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Inslee’s COVID-19 Update: All Statewide Re-openings On Pause Through July 28

OLYMPIA, WA — Governor Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that the current statewide pause on counties reopening will continue through July 28, possibly longer.

Today’s news comes as COVID-19 cases statewide continue to spike, and Inslee said that this time is a pivotal in determining what conditions will look like in September when students — at all levels — are expected to return to the classroom.

“We have to find somewhere to break that chain of looming disaster,” Inslee said.

Inslee also issued an advisory that Washingtonians shouldn’t be surprised if some pandemic restrictions are rolled back over the course of the pandemic. He said this may include things like indoor seating in businesses, but that will be determined in the upcoming days and weeks. New restrictions will also be determined by how many people wear face masks and practice physical distancing in public.

The governor also praised residents for adhering to the mandatory statewide order to wear face masks. He said today’s announcement is designed to keep the virus from spreading.

“We are not in as bad a state as others,” Inslee said, naming Arizona and Florida, that have been struggling in recent days to stop a massive virus case spike. “We can’t overstate how important this moment is in addressing the pandemic.”

The state’s mandatory face mask rule went into effect on June 26. Under the order, violators can be punished with misdemeanor criminal penalties and businesses are asked to refuse service to customers who are not in compliance with the order.

COVID-19
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Inslee said the face mask order is having a positive effect on fighting COVID-19.

“What we know is this effort is working,” Inslee said. “Washingtonians are masking up.”

Exemptions to the face mask order include:

  • People who can’t wear masks because of existing medical conditions.
  • Children 5 years old and younger.
  • People who are deaf or need to have their mouth uncovered in order to communicate.
  • When it is onerous to do so, including customers who are eating out at a restaurant.

“We have to look at where we’re going to be, not where we are,” the governor said.

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Clark County COVID-19 Update: 106 More Test Positive Over Weekend, 1 Death

Clark County Public Health issued the following update today:

“Since our last update on Friday morning, another 106 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and one person died – a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions. Over the weekend, we had an average of 35 new cases per day (Fri-Sun). To date, 1,272 Clark County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 33 people have died. Currently, 26 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized and seven persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19 are hospitalized.”

According to Clark County Public Health, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should call your health care provider right away and request to be tested.

Early testing is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Clark County. Identifying cases early enables us to more quickly isolate those who are sick and quarantine their close contacts.

Most health clinics are offering COVID-19 testing now. People who are unable to access testing through their regular health care provider, those who do not have a health care provider or those who are uninsured can contact the following facilities to request testing:

  • Legacy GoHealth. Hazel Dell, 360.787.4151. Cascade Park, 360.787.4135.
  • Providence Walk-In Clinic, Battle Ground. 360.687.6650. •Rose Urgent Care and Family Practice, Vancouver. 360.952.4457. (drive up testing available)
  • Sea Mar Community Health Center, Battle Ground. Call 360.342.8060 to schedule an appointment. (drive up testing available). Testing hours: 8:30 am to noon Tuesdays, 1 to 4:30 pm Thursdays. •Sea Mar Community Health Center, East Vancouver. Call 360.726.6720 to schedule an appointment. (drive up testing available). Testing hours: 8:30 to 11:15 am Mondays, 1 to 4:15 pm Thursdays.
  • Sea Mar Community Health Center, Salmon Creek. Call 360.852.9070 to schedule an appointment. (drive up testing available). Testing hours: 1 to 5 pm Wednesdays, 9 am to noon Thursdays. •The Vancouver Clinic. Various locations. Call 360.882.2778 to schedule an appointment. (*These facilities are providing tests at no cost for those who are uninsured. Some may charge a fee for the office visit. Call the facility for more information.)
Inslee
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Doing Business During a Pandemic: Dave Sobolik’s Story

Everyone has had to adjust to life during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some it’s been incredibly challenging, and for others it hasn’t, but everyone’s had to make changes.

