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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Special Health Board Mar 17 2020Whatcom County Council as the Health Board (Special) COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 Meeting Agenda Tuesday, March 17, 2020 l PM Council Chambers COUNCILMEMBERS Rud Browne Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Carol Frazey Kathy Kershner CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C. Council as the Health Board (Special) Meeting Agenda March 17, 2020 Call To Order Roll Call Special Presentation 2. AB2020-116 Update on COVID-19 Other Business Adiournment Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 21612025 • Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 • Agenda Bill Master Report File Number: AB2020-116 File ID: AB2020-116 Version: 1 Status: Discussed File Created: 02/26/2020 Entered by: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us Department: Council Office File Type: Report Assigned to: Council Final Action: 05/05/2020 Agenda Date: 05/05/2020 Enactment #: Primary Contact Email: TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: Update on COVID-19 SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: Update on COVID-19 HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE Date: Acting Body: Action: 03/10/2020 Council as the Health Board (Special) DISCUSSED 03/12/2020 Council as the Health Board (Special) DISCUSSED 03/17/2020 Council as the Health Board (Special) DISCUSSED 03/19/2020 Council as the Health Board (Special) DISCUSSED 03/26/2020 Council (Special) DISCUSSED 03/31/2020 Council (Special) DISCUSSED 04/03/2020 Council (Special) DISCUSSED 04/07/2020 Council DISCUSSED 04/21/2020 Council DISCUSSED 05/05/2020 Council DISCUSSED Sent To: Attachments: Handout -Tyler Schroeder Spec Health Board-3.10.2020, Handout -Tammy Axlund-Health Dept 3.10.2020, Handout -Health Dept 3.12.2020, Handout -Cathy Halka-Spec Health Board 3.12.2020, Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 2/6/2025 Agenda Bill Master Report Continued (AB2020-116) Handout-Rud Brown -Spec Health Board 3.12.2020, Handout -Ben Elenbaas-Spec Health Board-3.12.2020, Executive Order Courthouse Operations 3.16.2020 Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 2/6/2025 WHATCOM COUNTY a s t � � 51'10117i,,? c, PROCLAMATION OF EMERGENCY,,,,,..,_,, ,..� WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Health Department and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office °t Division of Emergency Management has reported to the Whatcom County Executive, beginning January 21, 2020, that operations and planning for the expanding outbreak of COVID-19 is occurring in Whatcom County, and, WHEREAS, this incident is a threat to life and public health, and demands immediate action, and, WHEREAS, persons and public health will be at risk of a massive breakout that requires further efforts be taken to expand operations and planning actions to reduce the threat to life and public health, and WHEREAS, this constitutes an emergency as defined by the Whatcom County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and necessitates the utilization of powers granted pursuant to the Whatcom County Charter and RCW 38.52.070(2); therefore, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE that an emergency exists in Whatcom County; therefore, Whatcom County departments are authorized to do the following: (1) Enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such emergency situations to protect the health and safety of persons; and, (2) Provide appropriate emergency assistance to the victims of such disaster; and, (3) Other actions, as deemed appropriate by the Health Officer and the Director of Emergency Management or his designee. Each Whatcom County department is authorized to exercise the powers vested under this proclamation in the light of the exigencies of an extreme emergency situation without regard to time- consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory constitutional requirements). This Proclamation shall remain in effect until the issuance of a Termination Proclamation by the Whatcom County Executive. Dated this 1 Ot" day of March 2020. Satpal Singh Adhu, Whatcom County Executive Recommended by: E0 t Sheriff Bill Elfo Director of Emergency Management Approved as to Form: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney FRI, UNIDEP, AD DATE RECENED: =ALL COIJIMO. mummc, (D n rD 0 _0 rD O Ln 0 c (D (D (D cm Ln (D r o rD ID n 00 ❑ rD CL rD 0 3 r) 3 0 w = 3 0-a 3 0 O2. 0 cr L/I V) rD rD N (D -0 R C: -a 0 :z r) O. rD w Z, CL 0 m rD EL > K S = r) 0 0- 0 rD. rD 3 _0 ­7 I-- rD cm fD 'a n f4 W (GOM CO A * COUNTY �Z,P Gy1 HEALTH DEPARTMENT �LgsyIN�' Whatcom County Health Board, o GREG STERN, M.D., HEALTH OFFICER March 12, 2020 We recognize that each of you have many questions and concerns related to the COVID-19 outbreak, which just yesterday was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. We want to assure you that our goal is to provide all our constituents — including each of you — with accurate information and guidance in as timely a manner as possible. We also see you as incredibly important partners as we respond to this crisis. With this rapidly evolving situation comes rapidly evolving information and guidance. As we collectively learn more about the virus and how it spreads, our federal and state guidance continues to be modified, resulting in frequently changing directives to our own local health jurisdiction. These continuous changes then require additional communication and coordination with our local healthcare partners, as well as revising and updating our public messages and our recommendations to local stakeholders such as schools, businesses, community groups, and many others. As a result we are not always able to answer questions and inquiries as quickly as we would during normal day to day operations. We know you all are receiving numerous calls, questions, concerns and even suggestions related to COVID-19 and we want you to have the information you need to answer them. We, too, are receiving a high volume of calls. In addition to increased call volumes to and from our healthcare providers by our Public Health Nurses related to COVID-19 testing and surveillance, our call volume from the general public is also currently three times the normal amount. Our dedicated team of Public Information Officers is also monitoring social media, handling press inquiries, and ensuring our public communications align with the most current federal, state and local recommendations. In addition, a team of Liaison Officers are continuously communicating with schools, civics organizations, partner agencies, non -profits and others to field questions and resource requests. All of this information helps inform our overall situational awareness, and development and prioritization of response strategies. We would like to develop a plan that efficiently gets you the information you need to be informed communicators about this crisis as well as informed decision -makers taking into account the high demands currently on the agencies responding to this crisis. We are now preparing to enter into Unified Command. We are requesting that as the Health Board you develop a method to consolidate your information requests and send them to the Executive's Office no more than once per day. The Executive Office will then determine which departments or branches of Incident Command need to respond and gather the information for you. Having a more standardized and consistent process of receiving strategic recommendations — as well as any general questions — will help enable our Incident Management Team to better incorporate this information into the ongoing strategic and tactical incident planning processes, and reduce staff time spent responding to individual questions and requests. We share the same goal of responding to this public health crisis in a way that best serves all Whatcom County residents. We look forward to developing a clearer information exchange plan to help us achieve this goal. r�� Whatcom County S09 GIRARD STREET BELLINGHAM, WA 98225.4005 „® 0 1500 NORTH STATE STREET BELLINGHAM, WA 98225.4551 360.778.6000 1 FAXHEALTH 360.778.6100 1 FAX 360.778.6101 360.778.6001 0;OMCOUNTYHEALTH Department WWw WHATCOMCOUNTY.US/HEALTH HATCOMCOHEALTH COMMAND STRUCTURE Have we moved to Unified Command? We assess the command structure daily during coordination calls with incident support agencies such as Fire, EMS, Healthcare, and Emergency Management. And are now moving toward Unified Command structure. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) What is the timeline and availability of cleaning supplies and PPE? The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the availability of PPE not only locally, but across our state, nation, and around the globe. We are working with healthcare partners to source products locally if available, and we already have started supplying local skilled nursing facilities with stock from our limited pandemic response reserves. We continue to process all healthcare resource requests to the State Emergency Management Division through the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office — Division of Emergency Management, and we are also working diligently to access supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile. TESTING URVEIL %ICE Have we established requirements of all healthcare providers to submit patient information for any potential case and to report all COVID-19 tests to the Health Department immediately? In general, providers are not required to report they are testing a person, however we ask that they notify us of patients being tested who are hospitalized or have contact with a confirmed case, and not wait for the lab confirmation. Our role is to support individual health care providers in providing the best clinical care to their individual patients while also strategically using testing information for our surveillance activities. Have we established a requirement to immediately submit test results of any known case to the Health Department? All lab -confirmed COVID-19 infections are reported to DOH, CDC, and local health departments, whether tested through public health labs or commercial labs. SCHOOLS Are we going to close schools? While