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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.”

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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.
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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.
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Camas Mayor Returns From Spain, Issues Message While Quarantined

Message From Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell:

My fellow Camasonians, thank you for watching. I want to emphasize a couple of things as far as actionable steps we can all take right now to keep ourselves and those around us in a positive mindset.

Firstly, I encourage you to get outside and take advantage of the beautiful spring weather we are having. Although we are trying to limit social exposure, we can and should continue to enjoy the parks and trails we have here in Camas. The sunshine and fresh air are good for our bodies and souls, and I hope you can find a little time each day to get outside with your family.

Secondly, I touched on it briefly in the video, but staying connected to our neighbors is both important to our community and beneficial to both you and the person you’re reaching out to. Check in on your elderly neighbors with a quick phone call to see if they need food, or help, or just an ear to listen as they express their concerns. This can be a scary time for those of us who are at risk and keeping the lines of communication going between friends and neighbors is a powerful way to remember what it is that really matters and that everything is going to be alright.

Lastly, I encourage you to support our local Camas businesses. So many of our independently owned restaurants and bakeries have switched over to takeout service, our mom-and-pop retail shops have been setting up online purchasing and curbside pickup for their wares, along with a multitude of service and care providers who are continuing to serve our community through alternative routes and venues. You can find a list of our local businesses on the Downtown Camas Association’s website: www.DowntownCamas.com

Let’s continue to focus on what matters and stay positive. I’ve lived a lot of places and if there’s any community that can come out stronger in the face of adversity, it’s this one. We got this, Camas.

Mayor Barry McDonnell

Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell
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Camas Schools Update: Backpack Program Donations, Grab-and-Go Kids Meals

Dear Camas Community,

Thank you so much for your generosity Camas! Our community has donated a significant amount of food, clothing, personal hygiene items, and more than $3,000 to our Backpack Program and Community Family Resource Center. These donations will go a long way toward supporting our students and families during this difficult time.

Speaking of our grab-and-go meal service, we received questions about it that I’d like to address. 

Q: Should I take advantage of this service even if I don’t really need it? 

A: The intent of this service is to provide food for children who experience food insecurity. Given that these are unprecedented times, we know students who normally would not have trouble getting enough to eat, might be experiencing food insecurity now. If you need meals, please take them. If you don’t, then don’t.

Q: If we don’t all take the grab-and-go meals, they will just be thrown out, right?

A: We manage to use most of the perishable items we have on hand. Very little will has gone to waste. Please only use the service if needed. 

We have been monitoring the pick-up locations for food service and will continue to adjust times and locations as needs change. Please stay tuned to daily communication about food services. Our next day of service is Monday, March 23. 

As we mentioned yesterday, our staff will receive training on Monday and Tuesday. We will be communicating more next week about what learning will look like during the closure. We will also be sharing more information related to high school learning next week after we receive guidance from state officials. Today the College Board, which runs Advanced Placement, provided some updates for high school students about testing this spring. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update 

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With any new information, comes questions, and it seems like information is changing daily. We will be working to support students through these changes and keep families informed. 

Finally, please keep sharing Stories from Camas (http://bit.ly/39XdAx2) with me. You can email me at [email protected]. I’m updating daily with some inspiring and fun stories. Thanks to everyone who has shared. My son Micah and I are doing a storytime that you can access from the site, too!

Thank you Camas!

Jeff Snell, Superintendent 
Camas School District

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OP-ED: We All Have a Role to Play in Stopping Spread of COVID-19

State Senator Ann Rivers, and Representatives Brandon Vick and Larry Hoff wrote this editorial about COVID-19, and provide needed resources to help weather the storm.

During this challenging time for our state and the country, it is imperative that we all work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This disease has had a devastating impact on people’s health and financial well-being, which is why it is critical that we flatten the curve as quickly as possible. Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and stay home if you are sick. Doing these four things will make a big difference.