Meet Dave Sobolik, a local real estate investor with Homevisor (website: www.homevisor.pro) whose work life was turned upside down when Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order went into effect in March. The order halted all residential construction, and limited how real estate brokers conduct business.

“In Washington, we can show houses, but we have to call a few hours in advance, because they don’t want people crossing paths,” he said. “I can show clients of a party of two, but one at a time. I can take one through the property practicing social distancing. There are notes saying ‘don’t touch anything, leave shoes at doorways, wear masks,’ etc.”

And, like so many others, Sobolik just stayed home during the quarantine.

“A big part of my time was spent connecting with people in my sphere to check in and see how everyone is doing,” Sobolik said. “I like to do whatever I can to help with their needs. I have offered to do grocery shopping for people. Anybody who needs something I pair them up. I did a lot of research for clients.”

Creatively, as a small business owner, he worried about tenants who weren’t able to pay rent so he reached out to local business owners and community members to record their experiences. It became a fascinating video series — available on his personal Facebook page.

“I call it the SOB Experience. I don’t want to offend anybody I just want to draw attention to what they’re doing. I’m doing 5-15 interviews with each of these people. I released an interview with Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas Schools. And, the whole purpose was to get behind the scenes. I’ve interviewed local fitness instructors and therapists. There are many people being creative on how to keep their doors opens. I hope to create awareness.”

The experience, and temporary change of pace, taught Sobolik a lot.

“I’ve learned lots of things,” he said. “Namely, the strength of the human spirit. I’ve had 175 people that I reached out to over three to four weeks.”

And, he found that people are in three buckets:

  1. People who are financially secure that are enjoying their home time, and enjoying this increased focus on family time.
  2. People with short-term income loss, or permanent income loss, who are determined to use this time to improve themselves and are very positive thinking. 
  3. People who lost their job who have no savings and don’t know what to do next, and are in a fear and retreat space. 

“Technology helps us cope,” said Sobolik. “Thank goodness for that. We have to help people, lift them up. Let me know we care.”

Sobolik
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Public Invited to Join LIVE Virtual GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Thursday

Fern Prairie, WA — Lacamas Magazine and Clark County Today are hosting a LIVE GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 pm, which will be moderated by radio personality Scott Hogg.

The forum is organized by Clark County Republican Women and allows candidates the opportunity for opening and closing statements. Candidates will draw for order of opening and closing statements, and they will answer forum questions in alternating order. The moderator will allow 30 second rebuttals on a limited basis.

To view the LIVE GOP Candidate Forum feed, visit Lacamas Magazine on Facebook and join.

Here are the Forum topics:

  • Question 1: Tax policy/state budget
  • Question 2: Homeless crisis
  • Question 3: Transportation, transit vs. lane miles
  • Question 4: New bridges over Columbia River
  • Question 5: Legislative priorities
  • Question 6: Pandemic response
  • Question 7: Civil unrest
  • Two-minute closing statement by each candidate

Participating GOP Candidates

Loren Culp
As a U.S. Army Soldier, Loren honed his leadership skills in the Drill Sergeant School which he then used to help turn civilians into soldiers. He was the Honor Graduate for his class of Combat Engineers and an Honor Graduate of the Non Commissioned Officers Academy for Leadership. CulpForGovernor.com

Tim Eyman
A fearless, battle-tested fighter, Tim passed 11 initiatives, saving taxpayers $43 Billion. He’s a conservative who wins despite millions in Democrat attacks. In 20+ years as a policy reformer, he has demonstrated the persistence needed to solve Washington’s big problems. tim4gov.com

Phil Fortunato
Phil is currently the last Republican State Senator in King County and won reelection by almost 60%. He is a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment and has distinguished himself in the Senate with his “No Sanctuary for Criminals” legislation, Term Limits for Governor, and more. PhilForGov.org

Joshua Freed
Joshua’s experience as a leader in small business, local government, and helping those in need make him uniquely qualified to tackle the biggest challenges facing our state. He founded his real estate company with the vision of developing strong communities for families. FreedforGovernor.com