we are not recommending targeted or widespread closures at that time, some districts have made the decision to close schools temporarily, either for a few days to do a deep clean or for a longer duration. Closures can be effective in reducing the spread of disease. However, how effective a closure will be must be weighed against the impacts it causes. School closures or dismissals have wide -reaching impacts in the community. When schools close, education is disrupted. For example, when we think about closing schools, we need to consider the downstream effects, such as: • Parents and caregivers who need to find care for their children who are now not at school. • Children and their families who regularly depend on school breakfasts and lunches as a reliable source of food. • Employers who could lose productivity or have to limit their services because parents or caregivers may need to stay home to care for their children. • Decreased staffing for healthcare and other critical services if parents have to choose between going to work and caring for their school children. We defer to school districts on their plans for continuity of education. We know that school closures may become necessary as part of this response effort, and we encourage districts to plan for alternative learning options. Schools should also consider ways to reduce inequitable impacts of school closures. We are in communication with school districts in Whatcom County about these difficult decisions. We know that the leaders in our school districts are our best partners in deciding the right next steps for their schools because they know the needs of their school communities well. WHATCOM COUNTY Kathleen Roy, Assistant Director Health Department Greg Stern, M.D., Health Officer 11-6 i r FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE b�v,M CoA, March 10, 2020 p Media Contact: Melissa Morin, Communications Specialist Phone: (360) 778-6022; (360) 594-2504 E-mail address: health-pioawhatcomcounty.us; mmorinRwhatcomcounty.us Declaration of Emergency and New Recommendations to the Public BELLINGHAM, WA - Today, Satpal Sidhu, the Whatcom County Executive, in coordination with the Whatcom County Health Board, declared a Whatcom County public health emergency to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community. In response to the rapidly evolving situation in Whatcom County, Dr. Greg Stern, Whatcom County Health Officer, has also issued new recommendations to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Declaring an emergency facilitates coordination with local and statewide partners and is a reflection of our continued commitment to ensure a comprehensive Whatcom County response to this outbreak. "This declaration is a step up and a step forward in our preparation to meet the challenges presented by COVID-19. It elevates the level of readiness of our public health infrastructure," said County Executive Satpal Sidhu. "Our message to the public is simple: plan and prepare, but don't panic. By following the advice of experts, you can help protect your family, friends, co-workers and our community at large." New Recommendations for Community -Wide Action The new recommendations announced today are based on the increasing risk of spread of the disease in our area and are aligned with similar recommendations from other local health departments in our region. These are proactive steps we can all take to protect ourselves, our families and our community. "We know that this is a difficult time for our community and these recommendations will significantly impact our daily lives," said Dr. Stern. "The decision to make these recommendations was made based on the best public health science, which tells us that these actions are needed to reduce further transmission of disease in our area." The Whatcom County Health Department is now making the following recommendations: People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. This includes concert venues, conventions, sporting events, and crowded social gatherings. People at higher risk include people: o Over 60 years of age. o With underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes. o With weakened immune systems. o Who are pregnant. S09 Girard Street vv hat'Corn County Bellingham, WA 98225-4005 � � � �� �1� � 1500 North State Street Bellingham, WA 98225-4551 360.778.6000 1 FAX 360.778.6001 WhatcomCountyHealth 360,778.6100 1 FAX 360.778.6101 V WhatcomCoHealth ,.,::.' D e p a r t m e n t www.whatcomcounty.us/health WHATCOM COUNTY Kathleen Roy, Assistant Director Health Department Greg Stern, M.D., Health Officer • The community should cancel or postpone non -essential large public gatherings. If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, we recommend postponing or canceling events and gatherings. We are loosely defining large gatherings as 10-50 people or more. • Workplaces and businesses are encouraged to provide options for their employees to work from home if possible. If they cannot work from home, employees should minimize their interaction with large groups of people. We are not recommending school closures at this time, but school districts may make the decision to close schools. We support them with information and guidance. o While we are not recommending targeted or widespread closures at that time, individual districts make the decision to close schools as the situation evolves. o Closures can be effective in reducing the spread of disease. However, how effective a closure will be needs to be weighed against the impacts it causes. School closures or dismissals have wide -reaching impacts in the community, and we understand that decisions to close schools must be weighed carefully. Whatcom County is asking that everyone in our community do their part to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Actions you can take include: • Stay home when you are sick. o If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness and must go out in public, wear a mask. People who are sick with respiratory symptoms, like a cough or sneezing, should wear a mask in public places to prevent the spread of illnesses to others in the area. • Do not go to emergency rooms or urgent care clinics if your illness is mild and can be managed at home. These facilities need to have the ability to serve those who are in most critical need. We also want to limit unnecessary visits to protect health care providers and other patients from catching infections. • Even if you are feeling well, avoid visiting hospitals, long-term care facilities or nursing homes. If it is necessary to visit someone there, check on the facility's rules for visitors before showing up, limit your time there, and stay at least 6 feet away from patients at all times. • People who are sick with cough and fever should not attend work until 72 hours after fever has resolved or seven (7) days after the illness began, whichever is longer. We urge employers to maximize flexibility in sick leave benefits to accommodate these measures. Additional details will be available on the Whatcom County Health Department's website at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/covid. ### 509 Girard Street Whatcom County Bellingham, WA 98225-4005 360.7 6WhatoAmCouO.778.6001 EALT 1500 North State Street ham, WA 98225-4551 ntyHealtth 360.778.E00 AX 360.778.6101 V WhatcomCoHealth4,IfLD Department www.whatcomcounty.us/health ,�p0�1 CC �9`4MIN�{�r How can I stay informed about coronavirus? The Whatcom County Health Department is the lead agency for the COVID-19 event. Their website is updated every day at noon. They are constantly monitoring State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information to update messages. Here is the link to Frequently Asked Questions. How can I avoid getting the coronavirus? Here are recommended everyday preventative actions: • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol -based sanitizer if soap and water are not available. • Keep a ready supply of tissues and alcohol -based wipes and dispose immediately after use. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. • Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards, and phones). Facilities is cleaning frequently visited and public areas of County buildings daily. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick (within six feet). • Maintain at least three feet between yourself and someone who is coughing or sneezing. Consider nodding your head or bumping elbows instead of shaking hands. What should I do if I have symptoms that may be COVID-19? Call your doctor before visiting in person. Also, consider using the 24/7 "telehealth" services available through County medical plans: Teamster Plan B Nurse Line 1 (855) 784-4561 Teamster Plan B Virtual Care teladoc.com/Premera OR 1 (855) 332-4059 HMA All Plans MDLIVE Telehealth https://members.mdlive.com/hma/landing home All copays and/or deductibles for COVID-19 lab testing will be waived and covered at 100%. How do I get paid during absence due to illness? You can use sick leave for your own illness and to care for a covered family member. The State's Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) may also provide monetary benefits. Your HR Rep can help you consider options. What happens if my child's school or day care facility is closed for public health reasons? You can use sick leave to cover your absence. How are we preparing for the possibility of limited County operations? Leaders are working on "continuity of operations" plans and ways to maintain services with fewer in -person visits. Are there alternate ways of working if I have to stay home? Most Countyjobs are public-service oriented with essentials tasks that can't be performed from home, however we are exploring Cloud -based technology and video conferencing as tools for some remote work assignments. What other resources might be available to employees through the State of Washington? Although we are not yet at this point, the State has adoptTd emergency rules for temporary shut -downs, isolation, and quarantine for workers and businesses. Cora navirus (COVID-19) FAQs for Employees —Human Resources (HR) March 10, 2020 3aP�GGM cG`2< COVID-19 STRATEGIES FOR WHATCOM COUNTY `yA$MING�Ga� 1. Encourage employees to use 24/7 Telehealth tools if they or a family member experience acute respiratory illness symptoms (cough, shortness of breath). • Teamster Plan B Nurse Line 1 (855) 784-4561 • Teamster Plan B Virtual Care teladoc.com/Premera OR 1 (855) 332-4059 • HMA All Plans MDLIVE Telehealth https:Hmembers.mdlive.com/hma/landing home 2. Encourage employees to stay informed and seek support. The Whatcom County Health Department is the lead agency for the COVID-19 event. Their website is updated every day at noon. KEPRO, the County's employee assistance program (EAP) is a valuable resource. Log onto EAPHelplink.com and enter company code (WHATCOM) for articles and credible news sources about the Coronavirus and tips for coping with feelings or emotions. 3. Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. • Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. • Employees can use sick leave accruals for their own and for a family member's illness. The State's Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) may also provide monetary benefits. This program is very new, so there are still questions. If employees run out accrued leave, they can request leave donations. 4. Anticipate absences and talk with each employee (Supervisor/Employee Discussion Tool). Review current leave balances (sick leave, comp time, vacation). Explore opportunities for cross -training to cover essential department functions. Due to the nature of our work, most County jobs have limited options for working off -site. Explore any essential tasks that might be temporarily performed off -site. 5. Perform routine facility environmental cleaning. • Identify all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs and clean these areas with cleaning agents and disinfectants normally used. • Facilities will provide additional cleaning daily for all frequently visited and public areas. 6. Offer only solutions within current policies and resources. Supervisors can help set the stage for calm and measured approaches. We can plan, not panic. 7. Update your department / division Continuity of Operations Plans. Emergency Management has sample plans and is reaching out to help leaders with this work. 8. Encourage employees to bring you their concerns. The Health Department and the County Administration are working hard to address questions as we can and to plan the County' response to a Coronavirus pandemic. No one has all the answers yet on this emerging situation. Supervisors can reach out to Human Resources for support and information. 3/11 /2020 Preparing for an Outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Supervisor / Employee Discussion Tool SICK i_EAllE PQLICY :Ab13940pZ `.......u.., Accrued sick leave can cover absences for: • Employee's illness (mental or physical), injury, or health condition, and for preventive care. • Employee's care for a family member's illness (mental or physical), injury, or health condition, and for preventive care. • Public health closures of County facilities or a dependent's school or care facility. What is the employee's current sick leave balance? For low sick balances and/or leave requests for "social distancing:" Current comp time balance? Current vacation leave balance? C©Y�Ri,NG FC)R ABSENCES , .CR05S TRA�N,lN,�7 CfESK=MANUALS? ,OTHER? ' This will be different for every position, but what tools, training, or information would help someone else step in to cover their work if the employee is absent? 7E,LEWt3,RK? Due to the nature of public service work, most County jobs have limited options to work off -site. It would be helpful now to talk about these. • Are there essential tasks in the job that might be temporarily performed off -site? If so, what cloud -based tools could the employee use remotely? (For example, email, voicemail, County website, InsideWhatcom, etc.) Please send questions to HR(�-)co.whatcornma.us. C:\USERS\CHALKA\APPDATA\LOCAL\MICROSOFT\W INDOWS\INETCACHE\CONTENT.OUTLOOK\71ZMZAZ2\SUPERVISOR_EMPLOYEE DISCUSSION TOOL.DOCX 3/11/2020 2 Worker is severely ill with COVID-19. Worker is caring for sick family member. � �choals qye closed by a �ublrit _' > � ofitt�al b'etatise of COYID 19 aad�+t►r�er has no chlldcaXe._ Worker is immune -compromised and advised to self-quorantine. Employer must shut down due to a quarantine by a public official. (1) Employer reduces available hours due to business slowdown or lack of demand. k 1°2 Health care workers and first responder are under quarantine. Employment The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/ YES Security program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals NO Department with disabilities. Language assistance services for limited English proficient WASHINGTON STATE individuals are available free of charge. Washington Relay Service: 71 1 (MAYBE (mse by (ase) UPDATED: 03.11.20 - 12:00 p.m. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 11,111TOCDC 2417: Saving Lives, Protecting PeopleTM Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Checklist for Community and Faith Leaders Community- and faith -based organizations are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in their communities. Use this checklist to protect the health of those you serve and staff in your care. Plan and Prepare Update your emergency operations plan with the help of your local public health department, emergency operations coordinator or planning team, and other relevant partners to include COVID-19 planning. Identify space that can be used to separate sick people if needed. Develop an emergency communication plan for distributing timely and accurate information to workers and those you serve. Identify actions to take if you need to temporarily postpone or cancel events, programs, and services, especially for groups at greater risk such as older adults or people with chronic health conditions. Promote the practice of everyday preventative actions. • Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. • Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces. • Stay home when sick. Provide COVID-19 prevention supplies at your organization (e.g., soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, tissues, trash baskets, and a couple of disposable facemasks, just in case someone becomes sick during an event). Plan for staff absences by developing flexible attendance and sick -leave policies, plan for alternative coverage, and monitor and track COVID-19 related staff absences. Engage with stigmatized groups and speak out against negative behaviors to help counter stigma and discrimination. Take Action If there is COVID-19 in your community: Stay informed about local COVID-19 information and updates. Put your emergency operations and communication plans into action. Communicate with your community members if events and services are changed, postponed, or cancelled. Emphasize everyday preventive actions through intensified communications with employees and visitors to your organization. • Stay home when sick. • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Wash hands often. Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet). During an event, if someone becomes sick separate them into an isolated room and ask them to leave as soon as possible. Page last reviewed: March 6, 2020 Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NORD), Division of Viral Diseases IOHealth Washington State Department of Thank you for coming to visit today. As you may know, the world is experiencing an expanding outbreak of respiratory illness (COVID-19) caused by a new coronavirus. The virus can spread from person -to -person. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are especially at risk. We take our role in protecting the health of our residents very seriously. Before entering our facility, we respectfully ask all visitors confirm: ❑ You are not currently sick. ❑ You have not travelled to an area of the world with an active COVID-19 outbreak within the last 14 days. ❑ You have not be in close proximity with someone who is currently sick with the COVID-19 or any other respiratory illness within the last 14 days. We are taking extra measures to keep our facility clean. During your time here today, we respectfully ask that you: ❑ Wash your hands or use provided sanitizer often. ❑ Disinfect all shared surfaces before and after use. ❑ Please reach out to a staff member if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you! Updated 3/3/2020 Wash your hands often. Call ahead before visiting your doctor. Clean all "high -touch" surfaces daily. Cover your coughs & sneezes. Stay home when sick. Ifyou havesevere symptoms that need medical attention, calltheclinic before going in. first. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. • If you have traveled, make sure to tell your doctor about it. • Healthcare providers are working with local public health departments and CDC to determine who needs to be tested for COVI D-19. (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ about/steps-when-sick.htmi) For more information: The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions f rom the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #. coronavirus) 2 3s ; IN0.10r W mhinge l tton A* 1'Jurtment of Hr ' a 1� .