We know many people in Clark County have questions about COVID-19, so we wanted to provide a number of links to critical information, along with resources and guidance, that we hope will be helpful as this crisis unfolds.

Washington state’s official COVID-19 website is coronavirus.wa.gov. There you will find information—available in a number of languages other than English, including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, and Korean—on a number of topics related to the outbreak.

One such topic is “Business and workers.” Employers and employees have been hit hard in recent weeks, and while many large businesses have the cash reserves to weather a financial downturn and pay their employees, the same cannot be said for our smaller businesses—the lifeblood of our economy. If you can, please support these businesses by placing orders for merchandise, buying gift cards, ordering takeout or delivery, or doing anything else you can think of to help them keep their doors open. Our small businesses have been there for us time and time again. It is our turn to be there for them.

The state’s Department of Revenue, Department of Financial Institutions, and Employment Security Department have created web pages focused on business relief, benefits available for workers, and unemployment assistance:

The U.S. Small Business Administration has also created a page for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters to apply for disaster loan assistance:

Below are additional links we believe will be helpful to you over the next several weeks:

If there is anything we can do for you or your family, or if you are seeing needs in our community that are not being met, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by phone or email. 

We are honored to serve each and every one of you. You are in our prayers.

Stay strong and take care of one another. We will get through this challenge together.

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Washougal Schools: Free Grab-and-Go Breakfast + Lunch Meals Offered Weekdays

Washougal School District Food Service is providing FREE grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals from 10 AM to noon, Monday through Friday, for the duration of the school outage.

School buses are transporting the meals to three locations.  They are Hamllik Park – 4300 Addy Street; Hathaway Elementary – 630 24th Street; and Cape Horn-Skye – 9731 Washougal River Road.  Plans are being developed for food delivery to more areas for families who do not have access to transportation. There is no paperwork requirements for people to access these free meals.

“We are asking our families to practice social distancing protocols when lining up for their sacked meals,” said WSD superintendent, Mary Templeton. “This means staying approximately six feet away from non-family members who have collected to pick up these items.  We are grateful to our wonderful food services and transportation teams for their work to help provide this vital service to our families.”

The WSD sprang into action and began distributing meals on Monday, March 16, in response to the sudden closure of schools that was announced by Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Friday, March 13 to slow the spread of the COVID-19.

Meals are currently available for students 18 and under. 

“Although we are under direction to serve only students, we are looking for ways to partner with other organizations and businesses to be able to support adults who need access to food during this crisis as well,” said Templeton.

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Additionally, the district is making plans to continue the weekend backpack program for students who have food assurance issues over the weekend. Nancy Boon, Family Resource Coordinator, will be working on this.  You may reach out to her via e-mail at [email protected], to find out how to support or access that program.  This offering too is likely to be provided in conjunction with other agencies that support our students and their families.

Parents are encouraged to check the WSD website for the latest school information and for learning and family resources. http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/

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COVID-19 Update: Camas Mayor Issues Proclamation of Civil Emergency

Mayor Barry McDonnell returned early from his vacation in Spain, arriving late Tuesday night. According to Mayor Pro Tem, Greg Anderson, he will be under self-quarantine for at least two weeks, but he was able to issue this proclamation using a digital signature:

Whereas, Camas Municipal Code Section 2.48.020 provides that in the event an emergency occurs which causes or is tending to cause danger or injury to persons or damage to property to such an extent that extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety and welfare then the Mayor may proclaim a civil emergency to exist; and

Whereas, in the interest of public safety and welfare, Washington state law under Chapter 38.52 RCW sets forth certain powers exercisable by municipalities in the event of emergencies; and

Whereas, Camas Municipal Code Chapter 8.56 sets forth additional procedures and powers related to Emergency Management; and

Whereas, on February 29, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency due to the public health emergency posed by the coronavirus 2019 (hereafter COVID-19); and

Whereas, on March 13, 2020, the Clark County Council announced a state of emergency resolution for Clark County regarding COVID-19. Similar emergency declarations have been issued in Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties in the Portland metropolitan area; and

