HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-38 - Res. Adopting Request for Variance from COVID-19 Phase 1 Recovery to Phase 2 Recovery MASON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION NO. >Da'0-3$
A Resolution Adopting a Request for Variance from COVID-19 Phase 1 Recovery to
Phase 2 Recovery
WHEREAS, Mason County Community Services, Public Health opened Incident Command for support
of COVID-19 response on February 24,2020; and
WHEREAS, Mason County initiated Area Command on March 4, 2020 to address COVID-19
response; and
WHEREAS, the Governor has proposed a means by which counties may move from COVID-19
Phase 1 response to COVID-19 Phase 2 response through the use of a variance request; and
WHEREAS, the Mason County Board of Commissioners recognizes the need to balance safety
from COVID-19 as well as the need to recover the economy and medical system; and
WHEREAS, the Mason County Board of Commissioners met in a special meeting, in compliance
with the Open Public Meetings Act, on May 11, 2020 to consider the Application for Variance,
COVID-19 Phase 1 to COVID-19 Phase 2; and
NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mason County Board of Commissioners to approve
the Mason County Application for Variance from COVID-19 Phase 1 to Phase 2 (Attachment A) and
direct staff to send to the Washington State Department of Health.
Adopted this 11th day of May 2020
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
-� ,l�
Sharon Tras , Chair
Randy atherlin, Commissioner
1
Kevin Shutty, C4mffiissioner
ATFEST.Q,,,—.,.
Melissa EYrewry, Clerk of h Board
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Tim-Whitehead, Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor
J:\RESOLUTIONS&ORDINANCES\RESOLUTIONS-ORDINANCES Word Files\2020\COVID request to Phase 2-
Commissioners.docx
Attachment A
Mason County Application lication for
Variance
Phase Z to Phase 2
Abstract
Mason County application to Washington Department of Health to move from Phase 1 recovery
to Phase z
David Windom
dwindom@co.rnason.wa.us
Contents
Statementof Purpose.............................................................................................................................z
Washington's Phased Approach..............................................................................................................z
PublicHealth Criteria ..............................................................................................................................3
CaseData............................................................................................................................................3
Case.................................................................................................................................................4
Case Calculations for Release..............................................................................................................4
Hospitalizations...............................................................................................................2...................5
Physical Distancing Adherence Trends...........:....................................................................................5
LongTerm Care Facilities.........................................................................................4..........................5
Readinessand Capabilities Needed.........................................................................................................5
HealthcareSystem Readiness.......m.............................................................m.........................m.............5
BedAvailability................................................................................................................................5
Ventilators.......................................................................................................................................6
PPE..................................................................................................................................................6
TestingCapacity and Availability......m.....2.........................................................m.......m..........................6
Caseand Contact Investigations..........................................................................................................6
Ability to Protect High-risk Populations ..............................................................................................7.
SocialConsiderations..........................................................................................................................7 .
MasonCounty is Ready...........................................................................................................................8
Summary................................................................................................................................................8
DAVID WINDOM 1
Statement of Purpose
Mason County seeks a collaborative and responsible approach to moving our community from Phase 1
Recovery into Phase z. Mason County with a comprehensive partnership with the community,tribes,
health care,first responders,city,and county leadership,continue to achieve meeting or exceeding the
criteria need to reopen our local economy and support medical systems. Mason County's population
estimate is 66,768(census.gov,515/2020),which is below the next phase standard established by the
governor's office.As a responsible governing body, Mason County is seeking this variance to prevent
collapse orfurther unnecessary and preventable second and third order of effects.
Washington's Phased Approach
Governor Inslee, in collaboration with local elected officials,the Department of Health,and local health
jurisdictions, has established a data-driven approach to reopening businesses and modifying physical
distancing measures while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-3.9.This approach reduces the risk
of COVID-i.g to Washington's most vulnerable populations and preserves capacity in our healthcare
system,while opening businesses safely.The plan involves assessing COVID-1.9 activity in the state
along with healthcare system readiness and our state's ability to perform extensive testing, isolate and
manage cases,quarantine their contacts,and protect high risk populations.The state will implement a
phased approach to reopening businesses and modifying physical distancing measures when disease
activity is adequately suppressed, and readiness is achieved in four key areas.
