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Clark County COVID-19 Activity Rate Declines For Sixth Consecutive Week


Vancouver, WA —  Clark County Public Health reports that the county’s activity rate is 105.4 cases per 100,000, which is down from 137 cases per 100,000 a week ago.

This list illustrates the steady decline since middle January. Recent COVID-19 activity levels (rate is calculated weekly):

  • Jan. 25: 401.2 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 1: 310.5 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 8: 262.2 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 15: 209.8 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 22: 137.0 cases per 100,000
  • March 1: 105.4 cases per 100,000

The latest daily COVID-19 data is as follows:

  • 31 new cases 
  • 18,408 cases to date
  • No new deaths
  • 223 total deaths to date (201 confirmed, 22 suspect)
  • 237 active cases (in isolation period)
  • 19 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
  • 3 people hospitalized awaiting COVID-19 test results

In addition, the percent of COVID-19 tests coming back positive dropped below 5% during the most recent week for which we have data (Feb. 7-13), representing two weeks of decreasing positivity rates.

The number of tests administered has also slowly decreased, with about 5,300 tests being administered in the most recent week of data. However, test data is preliminary and may change as additional negative results are reported. 

Clark County Public Health updates this data weekly (on Tuesdays) on their COVID-19 data webpage to reflect the most recent numbers available: https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/covid-19-data

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Clark County COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Increases Substantially This Week

Vancouver, WA — Clark County’s COVID-19 vaccine allocation is increasing substantially this week, according to Clark County Public Health.

This is their statement today:

Through 11 weeks, Clark County received an average of 4,175 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine from the Washington State Department of Health. The vaccine was distributed to health care facilities, pharmacies and community vaccination sites throughout the county.

This week, Clark County health care providers will receive 14,140 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Clark County Public Health will work with several of the local health care facilities receiving vaccine to refer people from the county’s waiting list for vaccination appointments. Health care facilities will also schedule appointments with their patients.

Last week, Public Health released data comparing first-dose COVID-19 vaccine allocations for 15 counties – the five counties with the largest, smallest and median size populations. The data showed that Clark County was receiving less vaccine per capita than other counties. The disparity was impacting the county’s ability to get residents vaccinated and hindering efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccine.

The Washington State Department of Health notified Clark County Public Health that additional Pfizer vaccine was available for this week. Public Health worked with local health care providers to place additional vaccine orders.

In addition to the vaccine allocated to health care providers, Clark County Public Health is sending mobile vaccination teams to several housing authority facilities today and tomorrow. Volunteers will vaccinate seniors living in the facilities.

Later this week, mobile teams will also return to adult family homes to provide second doses to residents and staff who received their first doses from mobile teams in early February.

Public Health continues to work with community partners to plan for additional mobile and fixed-location vaccination sites. Public Health intends to position sites in locations where residents have not been able to easily access vaccine and among communities and populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

COVID-19
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Parenting Disputes During A Pandemic: Helping Your Children Cope With Stress

By Erica Aquadro

If we didn’t know it before, we know it now: kids are resilient. Since COVID-19 reared its ugly head about a year ago, most of us have been challenged in ways we never could have anticipated and that includes our children. As parents, we do our best to shield our kids from the fear and uncertainty that accompanies a global pandemic, but it’s not always possible to keep them in the dark. Our children have had to adapt to remote-learning models, degrees of isolation, and—in some cases—shifting family dynamics. If you have a shared custody arrangement, it’s also possible that your family has experienced some new form of parenting dispute in the past year. Parenting disputes can be especially trying during this time because we’re encountering situations that have never arisen before and our family’s health and wellness are at stake. 

While we can’t completely insulate our kids from the reality of the (sometimes dire) situation, we can do our best to stay positive and set a good example for them. So much of their ability to thrive in this ‘new normal’ depends on our ability to support them and give them grace. It’s their first pandemic, after all. We should go easy on them. 

As we navigate this ever-changing post-COVID world, here are some ways you can help your kids manage stress in the midst of changing family dynamics and novel parenting conflicts. 

Present a United Front:

Ideally both parents will be on the same page about any adjustments to the schedule or parenting plan before it reaches the children. Involving the children in discussions or planning before any changes are concrete or agreed puts them in a very difficult position.  It can be extremely confusing and stressful for children to hear one thing from one parent and something else entirely from the other. Unless and until a plan or change is final or agreed, it’s in your children’s best interests for them to be uninvolved and unaware.    