� h Updated 3/4/2020 Novel Coronavirus ( - Guidance for Events and Public Gatherings Washington State is seeing an increased number of cases of COVID-19. We currently don't know what the impact will be statewide. However, state agencies, LHJs, and tribal nations can take steps to help mitigate and contain the spread of COVID-19. Events and public gatherings, such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, and religious gatherings create environments where a virus can spread quickly among event workers, participants, and attendees. Depending on the phase of the outbreak in your area, you may need to modify, postpone, or cancel large events. This packet includes the information you need to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at large events. FOR ALL WASHINGTON STATE AGENCIES Be aware of large events happening in your buildings. Check with appropriate staff about planned training, conferences, and other gatherings happening in your buildings. Ask how many people are expected to attend, review guidance in Thresholds 1 through 3 (TH1-3) to assist in preparation and decision -making for canceling events (Pages 3 —10). FOR LOCAL HEALTH JURISDICTIONS Be aware of large events happening in your jurisdiction. You will find a list of some events planned for this month included in this packet. This list is from the Washington State Fusion Center �WSFC), a partnership between federal government and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT), and private sector partners to share threat -related information. (Note: The list of events is not for public dissemination. It is not an all-inclusive list. It lists events that have been reported to WSFC or events that WSFC analysts have located.) This list is broken out into 9 regions. Some events have special event threat assessments, showing a map of the event, critical infrastructure, and previous event issues. The current month does not have numbers of attendees, but future months will. If you want to know the expected numbers of attendees for this month's events, you can contact WSFC. We recommend reaching out to event organizers with the TH1-3 guidance provided. Health officers at the local level and state level have the authority to recommend the voluntary cancelation of events or cancel events themselves. See Intervention 10: Recommend or Order Cancellation of Major Public and Large Private Gatherings (Pages 11-14). To request this document in another format, call 1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard of hearing customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or email civil.rights@doh.wa.gov. Recommendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 Risk Thresholds Depending on the level of risk (or threshold), we recommend different strategies for events. Please provide relevant information to event organizers and other partners, as needed. (See related pages.) Low Risk -Threshold 1(TH1): Unmitigated or uncontained community transmission is occurring elsewhere but there may not be evidence of significant community transmission in WA yet. In such a circumstance, authorities should consider initiating minimally restrictive, or burdensome, but effective mitigation measures. Moderate risk - Threshold 2 (TH2): There is evidence that unmitigated or uncontained community transmission of the disease is occurring in 2 large jurisdictions within the state. High Risk - Threshold 3 (TH3): Widespread community transmission of disease within Washington State. Detailed guidance on TH1-3 begins on the next page. These pages are written for use by the event organizers and venues feel free to send them the information to follow. Recommendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 I p - 19 Mass Gathering Guidance: Low Risk -Threshold I Washington State is seeing an increased number of cases of COVID-19. We currently don't know what the impact will be statewide. As an event planner, you can take steps to help mitigate and contain the spread of COVID-19. Events or large gatherings, such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, and religious gatherings create environments where a virus can spread quickly among event workers, participants, and attendees. Depending on the phase of the outbreak in your area, you may need to modify, postpone, or cancel your event(s). Low Risk -Threshold I Definition Unmitigated or uncontained community transmission is occurring elsewhere but there may not be evidence of significant community transmission in your area yet. In such a circumstance, authorities should consider initiating minimally restrictive, or burdensome, but effective mitigation measures. You have an evert coming up. What should you do first? 1. Develop a communication plan for sharing information with staff and attendees. (See below for guidance.) 2. Identify strategies to increase space or limit contact between attendees at your event during a disease outbreak. For example, modify seating arrangements to increase space between attendees, find a larger venue, stagger event schedules, and discourage attendees from crowding around bathrooms and food stations. 3. Plan ways to care for attendees and staff who get sick during an event and to separate them from attendees and staff who are well. 4. Have supplies on hand for workers and attendees, such as soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, tissues, trash baskets, and disposable facemasks. Disposable facemasks should be provided if someone appears to be sick at your event. 5. Explore alternative site design and set-up, such as: o Prop doors open to avoid touching (May need to consider additional security.) o Increase ventilation within the facility o Increase the number of hygiene stations, including hand sanitizer stations 6. Connect with your local public health department to review or develop your plan for your event or gathering. 7. Consider sick leave policies for staff. Plan for alternative coverage of job duties as needed. 8. Identify ways to reach staff and attendees with information about the event and risks of attendance (for example, web -based broadcasts, email, television, or radio). Recommendafions for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 9. Evaluate your reimbursement policies Communicate with event staff prior to the events • Staff should take the following precautions to prevent possible transmission before, during, and after the event: • Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol -based hand sanitizer. • Cough and sneeze into the elbow or into a tissue. Throw away the tissue immediately after use and wash hands. • Practice social distancing. Stay six or more feet away from people. • Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces in your home and workplaces. • Encourage staff to remain home if they are sick with cough, sneezing and/or fever. Inform them about sick leave policies and/or the ability to work from home, if possible. • Inform them of your plans for communicating with attendees. • Provide them with information on any venue and process changes that will help mitigate the spread of illness. • Training on how to address obviously ill attendees, such as respectfully asking them to leave the facility or wear a mask. • Setting up barriers between staff and attendees. For example, placing tables or other barriers between staff and attendees to keep a six-foot distance. If that isn't possible, staff should stand to the side of traffic flow. • Encourage staff to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects often (doorknobs, countertops, etc.). Communicate with attendees prior to the event. • Provide a brief description of the current status of COVID-19 in your area. (See Washington_ State Department of Health's 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak for the latest information.) • Encourage those in a higher -risk group not to attend your event. People over 60, those who are immune -compromised, and/or those with underlying chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of having serious complications from COVID-19. • Recommend that attendees stay home if you are sick with cough, sneezing and/or fever. • For those who still plan to attend, recommend that they can take the following precautions to prevent possible transmission before, during, and after the event: 1. Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol -based hand sanitizer. 2. Cough and sneeze into the elbow or into a tissue. Throw away the tissue immediately after use and wash hands. 3. Practice social distancing. Stay 6 or more feet away from people. 4. Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces in your home and workplaces. • Give attendees clear information about what your organization or venue plans to do to protect them during the event. (See guidance below.) Recommendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/202.0 Identify and address potential language, cultural, and disability barriers in your communications. The information you share should be easy to understand and accessible to all attendees. learn more about reaching people of diverse languages and cultures by visiting: www.cdc.Rov/healthcommunication/Audience/index.html. Protect attendees and reduce spread by building disease prevention measures in -to your event planning. • Identify strategies to increase space or limit contact between attendees during a disease outbreak. For example, modify seating arrangements to increase space between attendees, find a larger venue, stagger event schedules, and discourage attendees from crowding around bathrooms and food stations. • Plan ways to care for attendees and staff who get sick during an event and to separate them from attendees and staff who are well. • Have supplies on hand for workers and attendees, such as soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, tissues, trash baskets, and disposable facemasks. Disposable facemasks should be provided if someone appears to be sick at your event. • Explore alternative site design and set-up, such as: o Prop doors open to avoid touching (May need to consider additional security.) o Increase ventilation within the facility o Increase the number of hygiene stations, including hand sanitizer stations • Clean frequently touched surfaces such as handrails and countertops with disinfectant cleaners often during the event. o You can use a bleach -and -water solution or disinfectant with a label that says "EPA approved" for killing viruses and bacteria. Always follow directions on product labels. • Increase ventilation within the facility. • Post signs sharing how attendees can protect themselves and others at your venue. Consider posting signs at entrances and in bathrooms. o DOH Coronavirus Factsheet o Slow the Spread of Germs Poster CDC (pdf) ■ Spanish Version CDC (pdf) o CDC Handwashing Posters Recommendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 Mass Gathering Guidance: ModerateRisk- Threshold Washington State is seeing an increased number of cases of COVID-19. We currently don't know what the impact will be statewide. As an event planner, you can take steps to help mitigate and contain the spread of COVID-19. Events or large gatherings, such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, and religious gatherings create environments where a virus can spread quickly among event workers, participants, and attendees. Depending on the phase of the outbreak in your area, you may need to modify, postpone, or cancel your event(s). Moderate isk- ' r l Definition There is evidence that unmitigated or uncontained community transmission of the disease is occurring in two large jurisdictions within the state. You have an event coning up, What should you o Consider canceling or rescheduling your event if it is located within an area that has community transmission of disease or if a large number of attendees are anticipated to come from these impacted areas. Community transmission means that illness is spreading between people in the community and it is unclear who might be contagious. Consider alternative attendance such as web -based, televised only, remote attendance options. If you determine to hold the event, be aware that the health officer may determine the risk is too high and may order the event canceled. Considerations for canceling/rescheduling the event • What does your Local Health Officer recommend? • Do you have enough staff to operate your event? o Have you addressed staffing fears? o Is a high volume of your staff out sick? o Do you have access to surge staffing or have you developed surge staffing plans? • Can you provide for the safety of all attendees? o Do you have hygiene stations for handwashing? o Do you have appropriate space for allowing 6 feet distancing between attendees? o Do you have processes in place to exclude sick attendees? • Is the event indoors or outdoors? o Outdoor venues have better air circulation and permit more distance between people than indoor environments. 