Vancouver, WA — In their weekly COVID-19 report released today, Clark County Public Health says cases continue to drop countywide, with a 53.9 cases per 100,000 activity rates nearly two weeks after face mask mandates ended.

Here’s the latest data:

Cases

• 734 additional cases (confirmed and probable) since last update

• 73,305 confirmed cases to date (+699 since last update)

• 14,306 antigen probable cases to date (+35 since last update) 

Washington Department of Health continues to clear a backlog of cases caused by reporting delays during the omicron surge. As a result, some cases added to the total this week may have occurred earlier.

Hospitalizations 

• 5.1% of hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 cases and persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 

• 3.6% of ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 cases and PUIs

• 96.4% of hospital beds occupied

• 96.4% of ICU beds occupied

• 17 COVID-19 cases and 10 PUI hospitalized

Rates

• COVID-19 activity rate is 53.9 cases per 100,000 over 14 days (March 6-19) – down from 77.9 last week

• COVID-19 new hospital admission rate is 2.6 per 100,000 people over 7 days (March 3-9) – down from 6.4 last week

Deaths 

• 782 total deaths to date (697 confirmed, 85 suspect)

4 additional confirmed deaths since last update:

• 2 men in their 70s

• 1 woman in her 70s

• 1 woman 80+ years oldC

Learn more at the COVID-19 data webpage: https://clark.wa.gov/public-health/covid-19-data 

OLYMPIA, WA — Governor Jay Inslee announced today that face masks will no longer be required in most public places, including K-12 schools, starting March 21.

Inslee said face masks will still be required in health care settings including hospitals, outpatient and dental offices, as well as long-term care facilities.

Inslee said he’s still concerned about COVID hospital admissions and the stress the virus is putting on health care workers.

Businesses, local governments, and school districts can still choose to implement a face mask requirement, he said. Masks are required on public transportation and school buses.

The governor also said that beginning March 1, vaccine verification for large events will no longer be required.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) says it will issue updated guidance for K-12 schools the week of March 7, and that guidance will go into effect March 21. DOH will also shift requirements on distancing, ventilation, and sanitation in schools to recommendations, and will leave much decision making to local jurisdictions.

DOH says schools will still be required to report COVID-19 cases and outbreaks and students and staff with COVID-19 symptoms will still be required to quarantine. Schools must also ensure access to testing for staff and students who have symptoms or who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Camas, WA — Interim Camas School District Superintendent Doug Hood released a letter today to all Camas families letting them know their goal is to keep school buildings open during this COVID-19 case surge, but is also preparing the community for a temporary transition to distance learning.

Dear Camas Community,

As you are very aware, the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant has contributed to a dramatic increase in absences of students and staff across schools locally, as well as statewide this month.

I want to be very clear: our goal is to keep our school buildings open and maintain in-person instruction to surround our young people with the caring educators and support services they need – as long as we can do so safely.

This increase in absences impacts our already compromised capacity due to the finite number of substitute teachers, principals, and central office staff available to fill the remaining unfilled positions. COVID-related absences are also impacting these groups of employees. The ability to fully staff and safely operate our schools is crucial as we determine the factors that may trigger a temporary transition to distance learning.

District leaders meet regularly with local health officials to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and we are closely tracking data to determine COVID’s impact on staff coverage in schools. If your student’s classroom or school cannot open safely due to COVID’s impact on staffing, we might need to make the difficult decision to transition to distance learning temporarily. 

Again, our goal is to continue in-person learning in the Camas School District! We appreciate your continued vigilance in maintaining the social distancing protocols and practices that help to keep our students safe.  We will continue to do all we can to sustain in-person instruction.  And once again, thank you for your patience as we navigate these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Doug Hood

Interim Superintendent

OLYMPIA, WA — All K-12 and higher education employees statewide, as well as some childcare providers are now required to be vaccinated, Gov. Jay Inslee said today at a press conference.

Inslee also reissued a statewide indoor mask mandate to include everyone, regardless of vaccination status. The order previously applied only to unvaccinated individuals.

Inslee’s new COVID-19 mask mandate goes into effect Monday, Aug. 23.

His educator vaccine requirement applies to:

• K-12 educators, school staff, coaches, bus drivers, school volunteers and others working in school facilities
• Employees in higher education institutions
• Childcare and early learning providers who serve children from multiple households

Today’s new vaccine requirement is a condition of educator employment and applies to public, private and charter schools. Tribal schools are exempt from the order. Students are not mandated to get the vaccine. Educators and staff have until October 18 to get fully vaccinated.

Inslee said today’s announcement follows a massive surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide, breaking previous records set last September. 

The Department of Health recommends face mask use in crowded outdoor settings, such as concerts, sporting events, fairs and farmers markets.