Consistency and Quality Time:

It may seem far-fetched to maintain a consistent schedule at a time like this, but even the little things can help reinforce their routine and give them some semblance of stability.  This goes hand in hand with spending quality time together. Something as simple as having breakfast together every day or reading a book to your kids before bed can give them a chance to regroup and relax. Even if you can’t do the same thing at the same time together every day, just spending five minutes doing something they want to do can have a huge impact. It can also be especially grounding for us as parents; it puts things into perspective. 

Don’t Burden Them with Adult Information:

In some ways, it can be healthy for kids to see that their parents are human and get sad sometimes because we can show them it’s normal to experience emotions. It also gives us the opportunity to demonstrate appropriate ways to express themselves and, most importantly, pick themselves up and move forward. That said, when you’re in the midst of a parenting dispute (especially during a pandemic), you’re going to be dealing with a lot of emotional and financial stresses. If you find yourself needing support, lean on your family and friends or mental health professionals to help you get through it – not your children. Chances are there will be times when you’re upset with your ex-spouse or co-parent and the last thing you want to do is burden your children with irritations about their other parent. That parent is always going to be your children’s mother or father and you want to support that relationship because that’s what’s best for your children and, by extension, your relationship with your children. 

Seek Extra Support for Your Children:

Even if your child is happy and healthy, parenting disputes (with or without a pandemic) can be very stressful and challenging. Enrolling your child with a child psychologist or counselor is a great way to allow your child to get the support he or she needs. Even if your child only meets with a professional once or twice, it’s important to give your child the opportunity to have a safe place to share his or her feelings. You may also learn some valuable tools and information from your child’s psychologist or counselor that will help you better support your child.  Keep in mind, however, you should involve your co-parent in the decision to seek support for your child and choose the right provider together.  

Take Care of Yourself: 

Remember to give yourself a break from time to time. We, as parents, are only human and sometimes the best thing we can do for our kids is to take care of ourselves. Our kids feed off our energy and, if we run ourselves ragged, we are not setting a good example for how to manage our needs and wellbeing. We have the awesome gift and responsibility of shaping our children’s lives. Let’s take the opportunity to give them the best of ourselves and forgive ourselves when we make a misstep. Tomorrow is a new day. 

Authored by Vancouver family law attorney, Erica Aquadro. Erica is a mom of three and member of both the Oregon & Washington State Bar(s). She focuses her practice exclusively on family law issues such as divorce, parenting and custody issues, child and spousal support.

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Clark County Receiving Less Vaccine Per Capita Than Other Counties

Vancouver, WA — Clark County Public Health has been researching concerns and questions about the amount of COVID-19 vaccinations coming into Clark County and released their findings today. 

The health department looked at the amount of vaccine being allocated by the state to counties, and compared the allocation for 15 counties: The five counties with the highest, lowest and median population sizes. 

“While Clark County has the fifth highest population in the state, we ranked near the bottom (14th out of 15) in the allocation of first doses per 1,000 residents and first-dose allocation as a percentage of the total county population,” the health department said in a statement. “Through 11 weeks, the state has allocated 45,950 first doses of vaccine to Clark County. That’s 94.1 doses per 1,000 people or doses for 9.4% of our population. The next largest county, Spokane County, has received 30,325 more first doses than Clark County, but has only 35,000 more residents. Spokane County has received 145.9 doses per 1,000 people or doses for 14.6% of their population.”

The counties with the lowest and median size populations ranked higher in doses per 1,000 people. But the largest counties – King, Snohomish and Pierce counties – all received considerably more vaccine doses per 1,000 than Clark County (132.4, 121.1 and 111.9 doses per 1,000 respectively).

The only county in their 15-county comparison that has received fewer doses per 1,000 people than Clark County is Ferry County, which has a population of about 7,600 people.

“This allocation data comparison reinforces what we have suspected: Clark County is receiving less vaccine per capita than other counties,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “This disparity is impacting our ability to get Clark County residents vaccinated and is hindering our efforts to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccine in our community.”

Vaccine

Clark County Public Health has been working closely with local health care providers, community partners and neighboring counties to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible and develop plans for community vaccination sites, as vaccine supply allows. 

“We’re working with community partners to identify key populations who are being underserved or disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, are identifying locations throughout the county where we could host accessible community vaccination sites, and are lining up the necessary volunteers and staffing to operate those sites,” the health department said. “Our biggest barrier has been vaccine supply.” 

Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler addressed these same concerns today at a Congressional hearing.

“The news that Southwest Washington counties are being shorted COVID vaccines is absolutely unacceptable,” said Herrera Beutler. “I made this known when I had the opportunity to question Washington state’s Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah today at a congressional hearing.”  