0 Are attendees predominantly from vulnerable groups? Recomrnendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 o Over 60 years old, those who are immune -compromised, those with underlying chronic health conditions. • Can you use increased medical surveillance of attendees? o Non-invasive monitoring o Trained medical staff onsite o Separate room for evaluating potentially ill persons • Are there alternatives to holding the event? o Teleconference o Online o other If you cancel the event: • Consider alternatives to holding your event. o Web -based attendance o Televised only (no audience) o Other remote attendance options o Reschedule the event • Communicate to your staff and attendees that the event is canceled and why. • Consider how you might reimburse attendees. It the event is permitted to continue, consider the following steps: 1. Develop a communication plan for sharing information with staff and attendees. (See below for guidance.) 2. Connect with your local public health department to review or develop your plan for your event or gathering. 3. Consider flexible attendance and sick leave policies for staff. Plan for alternative coverage of job duties as needed. (Alert the local health department if there are large increases in absenteeism due to symptoms like those accompanying COVID-19.) 4. Identify ways to reach staff and attendees with information about the event and risks of attendance (for example, web -based broadcasts, email, television, or radio). 5. Evaluate your reimbursement policies. Communicate with event staff prior to the event. • Staff should take the following precautions to prevent possible transmission before, during, and after the event: • Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol -based hand sanitizer. • Cough and sneeze into the elbow or into a tissue. Throw away the tissue immediately after use and wash hands. • Practice social distancing. Stay six or more feet away from people. • Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces in your home and workplaces. • Encourage staff to remain home if they are sick with cough, sneezing and/or fever. Inform them about sick leave policies and/or the ability to work from home, if possible. Recommendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 • Inform them of your plans for communicating with attendees Provide them with information on any venue and process changes that will help mitigate the spread of illness. • Training on how to address obviously ill attendees, such as respectfully asking them to leave the facility. • Setting up barriers between staff and attendees. For example, placing tables or other barriers between staff and attendees to keep a six-foot distance. If that isn't possible, staff should stand to the side of traffic flow. • Encourage staff to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects often. Communicate with attendees prior to the event. • Provide a brief description of the current status of COVID-19 in your area. (See Washington State Department of Health's 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak for the latest information.) • Encourage those in a higher -risk group not to attend your event. People over 60, those who are immune -compromised, and/or those with underlying chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of having serious complications from COVID-19. • Recommend that attendees stay home if you are sick with cough, sneezing and/or fever. • For those who still plan to attend, recommend that they can take the following precautions to prevent possible transmission before, during, and after the event: 1. Wash hands often with soap and water or use alcohol -based hand sanitizer. 2. Cough and sneeze into the elbow or into a tissue. Throw away the tissue immediately after use and wash hands. 3. Practice social distancing. Stay 6 or more feet away from people. 4. Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces in your home and workplaces. • Give attendees clear information about what your organization or venue plans to do to protect them. (See guidance below.) Identify and address potential language, cultural, and disability barriers in your communications. The information you share should be easy to understand and accessible to all attendees. Learn more about reaching people of diverse languages and cultures by visiting: www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/Audience/index.html. Protect attendees and reduce spread by building disease prevention measures into your agent planning, • Identify strategies to increase space or limit contact between attendees during a flu pandemic. For example, modify seating arrangements to increase space between attendees, find a larger venue, stagger event schedules, and discourage attendees from crowding around bathrooms and food stations. Recomr-nendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2.020 • Plan ways to care for attendees and staff who get sick during an event and to separate them from attendees and staff who are well. • Have supplies on hand for workers and attendees, such as soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, tissues, and trash baskets. • Explore alternative site design and set-up, such as: o Prop doors open to avoid touching (May need to consider additional security.) o Increase ventilation within the facility o Increase the number of hygiene stations, including hand sanitizer stations • Clean frequently touched surfaces such as handrails and countertops with disinfectant cleaners often during the event. • Increase ventilation within the facility. • Post signs sharing how attendees can protect themselves and others at your venue. Consider posting signs at entrances and in bathrooms. o DOH Coronavirus Factsheet o Slow the Spread of Germs Poster CDC (pdf) ■ Spanish Version CDC (pdf) o CDC Handwashin Posters Recommendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 19 Mass Gathering Guid n; High Risk -Threshold Washington State is seeing an increased number of cases of COVID-19. We currently don't know what the impact will be statewide. As an event planner, you can take steps to help mitigate and contain the spread of COVID-19. Events or large gatherings, such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, and religious gatherings create environments where a virus can spread quickly among event workers and attendees. Depending on the phase of the outbreak in your area, you may need to modify, postpone, or cancel your event(s). High Risk -Threshold 3 Definition Widespread community transmission of disease within Washington State. You have are event coming up. What should you o • All events that involve the potential for disease transmission that cannot accommodate alternative attendance should be canceled or postponed. • Consider alternatives to holding your event. o Web -based attendance o Televised only (no audience) o Other remote attendance options o Reschedule the event • Communicate to your staff and attendees that the event is canceled and why. • Consider how you might reimburse attendees. We know it is hard to cancel events that you have been planning for a long time. However, social distancing measures, such as canceling or postponing mass gatherings, reduce opportunities for person -to -person virus transmission and can help delay and slow the spread of the disease as well as save lives. We appreciate your help in this effort. Additional O I - 19 Resources Recommendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 • DOH Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage — updated information and resources daily • Local Health Jurisdictions • Workplace and Employers • Persons Who are at Higher Risk for Serious Illness • Communities and Community Organizations • Stigma Reduction • How Can I Be Prepared for a COVID-19 Outbreak? Intervention 1 Recommend or Order Cancellation of Major Public and Large Private Gatherings Reduce the probability of transmission by reducing the number of interpersonal contacts. Transmissibility Clinical e., • - `, Recommend implementing at Intervention type: Personalrnunity i nviranrrient� L Ujrnit spread ' Prevent staread� High .0 [ B :D y-----------------i-_ E A C Low High Clinical Severity Rationale for Use as a Public Health Strategy Social distancing measures, such as cancellation or postponement of mass gatherings, reduce opportunities for person -to -person virus transmission and can help delay the spread and slow the exponential growth of disease spread. The optimal strategy is to implement these measures simultaneously in places where people gather. Canceling mass gatherings, in combination with other social distancing measures (e.g., patient isolation, quarantine of exposed persons, and school closures), may help reduce virus transmission. Success Factors: Success depends upon event sponsor compliance and authorities' ability to enforce effectively. Possible Drawbacks: May result in revenue loss, public