WASHINGTON`S PHASED APPROACH
Modifying Physical Distancing Measures as we Reopen the State
INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES SHOULD FOLLOW ALL REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE DURING ALL PHASES
a El El. [I
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4
High-Risk * Resume pubic lnteractlons,
Populations* continue to stay Home,stay Healthy continue to StayHome,stayHealthy continue to Stay Home,stay Healthy with physical distancing
-Outdoor group rec,sports activities
(Soorfevrerpeo�e)
-Recreationaifed Ities at<50%mpadty
Outdoor recreation imolvingS orfewer [gyms,public pools,etc.)
Recreation Some outdoor recreation PeopleouWdeyyourhauseholI ProfesslorsalsctsavithoutaWbance
(hun",fnbing,gol4 boating,h0dng) {ramping,beaches,etc) participation thorseradng,baseball,etc.) Resume all recreational activity
Gatherings "Hone Gatherwtth no more than co
-Orive•In sphitual service with people Allwi thedngs with no more than
(sodal,splritual) onahousdraldpervehicle outside your household per week 50people Allow gatherings with>50 people
Essential travel and limited non-essential Essential trawl and limitednors•essentlal
Travel trawl for Phase l permissible activities travel for Phase l&a permissible activities Resume non-essential travel Continua nonessential travel
-Reming ain in, I c,uring
-Additional construction phases
-Irkhome/domesticservices -Restauranbhaverns c75%capacity/
fnannies,housecleaning,etc.) table size no larger than10
-Retail(ft"tore purchases allowed -Bar areas Inrestuarant/tavemsat
wllhrestrictiore) <St6tapacily
-Essential businesses open -Realestate •Moyle theaters at tSO%Capadry-
-Existin construction that meets -professional services/office-based -Customerrfadny government services
agreed uponokerla busbnesses(telewarkiemalm shongly (telemrk remains stronglyencouraged) -N{ghtdubs
-landscaping encouraged) .Ubrades •Carrcettvenues
-Auto/RWboat/ORVsales -HafrandnallsalDns/barbers •Museums -largesportfng evenh
BUSIne55� -
Retail(Cur"doplck-up orders only) •Patgmominyy •AlloOnerbuslnessactivltlesnotyet -Resuneumestd tedstafingofwosksltes,
-earwashes -fiestatuants/taverro<50%opacity table Ibted except fornlghtcluhsand events but continue to practice physleal
Employers •Petwalken size no larger than 5(nobar-area seating) with greater than 50 people distancing and good hygiene
•red+tl�k�pu4tbeurea.xvaydAmrq CDCxca�masnw,f.raie ,!,.1arPrli.da7ao.sWerw Atnm,Wal�mdnnsrWodaryrurwn,v,nop,D.ndadloa grewiA+ahvntri,n0a mmmabn4c.�nvwu7�4 Pr�raMMe�Ilw�hnrlNi{
Dtopk�a arelmeLUtcmFntmislAlkor4atE1Wet2atecas DMDleq hluni9el trot eePWJNCkJtq���,r trJegr)ngalBl:a rrJttcPawrnaw aieuraMN+rr,nvm�nmsn)tanxuicrqu,mraerxnn
DAVID WINDOM 2
Mason County seeks to use a locally based version of this approach to move from Phase i as outlined,
by the Governor's office,to a Phase z as acknowledge in the following variance request. Mason County
continues to experience very low occurrence of new cases since the observed peak in late March. It is
conceivable that low numbers of cases may continue to come in over an extended period with potential
increased testing capacity statewide.As new cases trickle in,they fall well within the capability of the
current resources available in Mason County to maintain further test,track,and trace. It is observed
that all positive tests received in April and May have traced back to being symptomatic in March and
continue to fall since the peak that was observed at the end of March.
