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23 WA Lawmakers Ask Inslee to Lift Temporary Ban on Recreational Fishing

The following letter, authored by 18th District Rep. Larry Hoff and signed on to by 22 other lawmakers, was sent to Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday, March 27.

Dear Governor Inslee:

Our state, along with the country and the rest of the world, is experiencing a challenge of immense size and scope that has radically altered the daily routine of life for so many.

Your task of balancing public safety with individual rights is not an easy one. However, we wonder if your Stay Home—Stay Healthy order might be a bit too narrow in what it allows Washingtonians to take part in over the next two weeks and perhaps longer. 

One of the four essential activities permitted under your order is: “Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running or biking, but only if appropriate social distancing practices are used.”

We were surprised to see recreational fishing not included on that list, and even more surprised when the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife closed the activity to the public altogether.

This is a time of deep anxiety and fear for Washingtonians, many of whom are struggling to find a way to decompress and enjoy life amidst the chaos. It’s a fact of life that very few activities are as relaxing as casting a line from the banks of a river or from a boat in the middle of a lake. It’s an escape, much like walking, hiking, running or biking.

It’s also a fact that many of our veterans recreationally fish, whether to simply clear their minds or to treat symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. As with all Washingtonians, we are concerned for their well-being during this time, and want to ensure they don’t suffer as a result of Stay Home—Stay Healthy.

We firmly believe there is a way to balance public health while also allowing folks to fish on Washington’s many rivers and lakes. We would ask you to consider adding recreational fishing to your list of allowable essential activities under Stay Home—Stay Healthy.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Representative Larry Hoff, 18th Legislative District

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Camas Schools: Snell Provides Updated Learning Activity Timelines

In his Friday update, Camas School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell, said the following:

Dear Camas Community,

It may be overstated, but we are in the midst of extraordinary times. Our staff is committed to supporting students and families as we work through the state-wide school closures.

Our school system is built on human interactions. Relationships that staff members form with students are critical to the learning process.  It’s not just about technology access, but access to staff members in the moments of learning to monitor and adjust instruction. It’s a new world with a new context for learning. We cannot replicate the experience in the classroom, but we can provide content and learning experiences in different ways.  Shifting to a remote learning system in two weeks while in the midst of a public health crisis is a great challenge for all of us. For the class of 2020, our focus is ensuring they graduate. For all other students, the focus is on making the most of the opportunity we have.

We want to help students grow in meaningful ways and be ready for whatever the next stage of learning looks like. Our staff is creatively embracing this challenge. Please be patient with them as they embark on this journey with your students.  Please help us by supporting your students as they engage in remote learning opportunities safely, responsibly, and respectfully. We also greatly appreciate your support in helping students find some structured time at home. We are all learners in this together!

Below is our school year, organized into the different sections we’ve experienced and will be experiencing. In each section, there is a high-level description of the learning and assessment provided during that time.  On Monday, April 6, teachers will be starting the next section of our school year. They will be connecting with you and your student(s). Our goal is to use the three weeks for meaningful learning and then transition back to school on April 27.  We are doing our best to lead through this challenge with flexibility, grace, and heart. As we have all seen over the past month circumstances can change quickly, requiring us to adjust plans, and making those leadership qualities essential. 

Please take care of yourself and each other.  We will continue to regularly provide you with updates.

Sincerely,

Jeff Snell, Superintendent

2019-20 School Year: Learning Activities & Assessment

9/3/19 – 3/13/20: Traditional learning engagement and assessment/grading practices

3/16/20 – 3/27/20: Transition time with the announcement of state school closures; staff members exploring and learning more about remote learning options; continuing the learning that was planned prior to the closure; making connections with families to assess student needs.

3/30/20 – 4/3/20: Spring break

4/6/20 – 4/24/20: Staff members will deliver learning designed to continue student growth in all subject areas. The primary focus will be on providing learning opportunities and meaningful feedback for students rather than grading. Staff members will document the level in which each student is involved with the learning to monitor progress, not in a way that negatively impacts grades.

While technology will be a key resource used in this phase of learning, other options will be available to accommodate students who have limited access to the internet. Staff members will continue to develop opportunities for students to engage with learning and demonstrate their understanding.

Staff members may enter scores into Skyward for tracking and communication purposes. Those scores will not negatively affect a student’s grade.