outrage, or political backlash, and may disproportionately affect certain cultural and community groups. Possible Benefits: Reduces opportunities for widespread disease transmission by reducing interpersonal contacts and increasing social distance. Settings and Use • Social distancing measures can be implemented in a range of community settings, including public places where people gather (e.g., parks, houses of worship, theaters, sports arenas). Recornmendahons for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 • Modifying, canceling, or postponing events is an approach that might reduce face-to-face contact in community settings. Jurisdictional Authority and Key Decision Make Local i State Tribal Key Decision Makers: Local health officers and the local board of health have the authority to control and prevent the spread of contagious or infectious diseases within their jurisdiction and to inform the public about the nature of the disease and prevention methods. This includes issuing orders to cancel events. Key Stakeholders: Decision should be made in coordination with local elected officials (such as mayor, city council, county council, and/or county executive), emergency managers, local law enforcement, impacted businesses, proprietors, cultural and religious leaders, event sponsors and event organizers. Applicable Law(s) for Decision Makers: • RCW 70.05.060 — Powers and duties of local board of health • RCW 70,05.070 — Local health officer — powers and duties • WAC 246-100-036 — Responsibilities and duties — Local health officers • WAC 246-100-070 — Enforcement of local health officer orders Key Decision Makers: In an emergency or when a local health officer consents or does not act, the Secretary of Health may exercise the same authority as a local health officer to control and prevent disease and issue orders to cancel events. The Secretary of Health also has the authority to promote public health activities and educational campaigns. The Governor has broad authority to proclaim a state of emergency in order to preserve life, health, property, or public peace (RCW 43.06.220). A governor declared emergency could trigger limitations such as curfews, prohibitions of people on streets and open areas, limit the use of streets, highways or public ways; or other broad restrictions outlined by the law, such as prohibiting travel. Washington's laws against discrimination are outlined in RCW 49.60. Public officials should consider how communities may be impacted and take action to remove the stigma that may marginalize or discriminate against groups. Applicable Law(s): • RCW 43.06.220 — State of emergency — powers of governor pursuant to proclamation • RCW 43.70.020(3) — Department created • RCW 43.70.130 — Powers and duties of the Secretary of Health • RCW 70.05.070 — Local health officer — powers and duties (can be exercised by Secretary) • RCW 49.60 — Discrimination — Human Rights Commission Tribal governments have the authority and responsibility to control communicable diseases on tribal lands and are expected to do so according to the laws, rules, and regulations of the tribal government. They may decide their own criteria for canceling large gatherings. Recomrnendai ions for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 Federal Key Decision Makers: The federal government has independent authority when emergencies cross state and national borders. Applicable Law(s): • 42 U.S.C. § 247d — Public health emergencies • 42 U.S.C. § 264 - Regulations to control communicable diseases • 28 CFR Part 35 — Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services [JOINT ti • Establish guidance/requirements needed to request or order the cancellation of gatherings. • Identify affected events and disproportionately impacted communities. o Research upcoming cultural and religious holidays, observances, and events. o Assess economic impact for both individuals and larger communities (loss of wages, tourism revenue) • Plan community engagement efforts, methods, and approaches that are responsive to the needs, preferences, and values of the community. • Develop strategies to gain buy -in from event organizers and leadership • Plan for enforcement of cancellations o Partner with trusted community leaders o Assess need, benefit, and potential unintended consequences of working with law enforcement/security personnel. o Create mitigation strategies, as needed, to address any real, potential, or perceived issues or consequences of enforcement activities. • Determine whether events should be pre-emptively canceled. • Proactively address unintended consequences that inequitably impact historically marginalized individuals and communities may further erode trust with governmental systems needed for overall public health and future response efforts. • Ensure all strategies, communications, and engagement are culturally and linguistically appropriate and meet readability and accessibility guidelines. • Consider the impact on the healthcare system and their current capacity and if the intervention would reduce or increase burden. • Determine if implementation would mitigate burden on health care system to maintain essential medical services, especially for underserved populations. • Identify if this would decrease or increase absenteeism among health care workers. • Potential legal and ethical issues involving altered standards of care. Implementation eth s • Health officer order or request that major government -sponsored events/gatherings be canceled or postponed. o Meet with event organizers, committees and employees. ■ Explain the situation Recommendations for Events and Public Galherings: 3/4/2020 ■ Offer alternatives, if any, including a new location, rescheduling the event, or changing entrance rules. o Government -sponsored events or gatherings maybe affected anyway due to the Continuity of Operations Plan. o Work with public information officers/communication teams to get the information out with relevant Q&As and FAQs Create and distribute accessible, public messaging about closures o General messaging about why these measures are being taken. ■ Work with communications team to create messages that: • Meet readability and accessibility guidelines. • Are culturally and linguistically relevant. • Are translated into the most spoken languages in the affected area. • Are relevant/adaptable to the changing nature of the incident/outbreak. Communicate through multiple platforms and channels appropriate to the affected communities ■ Engage with community leaders or representatives for advice and buy -in. ■ Provide messages to LH1s and other partners to share with their constituents. ■ Provide consistent messaging throughout the state via media outreach. ■ Develop tailored messaging for disproportionately impacted communities. o Specific messaging about the cancellation of specific events. ■ Display appropriate messaging in places where attendees may see them. ■ Work with event organizers and to use their communication methods. Special Considerations • Requires excellent and effective communication mechanisms to notify the community of details and rationale. Communication must be culturally relevant and in a language and format that the audience can understand to be effective. • Any attempts to implement social distancing in cultural & religious gatherings should be informed by cultural & religious leaders. • Canceling events could affect civic participation and social cohesion. It could also create an opportunity for discrimination if only certain events are closed. • Postponing the event may benefit or negatively impact employees as well as attendees or participants, depending on the event and the individual's role. • This intervention will require detailed coordination between state, local government officials, and community organizations/leaders/groups. • This intervention will require detailed coordination with the event organizers and planners. • Cancellation of large events may affect individual income, revenue, employment, economic opportunity, and commerce. • Coordination with the Office of the Governor and/or local government leadership may be needed. • There should be consistency in which events are canceled. Cancellation should not be based on the communities likely to attend or work at the event. • Culturally and religiously diverse communities may be disproportionally impacted. • Families on the brink of housing insecurity may be disproportionately impacted by loss of wages, potentially increasing risk of missing rent payments, potentially increasing risk of eviction and homelessness. Homeless individuals already experience barriers to health care, services, and information. Recommendations for Events and Public Gatherings: 3/4/2020 • Unintended consequences that inequitably impact historically marginalized individuals and communities may further erode trust with governmental systems needed for overall public health and future response efforts. WIFE RETIEIVi [)e ..__ ".9-)J I Z 1 t SU0Nl " E 44y. i n EA -)bacv To: Executive Sidhu, County Health Board Members, Health Officer Greg Stern M.D. > From: Councilmember Elenbaasiil a Date: 3/12/2020 g'�x -e XIIIIB r> RE: Board of Health roles and responsibilities as it relates to COVID 19 Emergency Declaration and Response It is important to recognize that we are embarking on ground not often traveled. I think the chair said it best in yesterdays meeting when he stated, "this is not a drill." We are about to ask our citizens to do things that can feel very uncomfortable and far outside of what their local officials have ever asked them to do. It is for this reason that we take a deeper look at our structure and purpose as the "Board of Health" and the roll we must play in this operation. Last week the Governors office sent out a slide packet and we were given training on roles and responsibilities, specifically in regards to Non -pharmaceutical interventions, with our guiding light being RCW 70.05. As we are all aware, we are a home rule charter county. This is addressed in RCW 70.05.035 which states in part, "In Counties with a home rule charter the County legislative authority shall establish a local board of health and may prescribe the membership and selection process for the board" which we have done in Chapter 24 of our county code NZWITMIUMCM, Under authority of the Whatcom County Home Rule Charter Section 2.20(c), RCW Chapter 70.05, and other applicable state statutes, there is created a health department (hereafter referred to as the "department"), an executive department. 