Mason County continues to move past the most highly infectious stage of COVID-19. Businesses,
organizations,and the public have been incredibly responsible in complying with all recommendations.
This has brought the case levels down but is also having increasingly harsh effects on economies and
lives.With a comprehensive partnership with the community,tribes, health officials,emergency
responders,city and county leadership, Mason County is strongly prepared and ready to move forward
into Phase 2.
Public Health Criteria
Case Data
Data as of May 01.202011:59PM PT
Confirmed cases by county
Hover over a county for details
Total Confirmed 25
Cases
Total Deaths i ` �
Total Tests 1,155
t r
Percent Positive 2.2%
p Mason County Age 0-19 0 0
Age 20-39 2 0
Age 40-59 9 0
Age 60-79 10 1
Age 80+ 1 0
Positive UnkAge 0 0 1
1 https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
DAVID WINDOM 3
Click here:
COVID-19 in Washington State
Illnesses that began in Confirmed Cases
Data as of May 01,20201159PM PT the last to i days may
notyet be reported.
J—".�..s
*Confirmed cases
❑Jefferson C"MI
4 ❑mngcounry
❑IG=P Couny
�fGititas Count/
3 ❑Kndiulcoimy
❑Lerris Couny
M1
C C 10 PAasam CCamty
v2 1 7 OP.anogan county
2
o Pdaro.1 Cswnrf �
v
I II IIII I II I II
itb 2020 Atar2020 Apr20.',D Afay 2020
Date of illness onset
Case
COVID-19 in Washington State Counties
Number of Individuals Tested by Specimen Collection Date Mason`cAmt'
Data as of May 01,MO 11:59PM PT
2.2% of individuals test positive Data may be
incomplete forthe
most recent dates
•Positive D Negative
40
F 30
I i'I:1 I Ii! I •I I 14i ! I I I ) � jtl, �j�
10
r
Q ,�
_
Mar 2020 Apr 2020 May 2020
Specimen Collection Data
Case Calculations for Release
Using CDC recommendations of.77 new cases per soo,000 people and applying that to Mason County
we show the following calculation.Convert.77/3.00,000 to x/64,000(Mason Population)=.L.5/64,000
cases per day. From March:L"to May sst=64 days. 25 cases/64 days=.38 cases per day,well below CDC
recommendations. From April 215t to May sith(three weeks)Mason County has had .23.cases per
day which falls well within the ability of public health to track and trace as well as well within the
health care system ability to treat.
DAVID WINDOM 4
Hospitalizations
As of May zst, Mason County has had two patients hospitalized in hospitals outside of Mason County.
Mason General Hospital has had no in-patient cases of COVID-19. Mason General Hospital currently has
capacity far more than what has been required for both COVID-19 and general patients.
Physical Distancing Adherence Trends
DOH does not maintain the same detailed set of adherence data for small counties as it does for greater
Puget Sound urban communities.An extrapolation could be made using Seattle data for Mason County
due to its proximity. "Based on the aggregated Facebook data, we can say with confidence mobility
behavior in the greater Seattle area has reduced dramatically since early March,when it first became
clear community transmission of COVID-19 was occurring in the area.Significantly fewer people are
commuting to work, and many more people are spending their days at home. However,we see evidence
of inconsistency, particularly during weekends. Mobility is not a direct measure of social distancing;
while these data indicate people are spending much more time at home and away from shared spaces
(which has been shown to reduce disease transmission),we cannot use it to determine the percent
reduction in social contact.See the follow-up report to learn how these changes in mobility relate to
reductions inCOVID-19 transmission."'
Long Term Care Facilities
Since the very beginning of the COVID-3.9 crisis, Mason County long term care facilities have been our
highest priority prevention effort.To date,no instances of infection have occurred in our LTC facilities.
Readiness and Capabilities deeded
Healthcare System Readiness
Bed Availability
Throughout the COVID response Mason County has never reached or exceeded bed capability either
for COVID patients or patients requiring hospital beds for other reasons.Currently Mason General
stands mostly empty.