4/27/20 – 6/19/20: If we are able to return to school, staff members will help transition students back to school with opportunities for students to re-engage with learning considering their ability to access instruction during the closure.  In order to assess student learning, staff members will blend pre-closure and closure learning experiences to determine proficiency and/or grades. Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning.

IF THERE ARE CONTINUED SCHOOL CLOSURES BEYOND APRIL 24: Staff members will continue to provide learning experiences, and will begin to shift to a proficiency-based assessment system of prioritized learning standards for students through remote instruction.  Students will be given multiple ways to demonstrate their proficiency.

High School:  Teachers will consider overall assessment in two phases: prior to closure and during closure in determining credit.  For classes that require a grade, we will determine a process that accounts for the extraordinary circumstances. We will also develop a process for students to recover credit and learning opportunities if they were unable to access learning during the closure.

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COVID-19 Outbreak In Washington: Looking at the DOH Data

The Washington Department of Health has now had several weeks of COVID-19 data, and here’s a look at the numbers DOH has provided, as of March 27, 2020.

  • 175 deaths
  • 3,700 confirmed cases
Cases
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Washington.
Cases
COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

Counties with the most cases:

  • King: 1,760
  • Snohomish: 913
  • Pierce: 231
  • Whatcom: 92
  • Skagit: 91
  • Spokane: 86

Counties with deaths:

  • King: 125
  • Snohomish: 23
  • Clark: 6
  • Benton, Pierce: 5
  • Whatcom: 4
  • Yakima: 2
  • Grant, Island, Skagit, Chelan, Skagit: 1

Cases, deaths, and mortality rate by age:

Age      Cases (% of cases in WA)         Deaths (% of deaths in WA)                         Mortality Rate

<19:                    74 (2%)                                    0 (0%)                                                         0%

20s:                     370 (10%)                                0 (0%)                                                         0%

30s:                     557 (15%)                                0 (0%)                                                         0%

40s:                     518 (14%)                                2 (1%)                                                         .4%

50s:                     666 (18%)                                11 (6%)                                                       1.7%

60s:                     592 (16%)                                19 (11%)                                                     3.2%

70s:                     481 (13%)                                49 (28%)                                                     10.2%

80+:                    481 (13%)                                95 (54%)                                                     19.8%

Total:               3,700 (100%)                           175 (100%)                                                   4.7%

Tests:

  • Negative: 49,015
  • Positive: 3,700
  • Total: 52,715
Cases
COVID-19 tests in Washington.

Hospital Admissions

Cases
Weekly hospitalizations.

Personal Protective Equipment

Had success in obtaining this week:

  • 500 ventilators
  • 1,200 gowns
  • 500,000 N-95 masks
  • 130,000 surgical masks

Been able to purchase or have been donated:

  • 3,000 infrared no-contact thermometers
  • 10,000 disposable thermometers
  • 2.4 million N-95 masks, with an anticipated order of 2.2 million more.
  • 300 ventilators
  • 2,500 disposable stethoscopes
  • Varying numbers of coveralls and gowns sourced (ordered or donated.)
  • NOTE: It takes time for products and supplies to arrive and delivery schedules vary by item and by order. Arrival times an range from days to weeks. 

Having trouble obtaining:

  • Disposable gowns
  • Hand sanitizer
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Schools Donate Personal Protective Equipment to Legacy Salmon Creek

Washougal, WA — In times of great need, we often find ways to help in unexpected places.  Margaret Rice, Washougal School District (WSD) Career and Technical Director, heard about the critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for local hospitals, and she knew just where to look.

“I know I have boxes of gloves, masks and eye protection sitting in my classrooms not being used that could be of assistance to them,” said Rice.  “Our medical professionals are on the front lines working hard to help the sick, while trying to stay well themselves with supplies of PPE dwindling.”  

These items are used when instructing students in Health Sciences and other Career and Technical Education classes. Some of these classes include: Medical Detectives, Medical Careers & Terminology, BioMedical Anatomy & Physiology, and even Woods Technology and Visual Arts. 

After receiving the approval from WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton and Business Manager Kris Grindy, both stating that “it seems like the right thing to do during this crisis,” Rice reached out to Rene Del Donno, Legacy Health Logistics and Materials Manager at Salmon Creek Medical Center who has been working with the Emergency Operations Center to address this challenge.  He confirmed that the situation is dire.  

A list of needed items and donation delivery was coordinated with Rice by Tamara Uppendahl, Legacy Health VP of Philanthropy Services.  According to Uppendahl, needed items included Nitrile gloves, isolation gowns, isolation masks, N95 masks, P95 masks and dust masks.