Raul Garcia
Dr. Garcia is a graduate from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, and has been in practice for over 21 years. Dr. Garcia considers himself to be a protector. His interest and willingness to protect doesn’t stop at his immediate family, as he has a great love for Washington state and the people who live here.
DrGarcia4Governor.com

Anton Sakharov
Anton came here because his parents believed this country is an ideal place to achieve their dreams and make sure their kids could achieve theirs. A country where laws are followed, bureaucracy is nonexistent, people are safe and prosperous, and a chance to live the dream. AntonSakharov.com

Martin Wheeler
Martin L. “Iceman” Wheeler will place the needs of the citizens of the State of Washington in front of the few. He has established transparency as a firefighter and as a way of life. Through his years of public service, he is dedicated to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. WheelerForGov2020.com

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Carolyn Long’s Congressional Campaign Celebrates First Anniversary

Vancouver, WA — One year ago today, Carolyn Long announced that she was running for Congress in Washington’s 3rd Congressional district “to give Southwest Washington a strong voice in DC and a hard working, accountable, committed Representative here at home.”

Today, her campaign is looking back on a year on the ground, recognizing the grassroots support and enthusiasm they’ve seen across the district, and looking forward to the work ahead between now and election day.

“Together, we are determined to bring forth new leadership that will build a better future for Southwest Washington by putting working families and small businesses first,” the campaign said in a statement. “In the past year, the Carolyn Long campaign has seen incredible levels of grassroots support and enthusiasm from folks in every community in our district. Since launching the campaign, we have raised over $2.29M from over 20,000 grassroots contributions. Over 80% of these contributions were local and have come from over 8,000 individual contributors. We have not taken a dime of Corporate PAC money, and we never will. This powerful fundraising is critical to the campaign’s ability to operate and communicate with voters all across the district — and it is a demonstration of the strong grassroots support for new, better leadership in Congress.”

And, the campaign continues to adapt.

“We have also held events in many different formats — especially as we have adapted quickly in the face of the coronavirus crisis to continue speaking with folks throughout our communities and taking questions on the issues that matter most,” the campaign said.

Since July 8th, 2019, when Long hosted three massive launch rallies across the district, the campaign has hosted or attended:

  • Six Rallies
  • Nine Facebook Live Town Halls and Policy Roundtable Discussions
  • Twenty-nine Coffees and Cold Ones with Carolyn

“This campaign is built on incredible support from voters all over the 3rd District, the strong desire for new leadership that puts people first, and the unifying belief that together, we can and will build a better future for Southwest Washington,” said Abby Olmstead, Campaign Manager.

Long lost her first bid for Congress in 2018 against incumbent, Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler.

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Inslee Addresses Face Masks, Virus Spikes, Returning to ‘Where We Were in March’

OLYMPIA, WA — Governor Jay Inslee on Tuesday reaffirmed his support for the updated face covering mandate, which requires businesses to refuse service to any customer not wearing one, saying it will help curb growing COVID-19 infections rates, which have been reported as spiking throughout the state.

Inslee made his comments during an afternoon news conference and was joined remotely by Dr. Kathy Lofy, the state’s public health officer during the session.

“It’s hard to believe how far we have come, and we’re only half way through 2020,” Inslee said. “This fight has been tough, it’s been unpredictable. And we know it has been very tiring for all of us — for our families, for our workers and our businesses, as well. Last week, I announced a pause on reopening phases because of the increasing COVID-19 activity … We have made progress in this fight and that’s good news. I want to reopen our economy. I want to reopen our businesses. I want for people to be able to go back to work.”

