Pacific County Adjusts to Life Under State and Local Orders

On March 16 Governor Inslee issued an order closing restaurants, bars, taverns and coffee shops and prohibiting large gatherings to control the spread of COVID-19. On March 17 the governor followed with an order closing all schools in the state. On that same day Pacific County launched its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the local coronavirus response. Since then both the county and the state in rapid succession, have issued new orders to control the coronavirus pandemic. The local orders started with the closure of beaches to razor clam digging, followed several days later by a closure of all beach approaches and hospitality lodging, followed by an amendment clarifying that order. And on March 23 the governor issued a Stay-at-Home order which included the closure of all non-essential businesses in the state. For the general public, the coronavirus outbreak, the response and the ramifications have been almost impossible to comprehend.

The Pacific County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is tracking and coordinating the local COVID-19 response to both state and local orders. Pat Matlock, Chief Criminal Deputy in the Sheriff's Office has now assumed the role of EOC's Public information Officer. In a conversation on March 26, he summarized the status of these orders, beginning by stating that local schools, government agencies and businesses are in compliance with these orders. The purpose of each of these actions is to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community. To date Pacific County is one of five out of 39 counties in Washington without a confirmed case of the disease.

Record recovery stimulus package inked

The Senate and House approved a $2.2 trillion stimulus recovery rescue package for Americans, businesses and hospitals last Wednesday and Friday - the largest emergency aid package in history. There were more than 3.3 million unemployment claims last week.

Married couples will receive one-time payments of $2,400 who filed jointly with an additional $500 per child for each qualifying child claimed as a dependent in their family to help fight off the economic derailment caused by coronavirus. The package includes payments of $1,200 to individuals making less than $75,000. One-third of the economy is being covered by the package, a lot of it to middle and lower income people. One hundred and seventy-five million are expected to receive checks.

New Mayor, New City Attorneys, new hope for Winlock

On Monday, March 24, the Winlock City Council held their meeting to start a new era in the City of Winlock. Winlock City Council voted for not just a new mayor for the city but also a new city attorney. The City of Winlock is poised for success.

Trooper made the ultimate sacrifice

On Tuesday afternoon, March 24, Washington State Patrol Trooper Justin Schaffer was killed in the line of duty during a high speed chase on Interstate 5. Trooper Schaffer was deploying spike strips when William David Thompson swerved and hit Trooper Schaffer.

Inslee announces "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order

Monday, March 23, Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians to announce he will sign a statewide order that requires everyone in the state to stay home. The order will last for two weeks and could be extended.

This Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is similar to orders that other governors, in places such as California and New York, issued last week.

This proclamation will:

• Require every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
• Ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.
• Close all businesses except essential businesses.

"The less time we spend in public, the more lives we will save," Inslee said.

President Trump approves Major Disaster Declaration for Washington

FEMA announced that federal emergency aid has been made available for the state of Washington to supplement the state, tribes and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing.

The President's action makes federal funding available for Crisis Counseling for affected individuals in all areas of the state of Washington.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance under Public Assistance, for all areas impacted by COVID-19 in the state of Washington. The federal cost share is 75 percent.