24.01.050 Creation of health board. The Whatcom County council shall constitute the official county health board, in accordance with RCW 70.05.035. Items for health board consideration shall be referred to the county council, unless required by law. (Ord. 2004-004; Ord. 99- 025; Ord. 95-055; Ord. 93-024; Ord. 91-040 (part); Ord. 90-10 Exh. A (part); Ord. 89-24 (part))." RCW 70.05.035 continues, "the county legislative authority may appoint to the board of health elected officials from cities and towns and persons other than elected officials as members so long as persons other than elected officials do not constitute a majority." It is my opinion that the intent of this section of the RCW is very important to consider in just such occasion as we find ourselves in right now. This importance, in my opinion, is due to the significant responsibility and duty that is put on the local board of health, the administrative officer or County Executive and the Local Health Officer. These duties are further defined in RCW 70.05.060 and RCW 70.05.070 as well as WCC 24.01. In our training we received from the Governors office a court case was used as an example of how the powers of the local health board and health officer are special and can go "above and beyond" the duties as elected officials. This court case is Spokane Board of Health v. Brockett, in this case the judge found, "Because protecting and preserving the health of its citizens from disease is an important governmental function, public health statutes and the actions of local health boards implementing those statutes are liberally construed. Snohomish Cy. Builders Ass'n v. Snohomish Health Dist., 8 Wn. App. 589, 595, 508 P.2d 617 (1973); see also Brown v. County of Pierce, 28 Wash. 345, 349, 350, 352, 68 P. 872 (1902); State ex rel. McBride v. Superior Court, 103 Wash. 409, 419-20, 174 P. 973 (1918). The legislatively delegated power to cities and health boards to control contagious diseases gives them extraordinary power which mi ht be unreasonable in another context. McBride, 103 Wash. at 420." "unreasonable in another context," let that sink in for a second. It is my presumption the mandate in the law for the majority of Health Board members to be elected officials is to maintain some form of accountability to the public in instances where "extraordinary power" must be implemented. While I believe our Health Officer is empowered to take actions by himself. I feel that the intent of the law is for him to work in a coordinated effort with the Board of Health and would be wise to do such at this unprecedented time. Again, as mentioned we are asking people to do things they have never been asked to do by their local and state governments. I believe the most effective way to do this, is to present in a coordinated fashion, in accordance with the law. Our County code states in 24.01.060 Powers and duties of health board. "The county council in its capacity as health board shall have the following legislative powers, in accordance with RCW 70.05.060, and other legislative duties that may be established by state or county law:" RCW 70.05.060 goes on to define, Powers and duties of local board of health. Each local board of health shall have supervision over all matters pertaining to the preservation of the life and health of the people within its jurisdiction and shall: (1) Enforce through the local health officer or the administrative officer appointed under RCW 70.05.040, if any, the public health statutes of the state and rules promulgated by the state board of health and the secretary of health; (2) Supervise the maintenance of all health and sanitary measures for the protection of the public health within its jurisdiction; (3) Enact such local rules and regulations as are necessary in order to preserve, promote and improve the public health and provide for the enforcement thereof; (4) Provide for the control and prevention of any dangerous, contagious or infectious disease within the jurisdiction of the local health department; (5) Provide for the prevention, control and abatement of nuisances detrimental to the public health; (6) Make such reports to the state board of health through the local health officer or the administrative officer as the state board of health may require; and (7) Establish fee schedules for issuing or renewing licenses or permits or for such other services as are authorized by the law and the rules of the state board of health: PROVIDED, That such fees for services shall not exceed the actual cost of providing any such services. This conversation is not complete without looking at, RCW 70.05.070 Local health officer —Powers and duties. The local health officer, acting under the direction of the local board of health or under direction of the administrative officer appointed under RCW 70.05.040 or 70.05.035, if any, shall: (1) Enforce the public health statutes of the state, rules of the state board of health and the secretary of health, and all local health rules, regulations and ordinances within his or her jurisdiction including imposition of penalties authorized under RCW 70.119A.030 and 70.118.130, the confidentiality provisions in RCW 70.02.220 and rules adopted to implement those provisions, and filing of actions authorized by RCW 43.70.190; (2) Take such action as is necessary to maintain health and sanitation supervision over the territory within his or her jurisdiction; (3) Control and prevent the spread of any dangerous, contagious or infectious diseases that may occur within his or her jurisdiction; (4) Inform the public as to the causes, nature, and prevention of disease and disability and the preservation, promotion and improvement of health within his or her jurisdiction; (5) Prevent, control or abate nuisances which are detrimental to the public health; (6) Attend all conferences called by the secretary of health or his or her authorized representative; (7) Collect such fees as are established by the state board of health or the local board of health for the issuance or renewal of licenses or permits or such other fees as may be authorized by law or by the rules of the state board of health; (8) Inspect, as necessary, expansion or modification of existing public water systems, and the construction of new public water systems, to assure that the expansion, modification, or construction conforms to system design and plans; (9) Take such measures as he or she deems necessary in order to promote the public health, to participate in the establishment of health educational or training activities, and to authorize the attendance of employees of the local health department or individuals engaged in community health programs related to or part of the programs of the local health department. Looking at both powers and duties sections, it is clear that the local health board has the duty to supervise "all matters' and the health officer is "acting under the direction of the health board or administrative officer' and it is also clear that our county code does not contradict the state law but as written, affirms it. Legal council made mention that our county code made the RCW somewhat irrelevant because we are a home rule charter county, I don't believe that to be the case. Section 24.01.100 concludes that, "If it would appear that any provisions of this title are in conflict with any statutory provisions of the state of Washington, such provisions of the title shall be deemed inoperative and void and shall be modified to conform to such statutory provisions."(of the state law) However, it does not appear our code contradicts state law. The court case mentioned above goes one step further in defining, " defendants (local health board and health officer) here are not relying on the general powers granted local officials under the state constitution. Rather, they are acting pursuant to public health statutes, namely RCW 70.05, which defines the powers and duties of local health officials,... RCW 70.05 The Legislature's broad grant of powers to local health officials is evident in RCW 70.05. The SCHD Board of Health is a "[I]ocal board of health", RCW 70.05.010(3), and as such *149 shall have supervision over all matters pertaining to the preservation of the life and health of the people within its jurisdiction and shall:.... (4) [p]rovide for the control and prevention of any dangerous, contagious or infectious disease within the jurisdiction of the local health department ..J.] RCW 70.05.060. [2] Local health officers, including plaintiff Dr. Beare (RCW 70.05.010(2)), likewise enjoy broad authority and are required to (2) [flake such action as is necessary to maintain health and sanitation supervision over the territory within his jurisdiction; (3) [c]ontrol and prevent the spread of any dangerous, contagious or infectious diseases that may occur within his jurisdiction; (4) [i]nform the public as to the causes, nature, and prevention of disease and disability and the preservation, promotion and improvement of health within his jurisdiction; Former RCW 70.05.070. Use of the word "shall" mandates that officials perform these duties. See State ex rel. Nugent v. Lewis, 93 Wn.2d 80, 82, 605 P.2d 1265 (1980)." In conclusion it is clear from County Code, State law and supported by Case law that we as a local health board and our local health officer are mandated to perform our duties. It is also my conclusion, due to the unprecedented path we are walking, that the local health officer not walk this path alone. I believe it would be prudent at this time to fully utilize the Health Board moving forward in its capacity as prescribed by law. I am in no way asking to micro manage the office of the executive, the health department or the local Health officer but to work together in accordance with the law to carry out our shared duty to protect the citizens of Whatcom County. While I have full faith in our Health Officer to make the correct decisions moving forward policy wise, he should not have to walk this path alone and I feel strongly any further actions asked of the public will be better received and more likely adhered too, therefore more