As an example, she said Lewis County has a high population of elderly residents, but in terms of vaccine distribution is the worst in the state’s 39 counties. 

“And Clark County is the fifth largest county in the state, but is ranked 14th out of 15 counties in first dose allocations amongst counties with the highest, lowest, and median population sizes,” she said. “The state has to do better.”

In addition to the efforts by Clark County Public Health, local health care providers have the capacity to vaccinate several thousand people per week. 

“Clark County is ready to expand our vaccination efforts, once we receive the vaccine supply needed to serve our community,” said the health department.

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COVID-19: Clark County Activity Rate Falls to 137 Cases Per 100,000

Vancouver, WA — According to Clark County Public Health, COVID-19 activity rates plummeted from 209 cases per 100,000 to 137 cases per 100,000 this past week.

Here’s the latest COVID-19 update:

  • 24 new cases
  • 8,135 cases to date
  • No new deaths
  • 221 total deaths to date (199 confirmed, 22 suspect)
  • 245 active cases (in isolation period)
  • 34 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
  • 1 person hospitalized awaiting COVID-19 test results

Learn more on the Clark County Public Health COVID-19 data webpage: https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/covid-19-data

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Vaccination Update

The Washington State Department of Health received its shipment of Pfizer vaccine for the Clark County Fairgrounds vaccination site. That means the fairgrounds will be open this week to fulfill its second-dose appointments.

Anyone who received their first dose at the fairgrounds site should have received an email from Safeway after receiving their first dose. That follow-up email contains a link to schedule an appointment for the second dose. 

Appointments are best. But anyone who was unable to get a second dose appointment scheduled or didn’t receive the confirmation email, can take their vaccination card and ID to the fairgrounds and receive their second dose without an appointment.

The fairgrounds site is open 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Friday and 9 am to 3 pm Saturday.

First-dose appointments are not available at the fairgrounds this week.

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BIA of Clark County: 35,000+ Families Will Be Priced Out of Homes This Year

Vancouver, WA – The Building Industry Association of Clark County (BIA) estimates that 35,605 Clark County families will be priced-out of purchasing a home in 2021.

This estimate comes from the newest version of a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The study states that for each $1,000 increase in the cost of median-priced newly built homes in Clark County, 985 prospective buyers will be pushed out of the market, up from 781 prospective buyers in 2020.

“This study illustrates how even a relatively small increase in housing prices can dramatically impact housing affordability and accessibility for our neighbors,” said BIA’s Executive Director Avaly Scarpelli. “Unfortunately, with lumber prices on the rise again and the recent implementation of the Washington State Energy Code, housing affordability will continue to worsen in 2021.”

Between mid-April and mid-September 2020, the cost of framing lumber climbed more than 170%. According to NAHB analysis, this resulted in an increase of more than $16,148 in the price of a new single-family home. Lumber price increases will result in an additional 15,905 buyers being priced-out of homeownership, up from our estimate of 12,612 in 2020.

If the estimates provided by the Building Industry Association of Washington are correct, the price of a newly constructed home will rise as much as $20,000 due to the implementation of a stricter Energy Code, effectively pricing-out another 19,700 families.

When considering the increase in lumber prices and the cost of energy code compliance, a total of 35,605 buyers will be priced-out of purchasing a home in 2021.

This estimate does not take into consideration the other variables that can increase home prices: additional regulatory barriers, labor shortages, and the looming rise of interest rates as soon as 2022. All of these factors work together to prevent families from achieving their dreams of homeownership.

“Our elected leaders need to recognize and take accountability for the consequences of their policy decisions. We cannot complain about a housing affordability crisis and then pass policies negating any efforts made to make housing more attainable. The homebuilding industry agrees with the notion of increasing energy efficiency and working towards more sustainable structures. However, when the families in our county and state cannot afford to have a roof over their heads, it’s time for our elected officials to consider postponing expensive mandates,” added Scarpelli.

Camas
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

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Camas School Board Report: CHS To Begin Hybrid In-Class Learning March 8

Camas, WA — Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell said schools continue to open up to in-class learning as COVID-19 cases numbers continue to drop across Clark County. The public also learned CSD is facing a $3.5 million shortfall this fiscal year.

“Clark County Health Department will release the latest COVID-19 data for this week later today with rates expected to be below 150 new cases per 100,000 population,” he said today. “This number indicates that Clark County continues to be in the “moderate’ risk level for a fourth consecutive week. This is good news and reinforces the importance of our COVID countermeasures as across the region we’ve added in-person learning experiences for our students and county rates have continued to drop.”