Some highlights from the address:
• Regarding COVID-19 spikes: “If these trends were to continue we could have to be prepared to go back to where we were in March. But, there is good news: We have made great progress in this fight but there is more to do …”
• Some other points Inslee made: “The rate of positivity is increasing in regions. It had been at 3.8% but now it’s at 5% or higher. According to the WHO, if it’s higher than 5% a country shouldn’t lift restrictions. We will keep that in mind.”
• The state is imposing a two-week pause on all county requests to advance to a higher phase.
• Some counties still in phase 1 would be allowed to move to a modified version of phase 1, allowing for private construction projects to resume and more customers can be served at restaurants and bars. The order will apply to Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties.
• He also blasted President Trump several times: “We have a president who tries to deceive Americans about this topic. Six days ago he said this virus is going away. He said a version of that 19 times. This virus will only go away if we make it go away.”
• Bar service would be removed for those counties in phase 3, although establishments can still provide bar seating areas for their customers.
• In response to a reporter regarding cases spiking, he said: “We might have to go back and close some of these businesses, and we do not want to do that. We want to continue opening.”

Inslee
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WA Unemployment Check Fraud Case Expands to Nearly $1 Billion

BREAKING NEWS …  According to Senator Ann Rivers (18th Legislative District), whose office was briefed today by the Employment Security Department (ESD), the unemployment check fraud case is now approaching $1 billion in lost state funds.

Originally, the suspected fraud loss was $350 million.

“The ESD fraud case is beyond anything originally suspected,” said Rivers. “Nearly $1 billion has been lost to Nigeria and other fraudsters.”

Rivers said the people of Washington have been subject to a series of data breaches over the last several years, which includes Zappos, Primera Blue Cross, and Equifax. This past year, Rivers was the Senate Republican lead on the Data Privacy Bill, which passed unanimously in the Senate, but was blocked in the House.

“I knew this was going to be a problem,” said Rivers. “The partisan breakdown in the House is what killed this bill. I worked it very hard. I knew we had to act, and this is unfortunate.”

The bill would have locked down the state’s consumer data to prevent hacking, requiring two-factor authentication, among other security measures.

“The hackers have been waiting for the right moment to attack an underprepared Employment Security Division,” said Rivers. “COVID gave them that opportunity. My office was overwhelmed with calls of people needing help filing unemployment.”

Today, Rivers was notified by ESD that each caucus can help only 20 people per week. 

“I was able to get in and help people get the unemployment benefits they deserve, and I was told by ESD I can only help one person a week,” Rivers said. “This is ludricious. Period. That’s like saying to a mother with five children on the Titanic she now must choose her favorite child.”

Rivers said the state needs to act.

“It’s not enough to label the problem, we need to change the leadership to right this ship,” said Rivers. “Families desperately need this money and they’re not getting it.”

 Suzie LaVine is the current ESD Director. 

Rivers is pushing for a special legislative session in June, and that the Republican caucus will demand LaVine’s termination. 

More to come.

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Seattle Riots: Gov. Inslee Activates 200 More Washington National Guard

Gov. Jay Inslee today activated an additional 200 members of the Washington National Guard in response to a second request from the City of Seattle to help clean up, protect against property damage, and manage crowds and traffic during downtown protests, which resulted in riots. Guard personnel will be unarmed and work under the direction of City of Seattle leadership.

The additional guard personnel were activated by a letter from the governor to Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, commander of the Washington National Guard, the day after demonstrations in Seattle protesting the death of George Floyd in Minnesota earlier this week turned into destructive riots.

Inslee this morning issued the following statement:

“Saturday’s disheartening events in Seattle – carried out by a smattering of the thousands of protesters on hand – will not deter the cause of justice. Hundreds of public servants and volunteers are already helping clean up the property damage done. I have complete faith that downtown Seattle will recover from this quickly, and the state will help, however we may be of assistance.

“Thousands were protesting peacefully against an atrocious act of brutality. This cause confronts a different kind of destruction, one that can’t be fixed with new windows, graffiti-scrubbed walls or insurance. The message behind the demonstration was compelling and one all of us should share. We will not allow vandalism and destruction to obscure the protest’s central call for justice.

“On behalf of all Washingtonians who believe in justice, I want to thank the protesters who carried a peaceful and important message. We all also owe gratitude to law enforcement, fire fighters, medics, National Guard and volunteers who are working to protect the city and its people.”

Read the letter here.