Whereas, on March 13, 2020, Governor Inslee ordered all K-12 public and private schools in Washington State to close by no later than March 17, 2020 and remained closed through April24, 2020, further ordering on March 16, 2020 a statewide emergency proclamation to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities and ban all gatherings with over 50 participants, with all gatherings under 50 participants to be prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met; and

Whereas, on March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in the United States ofAmerica related to the COVID-19 outbreak; and

Whereas, as of March 14, 2020, the Washington State Department of Health reported a total of 642 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 40 resulting deaths. As of March 14, 2020, at least 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Clark County; and

Whereas, as reported by the Washington State Department of Health:

Public health experts agree that the true number of people who have been infected with COVID-19 in Washington greatly exceeds the number ofCOVID-19 infections that have been laboratory-confirmed. It is very difficult to know exactly how many people in Washington have been infected to date since most people with COVID-19 experience mild illness and the ability to get tested is still not widely available; and

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Whereas, as Mayor ofthe City ofCamas I have determined that it is necessary to proclaim the existence ofa civil emergency and to take such actions as may be required to effectively utilize city resources in the protection ofthe public health, safety and welfare;

NOW, THEREFORE I, Barry McDonnell, Mayor of the City of Camas, Proclaim as follows:

  1. I declare there is a civil emergency caused by COVID-19 in the City o f Camas.
  2. The civil emergency requires the implementation of those powers delineated in Chapter 2. 48
    and 8.56 of the Camas Municipal Code and Chapter 38.52 RCW.
  3. To the extent of such powers as granted by law, the City may enter into contracts and incur
    obligations, and take any other appropriate action necessary to address and respond to the emergency to protect the health and safety of persons and properties and to provide emergency assistance to persons affected by this emergency.
  4. These powers will be exercised in light of the exigencies of the situation without regard to the formalities prescribed by State statutes and rules, or by City ordinance (except for mandatory constitutional requirements). These include but are not limited to budget law limitations, requirements for competitive bidding, publication of notices related to the performance of public work, entering into contracts, incurring of obligations, employment of temporary workers, rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and equipment, and the appropriation and expenditure of funds.
  5. I delegate to the Department heads and their designees the authority to solicit quotes and estimates for contracts necessary to combat the emergency. Department heads may enter into contracts in an amount not to exceed Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000). Contracts over this amount will be signed by the Mayor.
  6. Department heads are further authorized to reassign staff from their ordinary duties to work deemed necessary to address the emergency outside their normal job duties and to require work beyond normal working hours in the performance of duties deemed necessary to respond to the emergency.
  7. Pursuant to Camas Municipal Code sections 2.48.020 and 8.56.080 a copy of this Proclamation shall be filed with the City Clerk, a copy delivered to the Director of Emergency Management, State Emergency Management, and the Governor and the news media within the City shall be advised, with copies of this Proclamation posted at public places as may heretofore be designated.
  8. This Proclamation will take effect upon my signature and will remain in effect until modified or terminated pursuant to Camas Municipal Code Section 2.48.040.
    DATED AND SIGNED THIS 18th DAY OF MARCH, 2020. City of Camas — Mayor Barry McDonnell.

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COVID-19 Outbreak Forces Vancouver Mall To Temporarily Close Effective Thursday

Vancouver Mall’s parent company, Centennial Real Estate, made the decision today to temporarily close all of its mall properties, and there is no estimated date for when the malls will reopen.

The mall will be open Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm, following its present reduced schedule.

Centennial issued this statement:

The health and safety of our employees, customers, tenants and communities is our top priority.

The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, and to do our part in slowing the spread of the virus, Vancouver Mall has decided to temporarily close effective Thursday, March 19.

We will continue to monitor the status in our area and at-large, and we will reopen when health authorities have reduced social cautions, and we know it will be safe for you to shop and spend time with us again. 

Visit https://www.visitvancouverusa.com/listing/vancouver-mall/1917/

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