The school board reviewed COVID-19 level data and the current Reopening Plan again on February 22 and made the following decisions around elementary and high school transition timing and programming.

Elementary: At our elementary schools, instruction will move away from a 2-day hybrid Cohort A/B model to 4-day, in-person instruction on March 22, which aligns closely with the end of the trimester. Schools will still be following the 6 foot istancing requirement, masking, and other countermeasure strategies. Staff will be looking at how to maximize classroom and school space. In certain cases, additional staff may need to be hired to support smaller groups of students. Families who indicate a desire for on-site learning will have students attending on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays will continue to be remote learning days and also used by staff to support planning for both on-site and remote learners.

High School: With cases of COVID-19 in Clark County below 200 cases per 100,000 over 14 days, our high schools will have in-person orientation/small group activities during the week of March 1, and we will begin 2-day, hybrid instruction beginning March 8. Students will have a Cohort A/B model. Note: Hayes Freedom High School is already in a hybrid model.

Budget

Business Services Director Jasen McEathron gave a monthly budget status report indicating we are trending to end the fiscal year with a $3.5 million shortfall largely due to the pandemic. There are still many variables at play in the 2020-21 budget including Federal and State relief funding and how that might impact us in Camas. 

School
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

Social-Emotional Learning

Assistant Superintendent Lisa Greseth and Helen Baller Principal Melissa Hutton were on hand to share an update on the social-emotional wellbeing of our students. District-level data was shared from our second student survey. Highlights for our students were in the areas of supportive relationships with staff and at home, and opportunities for growth in the way we help support emotion regulation for our students. Principal Hutton gave specific examples of how a school uses the data as part of the overall school plan for social-emotional learning and support. 

Becky Stauffer

CSD digital automation specialist Becky Stauffer received the 2021 Laserfiche K-12 Education Impact Award at this year’s virtual Laserfiche Empower Conference.

This award recognizes influential industry leaders who exemplify leadership within the Laserfiche community and empower others to drive transformation within their organizations. Congratulations Becky!

Noah Christensen

CHS junior Noah Christensen was honored with an MTP award by Coach Jones. Noah has grown a lot over his years at Camas, in all facets. One of the biggest ways in which he’s grown is by not being too proud to ask for help when he feels himself getting out of sorts.

“Noah displays good leadership qualities on the football field and in the classroom and he’s just a really fun young man to get to work with and coach,” stated Coach Jones. Great work, Noah!

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Camas High School Sports To Resume February 22 After 11-Month Hiatus

Camas, WA — Camas High School Athletic Director, Rory Oster, announced today that Papermaker sports events will resume Monday, February 22 after an 11-plus month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“With sporting events/games starting on Monday, please be aware of the spectator guidelines with regards to each sport,” Oster said.

GSHL Spectator Update by Sport

Spectators that attend any GSHL event must wear a mask for the duration of their time on school facilities, indoors and outdoors. Spectators must also social distance with a minimum of six feet between individuals outside of their family.

Volleyball – Each athlete, manager and coach will be allotted TWO entrance tickets to their specific contest only. Doors will open for entrance ten minutes before the contest scheduled start time at the North Commons/Gym entrance only, and gyms will be immediately cleared at the conclusion of the contest.

Varsity games will begin at 7:00 pm with a 6:50 pm entrance.

JV games will begin at 5:00 pm with a 4:50 pm entrance.

C games will begin at 7:00 pm with a 6:50 pm entrance.

4th team games will begin at 5:00 pm with a 4:50 pm entrance.

Girls Soccer – Each athlete, manager and coach will be allotted TWO entrance tickets to their specific contest only. Main gate will open for entrance ten minutes before the contest scheduled start time, we ask that spectators of the game that has finished, immediately leave the facility.

Varsity games will begin at 7:00 pm

JV games will begin at 5:00 pm with a 4:50 pm entrance.

C games will begin at 5:00 pm with a 4:50 pm entrance.

Camas
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

Cross Country – Spectators are allowed for contests please keep these to no more than two per contestant. Stay socially distanced along the course and wear a mask at all times.

Boys Tennis – Spectators are allowed for contests please keep these to no more than two per contestant. Stay socially distanced along and wear a mask at all times.

Boys Golf – Spectators are allowed for contests please keep these to no more than two per contestant. Stay socially distanced along the course and wear a mask at all times.

Slow-pitch Softball – Spectators are allowed for contests please keep these to no more than two per contestant. Stay socially distanced and wear a mask at all times. Spectators may need to bring chairs to set up along the outfield fence.

Football – No spectators are allowed at any football events at this time. This includes JV and C team games. We continue to advocate for changes to this rule with the Governor’s office and local department of health and we will immediately adjust if we are able to.