Riots
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Gov. Inslee Announces ‘Safe Start’ Proclamation; Emphasizes Face Masks

Olympia, WA — Governor Jay Inslee announced Friday the state’s phased reopening “Safe Start” proclamation is replacing the existing emergency “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, which is set to expire on May 31. 

The new order loosens several aspects of his shelter in place policy, which began in March, but it also asks Washingtonians to voluntarily wear face masks while at work, or in public settings.

During the presser Inslee said he is updating the metric of requiring there to be no more than 25 new cases per 100,000 residents in past 14 days, from 10 cases per 100,00 residents.

The new proclamation is likely to speed up efforts to reopen parts of Washington under the governor’s four-phase recovery plan. 

His new plan makes it easier for businesses in more populous counties to move phases, and to evaluate more on a county-by-county basis. No county is yet in Phase 3. Twenty-six counties are in Phase 2. Clark County’s application to move to Phase 2 is on pause, pending a full review of last week’s coronavirus outbreak at a fruit processing plant in Vancouver.

“This is a path that will have more businesses opening,” said Inslee. “It will mean more activities will be allowed, and more flexibility will be allowed for counties in a variety of phases.”

Inslee also encouraged all Washingtonians to wear face coverings in public.

“When we wear a face covering, I really think it’s an expression of love and affection,” he said. “It’s a badge of commitment, and it’s a critical tool in moving forward.”

Face masks
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As part of this plan, workers in Washington will have to wear facial coverings at their jobs, unless they don’t have in-person interactions. That part of the provision will take effect June 8.

Washington’s largest counties, facing higher COVID-19 infection rates have largely remained in Phase 1 of Inslee’s plan. Friday’s order should change that.

The guidance at work places is as follows:

  • Workers are required to wear face coverings.
  • Employers must provide face coverings.
  • Stores will encourage shoppers to wear face coverings by posting signs.

Dr. John Lynch, an infectious disease doctor from Harborview Medical Center, said: “This is just one of many things to help each other. A lot of people have minimal symptoms or don’t even know they’re sick, it’s like influenza. Putting on a mask is effective at capturing droplets.”

Lynch said face masks “are not a perfect tool” and added “if we wear this it shows we are supporting each other, and we know we can’t wear the masks all the time.”

Inslee likened this new approach to prevent the virus from coming back rapidly. 

“We’re getting out of the quarantine lifeboat,” Inslee said. “The science on the cloth mask is more conclusive that they (face coverings) do help.”

Inslee said the order does not require business owners to reject a customer who is not wearing a face mask.

Senator Ann Rivers, who represents Washington’s 18 legislative district, said: “By today’s guidelines set by Governor Inslee Clark County could open, but the official approval from the Secretary of Health Weisman to move to Phase 2 is still on pause. Now, with that said our Clark County Director of Health is really pushing Weisman to open as soon as possible.”

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Update: Sandy Swimming Hole in Washougal Reopens Today

Effective today, Sandy Swimming Hole Park in Washougal is officially reopened. 

“It is critical to continue to comply with physical distancing protocols during the upcoming warm weather forecast and to be respectful of our neighbors,” said the city of Washougal in a statement. ”Please do not park vehicles in the surrounding neighborhoods to access this park. Parking is prohibited on Shephard Road and citations will be issued for noncompliance. Parking is available in the off-street parking lot.“

Park users are expected to follow physical-distancing and safety protocols including:

  • Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails.
  • Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass.
  • Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of six-feet from other persons not from your household at all times.
  • If you are not able to maintain physical-distancing guidelines while visiting a park, please go home and try to come again at another time.

As a reminder:

  • All City of Washougal parks, trails and open areas remain open.
  • All City of Washougal park restrooms will remain closed until further notice. We are working on enhanced sanitation protocols to allow us to re-open the restrooms.
  • All play structures remain closed until further notice.
  • Steamboat Landing Dock remains closed until further notice.

For the latest updates on the City of Washougal’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit cityofwashougal.us/COVID19.

Washougal
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