback will be used to help students transition into learning next year. 

High School (including any middle school classes for high school credit)

Teachers will provide continuous learning for each student. Students will be awarded letter grades in the C to A range, or receive an incomplete. Students have the opportunity to raise their grades from whatever their grade was on March 13, 2020, which was the last physical attendance date. That grade will be the baseline grade for the student moving forward. No grades will be lowered below that baseline grade if students engage with remote learning opportunities offered by their teachers. Teachers will assign grades or assign an “incomplete” for students that cannot engage in an equitable way. The schools will continue to provide multiple ways for students to engage. In the event an incomplete is assigned, there will be opportunities for students to convert that incomplete to a grade after the school year concludes.

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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.”

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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.

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COVID-19 data: Cases in Washington show the curve starting to flatten.
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