Current Availability as of May 3, 2020
Within county:231 beds
Mason General Hospital
• 26 beds available
• zo additional expansion beds
In addition to hospital facilities, Mason County Community Services(MCCS)also has a 3.00 bed
Alternate Care Facility ready to deploy to the middle school directly behind Mason General Hospital to
provide further capability. MCCS also provided support to Community Lifeline to add a ten-bed
capacity to care for ill homeless.County owned Building 3.o converted to an isolation/quarantine facility
https://covid.idmod.orq/data/Understanding_impact_of COVID_policy_change_Seattle.pdf
DAVID WINDOM 5
with 75 beds,showers, and porta-potties to handle an outbreak within the homeless population should
one occur.
Outside of county bed availability generally:
• Thurston Capitol average 25 available
• Thurston St. Pete average 37 Available
• Kitsap Harrison 14-20
Ventilators
Mason General currently has 3 ventilators with 4 on order and two bipap(non-invasive)machines which
can be converted
PPE
• Mason General currently has adequate PPE for both COVID-zg response and clinical operations
• Area Command has PPE for EMS, law enforcement and emergency management.The pipeline
continues to fill
• Mason General has the ability to surge within its own facility as well as having access to soo
beds in a public health provided Alternate Care Facility
Testing Capacity and Availability
As noted in the graph above, Mason County continues to maintain adequate capacity for testing.
Mason General Hospital conducts daily drive-through testing averaging 25-35 tests per day.Other
testing capacity exists with Harrison Hospital, Port Orchard,as well as Peninsula Health Care Systems
in Belfair and Kitsap County. Laboratory resources are adequate through the public health lab and
private labs.Total tests average 25-35 Per day.Tests are geographically and economically available to
all populations.
Case and Contact Investigations
Mason County Department of Community Services, Public Health and Human Services Division
maintains a highly trained communicable disease staff with experience in contacts investigations.
Three full time staff are dedicated to current investigations with an additional staffing of seven
investigators available should the need arise.At the peak in March, Mason County did not exceed the
capacity of the first line series of investigators.loo percent of positive cases are investigated within 24
hours.
Investigators maintain communication with positive cases throughout their case progression to ensure
that positive cases have the resources needed through recovery.
All cases with the exception of the two cases hospitalized outside of Mason County,all cases have
isolated and recovered at home.The county has the capability to isolate/quarantine an additional 17o
cases utilizing the alternate care facility and the Building so isolation and quarantine facility.
Should the need arise, DOH maintains strike teams that would support Mason County Staff in contact
tracing and tracking.
DAVID WINDOM 6
Ability to Protect High-risk Populations
Mason County maintains the ability to immediately respond to outbreaks in congregate settings such
as long-term care facilities, homeless shelters,jails,and works with Department of Corrections for
prison facilities.
• To date,there have been no cases within the long-term care facilities in Mason County.
Outreach to LTC's was the very first priority.
• Mason County maintains internal capacity to respond to outbreaks within 24 hours and has the
ability to reach out to DOH strike teams if needed.
• Through local positive case reports and monitoring of the DOH website3, Mason County
maintains situational awareness of cases and works with partners such as the Squaxin Tribe and
Skokomish Tribe to ensure that vulnerable populations receive protection.
Social Considerations
The stress put upon the population from the"Stay Home, Stay Healthy"is beginning to takes its toll.
Suicide rates since the lock down began have doubled past normal expectations.Though it can't be
definitively listed as causation,there is a very high and suggestive correlation.
The population sees the allowed activities as arbitrary and capricious.Anger continues to grow
amongst those that were initially supportive of policies to reduce the effects of the virus. Lives and
livelihoods are severely impacted. If restrictions cannot be relaxed in a controlled way immediately,
public support may well vanish by the end of May.