The next step for Rice was contacting her regional CTE peers to see if they were willing and able to donate their programs’ PPE to these medical centers. 

“It was just a ‘Hey, this is what I am going to do, would you like to be a part of it,’” Rice said.  “I received an almost immediate positive response.” 

A shareable spreadsheet was created to log the inventory each district was willing to donate.  CTE Directors Mark Wreath, Vancouver Public School and Tiffany Gould, Ridgefield School District have been the first to step up to help.  

Dr. Nathan McCann, Ridgefield School District Superintendent, immediately reached out to Rice to extend his appreciation for making this donation possible.   

McCann said, “I’m very proud to see our school districts coming together to support the amazing health care professionals in Clark County.  Together, we will get through this and come out stronger.”  

The first wave of supplies was delivered on Friday, March 20 by Rice, Wreath and Gould. 

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“Between our three districts alone, we were able to contribute 166 pairs of protective eyewear, 141 boxes of Nitrile gloves, 1,930 masks of various types, 13 bottles of hand sanitizer, and 2 boxes of tech wipes,” said Rice.

“The response from our teachers was amazing,” said Gould. “Every teacher that was contacted had supplies ready within hours.  Additional teachers have since offered to donate materials and we are now working on another donation.”  

Liam Contino, Development Coordinator for Legacy Health Office of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, was at the receiving center and shared that his job has changed through all of this.

“Usually we are planning fundraising events and direct mail appeals, but with the need of supplies and increase in donations coming in, they needed people to be here to accept them,” he said.  “We are so grateful that these supplies arrived.” 

To expand the reach of this idea, Wreath, who is also the Southwest lead for WACTA (Washington Association for Career & Technical Administrators) the state CTE administrators’ organization, encouraged that this message be sent out statewide suggesting other school districts consider making similar donations locally.

“I am grateful for the strong partnerships that we have built in our community,” said Templeton. “During these times of great need, these partnerships are critical for as we work together to make sure our community is healthy and safe.  Although there are significant challenges as we face this virus, there are also significant opportunities for us to shine together and ‘lean in’ to the service of others.”

“Our businesses and communities are so supportive of the Career and Technical Education programs in our respective districts,” said Wreath.  “So it is a privilege to be able to give back in a small way during this time of tremendous need.”   

If you have PPE supplies that could help our local medical professionals, contact the Legacy Health Office of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at giving@lhs.orgor call 503-415-4700 for more information.

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Governor Inslee: ‘Construction is Not Considered an Essential Activity’

The Building Industry Association (BIA) released this statement today:

Today, Gov. Jay Inslee issued official guidance that “construction is not considered an essential activity” in the Stay-at-Home Order he announced on Monday. As a result, all construction – residential and commercial – must shut down during the two weeks in which the order is in place. 

Beginning at midnight tonight, Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2020, when the order takes effect, no construction will be allowed until at least April 8, 2020. The only exception for residential construction is for emergency repairs. The order could also be extended.  

Gov. Inslee is one of only two governors who have issued a statewide “Stay at Home” order that does not designate housing construction as “essential.”

Section 3 (Point d) of the Order does allow businesses to secure their jobsites and equipment following the order taking effect tonight:

“For purposes of this Proclamation, minimum basic operations are the minimum activities necessary to maintain the value of the business’ inventory, preserve the condition of the business’ physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences, and related functions.”

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Lake/Everett Roundabout Contract Awarded; Start Date Likely Delayed

CAMAS, WA – At their last meeting, Camas City Council awarded a $5,269,500 contract to Clark and Sons Excavating of Battle Ground, Wash., for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Northeast Lake Road and Northeast Everett Street (State Route 500). The low bid submitted by Clark and Sons Excavating came in approximately $435,000 under the estimated total.

“We are very pleased to have Clark and Sons Excavating working on this important project and thank all the contractors who took the time to submit bids,” said Jim Hodges, City of Camas Project Manager. “We would also like to thank everyone who attended community forums, completed project surveys and provided such valuable feedback.”

With the contract now in place, construction was anticipated to begin in late March or early April 2020 as planned, but that is likely delayed due to Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order. It affects the construction sector. The roundabout is expected to be functional by early September 2020. At the start of construction, several trees will be removed, as discussed extensively with the public during the planning phase.

The public is encouraged to check the dedicated webpage, www.cityofcamas.us/lakeroadconstruction, over the duration of the project for up-to-date traffic impacts and schedule changes, including those related to any relevant COVID-19 advisories.