All contests held at Camas High School Gymnasium and Doc Harris Stadium will be live streamed athttps://www.nfhsnetwork.com/ subscriptions can be purchased which will give you access to all volleyball, girls soccer and football games played at Camas School District sites. Other GSHL schools will also be streaming their contests and we will update you with locations of those streams. If they use the NFHS network, your subscription will work for those games as well.

Link to Athletic Bulletin ~

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OyX5v4KhiJDlqVPXS4e468GnHl0gBpKc-IoVEUpRvyE/edit

Camas
Camas Running Back Jacques Badolato-Birdsell.
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Clark County COVID-19 Activity Rate Continues To Fall, Now At Moderate Level

Vancouver, WA — Clark County’s COVID-19 activity rate declined again this week, down to 209.8 cases per 100,000, according to Clark County Public Health. Last week, the rate was 262.2 cases per 100,000.

“Keep up the good work, Clark County,” the health department said in a statement. “Let’s continue to wear face coverings, maintain physical distancing and avoid gatherings so we can keep bringing that rate down!”

Latest COVID-19 Update:

  • 32 new cases 
  • 17,909 cases to date
  • No new deaths
  • 213 total deaths to date (191 confirmed, 22 suspect)
  • 255 active cases (in isolation period)
  • 36 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
  • 6 people hospitalized awaiting COVID-19 test results

You may learn more on the Clark County COVID-19 data webpage: https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/covid-19-data

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Fairgrounds Vaccination Update

If you were scheduled to get your first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the fairgrounds on Tuesday (including those rescheduled due to snow) but were unable to get vaccinated, you can go the site anytime during operating hours today (9 am to 5 pm) to get vaccinated. Your vaccine will be waiting for you.

If you received your first dose at the fairgrounds, you will get a second dose at the fairgrounds. The day after receiving your first dose, you should receive a follow-up message (email or text) with a link to schedule your second dose. 

If you experience difficulties with the scheduling system and are unable to schedule an appointment for a second dose, you will still get your second dose. Just bring your original confirmation email from Safeway/Albertsons or your vaccine record card and go to the fairgrounds on the date you are due for your second dose, and you will get vaccinated.

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COVID-19: Governor Inslee Moves Clark County, Others to Phase 2

Olympia, WA — Clark County is moving to Phase 2 of Governor Jay Inslee’s statewide reopening plan, along with four other regions. 

“This will mean increased economic activity. We are very happy about it,” Inslee said. “Ninety-two percent of the state of Washington is now in Phase 2 or higher.”

Inslee said this will be effective starting Monday, but may open earlier for Valentine’s Day and current weather conditions. The only region in the state that isn’t in Phase 2 is the South Central region, including the Walla Walla, Tri-Cities and Yakima areas.

Inslee said he doesn’t have a date for when Phase 3 guidelines/restrictions will be released. He said the state has been focused on getting to Phase 2. 

He said “this is now both a time for celebration for the state, but also a time for increased diligence due to new variants of COVID-19.”

In Phase 2, restaurants may open indoor dining at 25 percent capacity. Indoor gatherings are also allowed, with a maximum of five people from outside a household per gathering, but limited to no more than two households. Outdoor gatherings allow 15 people present from outside a single household.

Movie theaters, concert venues, and museums can now operate at 25 percent capacity, and are subject to eating and drinking requirements.

Zoos, rodeos and concert venues can now host groups of 15 and up to 200 people at a time.

Inslee
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Indoor weddings and funerals are now allowed, and must follow gathering requirements. Dancing is still prohibited. 

Low and moderate risk sports may resume indoors, and fitness centers may now operate at 25 percent capacity. Low, moderate and high-risk sports are all allowed outdoors with a 200-person limit, including spectators. The WIAA will provide specifics on this.

The decision to reopen most of the state despite risk of having to move back, Inslee said, was based on science and the fact that businesses have had to close for months. He added that if the numbers go back up, the state can go back in phases.

Regions could be moved back if metrics start going in the wrong direction. Under the state guidelines, in two week the regions must still meet three of four requirements. If the region meets two or fewer, they would return to Phase 1 the following Monday.

Washington is nearing 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered, according to the Department of Health.

Inslee said getting close to 1 million doses is an achievement, but he also acknowledged that people are frustrated by the wait for their doses.

Inslee says they are making rapid progress in vaccination push and that “help is on the way” for those who haven’t had their shots yet. He emphasized there is equity in vaccine distribution among communities of color, and said that this helped determine where the mass vaccination sites were located. 

Inslee

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