East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

POMEROY-Martha Lanman Garfield County Health District (GCHD) Administrator presented the updated COIVD-19 statistics for Garfield County at the GCHD meeting August 24, stating there have been 115 residents and 15 non-residents tested with 111 negative results, four positives, no positive results within the county in the last 14 days and currently no tests pending.

In comparison, Asotin County has become a real concern in the last two weeks, which has seen positive test results double, and new cases reported every day. Walla Walla County is still experiencing positive cases as well, especially at the penitentiary. Whitman County has had a recent surge in positive cases, with 31 in one day, and 39 the next day over the August 22 weekend.

Lanman recommends that local citizens remain vigilant and be aware of who they are around, and be aware of the recommended six-foot distance from others. “Six feet is farther away than most people realize,” said Lanman. “We want to keep everyone safe so we can open school, and we need extra care to keep it that way.”

The two Health District nurses, Elizabeth Springer and Jackie Tetrick, have participated in their first COVID-19 vaccine training in preparation for receiving the vaccine in the future. Lanman is also preparing for the vaccine arrival by purchasing a new medical freezer and refrigerator, which will replace the refrigerator/freezer combination unit the Health District currently uses, and bring them up to standards and in compliance for storing the new vaccine when it arrives. The cost is about $1,500 each for the separate freezer and refrigerator units, but they will be able to keep constant temperatures much better. COVID-19 funding will be used to pay for the units. Lanman also reported that she has signed up for a program which will allow the Health District to receive some free adult vaccine doses, such as for shingles and pneumonia.

The Health District will soon be able to do all contact tracing electronically, which should speed things up for making those contacts. Currently, all contacts have to be made by individual phone calls. Even though Garfield County has not had much COVID-19 activity, contact tracing still must be done for infected individuals from outside the county who may have had contact with someone who is local.

The Health Care Coalition committee, including staff members from the Health District, Hospital District, and Emergency Management, continues to meet regularly to keep updated on COVID-19 needs within the county. They continue to place regular orders for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) supplies to be able to keep a good supply in the community. So far, these supplies are being paid for by the State.

Lanman has approved the restructured Garfield County Fair plan for the Livestock Show and Sale, as well as the 4-H still life entries, and believes it is a good plan if everyone follows the guidelines. She stated, however, that if the school is required to close before the Fair events, the limited Fair events will also have to be cancelled. She reported that she and the two Health District nurses will be making a presentation to students at the school when classes start, to answer any questions they may have about COVID-19.

The Health District has some COVID-19 funding to help people who need to be tested, but are cautious because a possible positive will require them to stay home and quarantine for two weeks. Many people cannot afford to miss two weeks of work. The COVID-19 funds are available through the Department of Health (DOH), and are intended to help with expenses during the quarantine period, such as food, rent, and utilities. Rachel Anderson, on behalf of Pomeroy Assist, also offered that they have $18,000 that can be used as well to assist people with such expenses while waiting for the DOH money.

The COVID-19 Emergency Housing Grant will continue until December 31, 2020. The Health District has enough money left from the grant to cover the extended amount of time. This grant provides housing for those infected individuals who need alternate housing during their quarantine period to keep other household members safe from exposure.

Garfield County Health District Board Member, Alberta Wolf, has resigned her position effective Sept. 1, 2020. She has served on the board since August, 2013. Lanman stated that during her time on the board, Wolf’s nursing knowledge has been extremely valuable and has helped guide the District. The open position will be advertised, and names of those interested in applying will be brought to the next meeting of the Health District, September 28, as part of the agenda of the County Commissioners.