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The construction contract represents about 70% of the total project cost. Making up the other roughly 30% of the total cost is approximately $1,200,000 for design and permitting during the preconstruction phase, which wrapped up last month, $758,000 for construction consultant support and an estimated $250,000 for
utility relocations and miscellaneous costs.

Available funding for this project includes approximately $2,830,000 in grant funds from the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), $4,700,000 in low-interest loans from the Public Works Trust Fund and water utility funds of $600,000. The TIB grant amount, which was originally awarded to the City at $3,300,000, was slightly reduced as a result of the low bids submitted by the contractors and will vary based on actual construction costs.

The city has confirmed that all funding from state agencies is still in place and ready for use. Additionally, city staff are closely monitoring the current public health situation and are following the guidance of lead agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all staff, contractors and residents.

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State Launches Web Form to Clarify ‘Essential’ Business Status

A simple online form and comprehensive resources are available at www.coronavirus.wa.gov to answer questions from businesses and individuals about their essential/non-essential status.

Camp Murray, WA – Washington state today launched an online form so businesses can get clarification or submit a request for inclusion as essential under Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation. The proclamation goes into effect at midnight tonight, closing non-essential businesses for the next two weeks.

State officials continue to emphasize that the state COVID-19 web portal is the central location for the most current information and resources for businesses and individuals: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/business-workers.

Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation defines essential and non-essential businesses and workers related to the COVID-19 emergency response. People are encouraged to review the proclamation language carefully on what is open and what is closed for the next two weeks.

“This is a difficult time for all of us, and we recognize the hardship on many businesses and families,” said Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “As Governor Inslee said Monday night, we want to get back to normal as soon as possible, and to do that, we have to hit this hard. We are taking steps to relieve and mitigate the economic impacts of this action to the greatest extent possible.”

Camas
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Brown underscored that this is for now a two-week closure, and state officials will be evaluating the situation as we move through the expected increase in numbers of people testing positive for COVID-19.

Inquiries from businesses about their essential/non-essential status are being reviewed as quickly as possible. For fastest response, businesses are urged to use the portal.

In response to widely-circulated rumors, state officials also want to be clear that no one needs to be registered on any list, and no one needs a letter or pass of any kind to continue moving about, conducting essential business and activities. Visit the portal’s Spread the facts page.

The COVID-19 portal from at www.coronavirus.wa.gov will have the most current and accurate information.

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COVID-19: City of Camas Closes All Parks Facilities — Effective Immediately

CAMAS, WA – Following the guidance of local and state agencies and in line with Governor Inslee’s recent Stay Home, Stay Healthy announcement, the City of Camas is closing all parks facilities effective immediately until further notice to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The closure applies to play structures, sports fields, sports courts, picnic shelters and restrooms. Trails, open grass areas and greenspaces remain open, though patrons are urged to maintain social distancing, limit group interaction and adhere to public health recommendations at all times.

“I’m asking all Camas residents and those who visit our parks to please refrain from coming out to use the facilities at this time,” urged Mayor Barry McDonnell. “As a parent of four kids, I understand that you’re looking for things to do, but I’m asking you to help us stop this virus.”

Individuals should not call 911 to report others in noncompliance and should avoid confrontations over enforcement. Instead, the city is asking the community to come together and to abide by the rules.

“We recognize that time outdoors has many benefits, both mental and physical, and that our parks and
open space provide a critical support to our community during this difficult time,” said Camas Parks and
Recreation Manager Jerry Acheson. “Our parks and trails are still open for activities where social
distancing can be maintained, such as walking, jogging, cycling and nature viewing. Please enjoy these
activities alone or with your family, but do not congregate and be sure to follow social distancing
guidelines.”

The city’s parks will continue to be maintained during the closure, but to a lesser extent than usual due to reduced staffing levels enacted to meet CDC recommendations for protecting citizens and employees.

The city will continue to monitor newly released information to determine closures and cancellations going forward. For an up-to-date listing of modifications to city programming and operations, the public is encouraged to visit www.cityofcamas.us/ourcommunity/covid-19.

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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee Announces ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ Order

Olympia, WA — Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced Monday evening at ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order to slow down — and eventually contain — the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Tonight, Inslee signed a statewide proclamation for a STAY HOME, STAY HEALTHY order in Washington state, similar to orders the public has seen in states like California, which is also combatting this virus.