3 https;//nwww.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
DAVID WINDOM 7
Mason County is Ready
Phase 1 Phase Z
High Risk Populations Continue to Stay Home,Stay Healthy Continue to Stay Home,Stay Healthy
Golf,fishing,hunting,boating, All outdoor recreation involving fever
Recreation hiking) than 5 people outside your household
None-
Drive•in spiritual services with one Gatherwith no more than 5 people from
Gatherings household pervehicle outside your household perweek
Limit non-essential travel vAthih proximity
Travel Only essential travel of yourhome
Nero construction
Remaining Manufacturing
Esstential businesses open In-home domestic services
Existing construction that meets Retail in-store
criteria Real Estate
Landscaping Professional Services/off ice based
Automobile Sales businesses
Curbside retail Salons and Barbers
Car Washes Housecleaning
Business/Employers Petwalkers Restaurants c50%capacity
We have all the policies and support systems in place to move forward into Phase z. Our case peak
happened over a month ago. Cases per day are at.38 which is well below CDC recommendations of.77
cases per day/s.00,000. Our businesses and communities are prepared with great, common sense
interventions of their own that fully support the effortto prevent a second wave(as an example,see
Annex A).The Emergency Operations Center stands ready to implement the move to Phase z as soon
as possible.
Timeline(Tentative):
• Monday May 41h, present to Area Command and key partners
• Tuesday May 5th,send to Board of Health and County Commissioners
• Wednesday May 6th,request letter of support from Mason General Hospital
• Wednesday May 61h, request special meetings of the BOH and BOCC
• Monday May zsth,submit completed packet to John Wiesman,Secretary of Health.
Summary
Mason County strongly believes to have addressed each item in Governor Inslee's Plan to Re-open
Washington at the state level based on county capabilities and data.We kindly request to be
considered and approved to allow Mason County tojoin our neighboring counties of Grays Harbor and
Jefferson in moving into Phase z.
DAVID WINDOM 8
Latest Update: May 1,2020
Ridge Motorsports Park - Participant Guidelines
Ridge Motorsports Park(RMP)
In preparing for the return to participant track days,you will read about[CLEAN-COVER-CONFINE].As
the country,and motorsports in particular,gradually eases back into business it is important to
remember that everyone needs to remain aware of reducing and eventually eliminating the spread of
COVID-19. Keeping these three simple words in mind as you go about your business will enable all of us
to work toward the time when tracks will reverberate to the sound of motorsports and the cheering of
fans.
PRE-EVENT
a. HEALTH
i. if Participant,is sick or displays symptoms of COVID-19,STAY HOME
ii. Covid-19 Symptoms includes Fever, Muscle Pain,Cough,Headache,Shortness of breath or
difficulty breathing,Sore Throat, Loss of Taste or Smell,Chills or Repeated Shaking with
Chills.
iii. CDC COVID-19 Symptoms/Symptoms of Coronavirus Guidelines:
https://www.cdc.gov/coron avirus/2019-ncov/sym ptomstesti ng/svm ptoms.htm I
b. PERSONAL HYGEINE
i. Participants should wash hands with soap and water every 20-minutes throughout the
day...Sanitizer should ONLY support hand-washing, not take the place of. [CLEAN]
ii. Participants should wash hands after being in a public place,after blowing nose,coughing,
or sneezing;preparing and/or consuming food. [CLEAN]
Participants should avoid touching their face. [CLEAN-COVER] L CDC Hand-Washing&
Hand Sanitizer Guidelines-
https://www.cdc.gov/ha dwashing/when-how-handwashing.htmI
C. PREPARATION
i. NO CASH...Participants will need a Credit or Debit card as ALL transactions at the Facility will
be CARD ONLY
ii. Participants should bring cloth Face Cover(or similar)and Gloves...PLEASE DO NOT use any
medical-style Face Masks or Gloves that would otherwise be used by a health care worker.
pg. 1
Latest Update: May 1,2020
Special consideration may need to be given to the fact that some Staff will be
communicating via 2-way or 1-way radios. [COVER]
iii. Ridge Cafe will be open with limited menu options...Participants should be permitted to
bring a cooler...NO Alcohol...NO Glass.