effective, if they come from a coalition of elected officials and Health professionals. Our goal is to be able to control the spread of COVID 19 with voluntary measures, however if we need to enact policy that is mandatory, I feel our best chance of success is to work in full cooperation, which will require changes moving forward which we can discuss in today's meeting. Thank you. p � WHATCOM COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDER 2020-01 9`4jY i ri C ko ADJUSTING COUNTY OPERATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 EVENT WHEREAS, Whatcom County is committed to sustaining the highest possible level of service for citizens during the COVID-19 event; and WHEREAS, some County offices can provide essential services through web services, email, and telephone without doors being open to the public; and WHEREAS, the normal hours during which Whatcom County offices are open for the transaction of business shall be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays [County Code 2.64]; however. WHEREAS, limiting public contact can create "social -distance" safety for employees and safer operations for an office if the number of employees reporting to work drops below certain thresholds; and WHEREAS limiting public contact will also help achieve the goal of social distancing to provide support for containment of COVID-19; and WHEREAS, each Department Head and Elected Official is empowered to limit hours of doors - open public service on a day-by-day basis based on the following criteria: Determining which essential public services must be provided and plan for maintaining the new level of service 2. Ensuring telecommuting employees meet HR policy 3. Assigning available staff to perform essential public services 4. Posting public hours on the office door and the department's county website home page 5. Ensuring the County Executive's Office is kept apprised of the department's hours of operation NOW, THEREFORE, BY virtue of the power vested in me by the home rule charter for Whatcom County, I hereby declare that during the COVID-19 event, and while the County is NOT closed by Emergency Declaration, County operations shall limit as many "in -person" services as possible by start of business on March 18', 2020; DATED this day of March, 2020. S Satpal Singh Sid u, Whatcom County Executive Approved As To Form: Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Date_0(0 ZZ CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C. COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 0114 Co P y A IN to SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020 (DISTRIBUTED MARCH 16, 2020 AT 12:10 P.M.) SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue Executive Appointment COUNCILMEMBERS Rud Browne Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Carol Frazey Kathy Kershner 1. Request confirmation of the County Executive's appointment of Erika Lautenbach (formerly Nuerenberg) as Health Director effective 3/18/2020 pursuant to Whatcom County Code Section 24.01.030 (AB2020-137) Other Business Please note: In accordance with COVID-19 (corona virus) guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Whatcom County Health Department, gathering of large groups is currently not recommended due to the potential transmission of this disease. As an alternative to attending the meeting in person, please consider viewing the meeting live and online through the Legislative Information Center at https://whatcom.leuistar.com/Calendar.aspx For more information please contact the Clerk of the Whatcom County Council at (360) 778-5010. CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C. COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 COUNCILMEMBERS Rud Browne Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Carol Frazey Kathy Kershner SPECIAL HEALTH BOARD MEETING 1 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020 (DISTRIBUTED MARCH 13, 2020 AT 3:20 P.M.) The Whatcom County Council, acting as the Health Board, will meet for a Special Health Board Meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham. AGENDA Special Presentation 1. AB2020-116 Update on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Other Business Please note: There will be no opportunity for public comment during this meeting. In accordance with COVID-19 (corona virus) guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Whatcom County Health Department, gathering of large groups is currently not recommended due to the potential transmission of this disease. The first case of COVID-19 in Whatcom County was confirmed on March 10tn As an alternative to attending the meeting in person, please consider viewing the meeting live and online through the Legislative Information Center at https://whatcom.leciistar.com/Calendar.aspx For more information please contact the Clerk of the Whatcom County Council at (360) 778-5010. CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C. COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 P�GOM coo ti tLga IN 10 COUNCILMEMBERS Rud Browne Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas CarolFrazey Kathy Kershner NOTIFICATION: COUNCILMEMBERS PARTICIPATE REMOTELY IN SPECIAL COUNCIL AND SPECIAL HEALTH BOARD MEETINGS FOR MARCH 17, 2020 For the Special Council Meeting and the Special Health Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 1pm, all Councilmembers will participate remotely through an online web -based meeting platform. No Councilmembers will be present in the Council Chambers for the meeting. A live video of the online meeting will be projected on the screen in the Council Chambers, and a live stream of the meeting will be available for viewing through the Legislative Information Center. There will be no opportunity for public comment during these meetings. In accordance with COVID-19 (corona virus) guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Whatcom County Health Department, gathering of large groups is currently not recommended due to the potential transmission of this disease. Whatcom County strongly encourages members of the public to view the meeting live online through the Legislative Information Center at https://whatcom.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx rather than attending in person. If you do attend the meeting in the Council Chambers, please consider the CDC Guidelines available here: https://www.cdc.govlcoronavirus/2019-ncov/preparelprevention.html This includes the following guidance: - Stay home if you are sick - Cover coughs and sneezes - Wash your hands before you leave the house and when you arrive - Maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and other people For more information please contact the Clerk of the Whatcom County at 360-778-5010. CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C. COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 P�GOM coo ti tLga IN 10 COUNCILMEMBERS Rud Browne Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas CarolFrazey Kathy Kershner NOTIFICATION: COUNCILMEMBERS PARTICIPATE REMOTELY IN SPECIAL COUNCIL AND SPECIAL HEALTH BOARD MEETINGS FOR MARCH 17, 2020 For the Special Council Meeting and the Special Health Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 1pm, all Councilmembers will participate remotely through an online web -based meeting platform. No Councilmembers will be present in the Council Chambers for the meeting. A live video of the online meeting will be projected on the screen in the Council Chambers, and a live stream of the meeting will be available for viewing through the Legislative Information Center. There will be no opportunity for public comment during these meetings. In accordance with COVID-19 (corona virus) guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Whatcom County Health Department, gathering of large groups is currently not recommended due to the potential transmission of this disease. Whatcom County strongly encourages members of the public to view the meeting live online through the Legislative Information Center at https://whatcom.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx rather than attending in person. If you do attend the meeting in the Council Chambers, please consider the CDC Guidelines available here: https://www.cdc.govlcoronavirus/2019-ncov/preparelprevention.html This includes the following guidance: - Stay home if you are sick - Cover coughs and sneezes - Wash your hands before you leave the house and when you arrive - Maintain a distance of 6 feet between yourself and other people For more information please contact the Clerk of the Whatcom County at 360-778-5010. WHATCOM COUNTY GREG STERN, M.D., HEALTH HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFICER COVID-19 OUTBREAK EMERGENCY HOUSING GRANT Washington State of Department of Commerce $905,821 March 15, 2020 through September 30, 2020 GRANT PURPOSE: Provide funding for emergency housing necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Immediate focus and priority is on meeting the unmet need for quarantine and isolation housing for people living unsheltered or otherwise in need of quarantine or isolation housing due to the COVID-19 outbreak. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES: 1. Facility leasing, operations, services, maintenance, administration and all other costs associated with new or repurposed housing (NOT Rental Assistance) 2. Increased sanitation activities in existing homeless housing and subsidized housing, or for people living unsheltered a. Supplies, staff costs, outreach, administration and all other costs associated with improving sanitation 3. Acquisition, construction and other costs necessary to obtain and prepare for occupancy housing necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak 4. Planning and administration expenses 5. Funds can be used to provide housing and other services "as long as the expenditures are in good faith realistically available to people who are unsheltered or living in homeless housing" 6. Other activities outside the stated scope in the Grant if such expenditures are critical to addressing the COVID-19 outbreak 509 GIRARD STREETPILL Whatcom County BELLINGHAM, WA 98225-40051500 360.778.6000 6 FAXHEALTH NORTH STATE STREET 360.778.6001 19H/,):OMCOUNTYHEALTHDepartment 360.778.E 00 FAX 360.778.6101 WWW.WHATCOMCOUNTY.US/HEALTH r r'HATCOMCOHEALTH