Here are the main points of his order:

  • It will require every Washingtonian to stay at home unless they are pursuing an essential activity, like shopping for groceries, going to a doctor’s appointment, or going to work at an essential business, which are exempt from this order. 
  • It will ban ALL gatherings of people for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.  This applies to BOTH private and public gatherings.  And, yes, this applies to every type of gathering, including some of the most deeply meaningful gatherings in our communities, like weddings and funerals.  These celebrations of life, these important moments to gather with loved ones, must be postponed.
  • It will close all businesses except essential businesses (this will be further clarified).
  • While some would call this an order to “shelter in place,” that’s not what this does. It is still safe to go outside using social distancing; the grocery stores and other essential businesses will remain open.

Inslee’s full list of essential critical infrastructure workers

  • Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, health care services, child care providers, transportation, financial services, the defense industry, critical local government operations, and media are considered essential. To-go and delivery from restaurants will still be allowed. Inslee’s office provided a full list of industries that are essential, building on the federal government’s and California’s definition of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.
  • Life will go on, but with this in mind: Stay Home, Stay Healthy.
  • This order builds upon the early and unprecedented steps we took to protect Washingtonians, including the closure of schools, restaurants, entertainment venues and other businesses where people congregate. Inslee said the state has been thoughtful and deliberate in making these tough choices.
COVID-19
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  • The governor has been very clear on the need for Washingtonians to stay home, and while most Washingtonians are doing their part, some are still not grasping the seriousness of this pandemic.
  • People will need to stay home unless absolutely necessary. This means the state will be banning all gatherings.
  • The order on gatherings and going out will take effect immediately.
  • Close non-essential businesses with in-office personnel functions and other public places, with the intention to reduce social interactions where this highly contagious virus can spread.
  • Closings on businesses will happen 48 hours after signing the order.
  • Many businesses can continue to operate using telework and that can and should continue.
  • For businesses where individuals cannot work from home, the governor’s office will provide guidance on what businesses are essential, building on the federal government’s and California’s definition of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.
  • All grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, food supply chains, and other thing necessary for continued operations will remain open. We expect businesses and residents to voluntarily comply, but we will be discussing in the coming days any enforcement mechanisms if residents and businesses are not complying.  
  • If the function of your business is not listed but a business believes that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, they will be able to request designation as an essential business. Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet.
  • Please note: the governor’s office and the Emergency Operations Center would greatly appreciate the help of our partners and leaders to spread the word that people must avoid the impulse to overstock – if everyone sticks to their normal buying habits, we’ll have enough to make sure everyone – including our health care workers, seniors and other people who are ill – have the supplies and items they need.

As of Sunday night, according to the Washington Department of Health, 30,875 people in Washington have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 1,996 people in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19, and 95 have died of the disease.

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Washington Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19 Outbreak

Lauren Jenkins, of the Washington State Department of Health, provided this update on the COVID-19 outbreak.

Numbers. As of Saturday night, 27,121 people in Washington have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 1,793 people in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19, and 94 have died of the disease.

Pandemic Stress

Disease outbreaks bring feelings of overwhelm, helplessness and worry. Social distancing is absolutely necessary right now to protect ourselves and people we love. And it comes with a cost. It is massively disruptive to our lives and it takes away many of the usual outlets we have for blowing off steam—gyms are closed, bars and restaurants are closed, social media is an incessant reminder of the pandemic. If you have a chronic disease or deal with depression and anxiety on a daily basis, you may be especially stressed right now. And, remember, those helping with the response efforts – nurses, doctors, first responders – are doing so while also worrying about their own health, and their families.

So what can we do to cope during this public health emergency?

Connect! It’s our relationships that will see us through this. Find a way to invest in those important relationships from at least 6 feet away. Skype, Facetime, Zoom or just talk on the phone. Videochatting is fun! You feel like a techno-wiz and you can see your friend and their pets and kids and make each other smile!

  • Take care of yourself. The old fashioned way—with nourishing foods, lots of sleep, deep breaths, and exercise. Exercise is especially good for your mental health. Unplug from social media. You know, after you’re done reading this.
  • Focus on anything else. Clean, cook, garden, sing, play games, create, read, write. Do whatever it takes to allow your mind to focus on the parts of your life that bring you energy and joy!
  • Know when to call for help. If you continue to feel overwhelmed and struggle to get through the day, call your health care provider, therapist or mental health provider and set up a telemedicine appointment.
COVID-19
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