iv. Participants should prepare to stay in Race Haulers, Personal Vehicles,or Motorhomes
following event. [CONFINE]
d. CLEANING
L Participants shall professionally clean &disinfect all equipment prior to arrival to the
Facility. [CLEAN]
ii. It is highly recommended that all trucks,trailers, motorhomes and personal vehicles be
actively disinfected through a wipe-down process by individual attendees prior to arrival at
the Event. Professional cleaning services may be considered by some Participants. [CLEAN]
e. CONSIDERATIONS
i. If you live with someone over the age of 65 or with underlying medical conditions,you
should consider staying home or be prepared to self-quarantine upon your return.
[CONFINE]
ii. CDC'How to Protect Yourself&Others'Guidelines:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-gettingsick/prevention.htmi
f. TRAVEL
i. Participants should travel and attend with household contacts only if possible.
[CONFINE] lit. CDC Travel Considerations:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.htmi
EVENT EXPERIENCE
a. ARRIVAL
i. Participants should leave one (1) parking space in between ALL Race
Haulers and park in their respective designated area. [CONFINE]
b. TRANSACTIONS
I. There will be NO Cash transactions at the Facility...ALL transactions must be by
Credit or Debit Card.
C. SOCIAL DISTANCING
L Participants should practice Social Distancing at ALLtimes at the track day including
any necessary one-on-one conversation. [CONFINE]
ii. CDC Social-Distancing Guidelines:
pg.2
Latest Update: May 1,2020
https://www.cd c.gov/co ro n avirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getti nssick/socia I-
distancins.html
d. GROUPS
i. Participants should not congregate in groups larger than ten (10)and when/if doing
so they should practice Social-Distancing and should wear cloth face covers.
[COVER-CONFINE]
e. PERSONAL HYGEINE
i. There will be hand-washing stations located throughout the Facility. Participants
should wash hands with soap and water every 20-minutes throughout the
day...Sanitizer should ONLY support hand washing, not take the place of. [CLEAN]
ii. Participants should wear cloth Face Cover(or similar)and Gloves when around
other Attendees...PLEASE DO NOT use any medical-style Face
Masks and Gloves that would otherwise be used by a health care worker.Special
consideration may need to be given to the fact that some Staff will be
communicating via 2-way or 1-way radios. [COVER]
iii. Participants should avoid touching their face. [COVER-COVER] iv. Participants
should cover ALL coughs&sneezing. [COVER]v. CDC Hand-Washing&Hand
Sanitizer Guidelines:
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
f. ACCESSIBLE AREAS
i. ALL Participants MUST stay in the participant parking Areas,specifically their
designated pit area, other than when on the track. [CONFINE]
ii. There will be NO spectator access
g. CONCESSIONS
i. Ridge Cafe will be open with a limited menu.
ii. There will be NO CASH transactions at the cafe;all items should be paid for by
Credit or Debit Card.
iii. When lining up to enter the Facility,or for the Ridge Cafe, Participants should
observe the pre-marked lines indicating six-feet spacing.
[COVER-CONFINE]
iv. Food and beverages should be consumed at respective pit location.
(there will be no "Food Court"orseating area forgroups)[CONFINE]
pg.3
Latest Update: May 1,2020
POST-EVENT PLAN
a. CLEANING
L Participants are strongly recommended to use active disinfection of high-use surfaces
through a wipe-down prior to leaving the Facility. [CLEAN]
I It is highly recommended that Participants conduct additional disinfection upon
returning to their homes, places of business or race shops. It is encouraged to employ a
lockdown strategy for a period of 96 hours. [CLEAN-
CONFINE]
b. HEALTH
i. If an attendee feels any COVID-19 Symptoms within 72 hours of thecompletion of the
track day we ask you to contact the event organizer and see your primary doctor.
(CONFINE)
ii. Covid-19 Symptoms includes Fever, Muscle Pain,Cough, Headache,Shortness of breath or
difficulty breathing,Sore Throat, Loss of Taste or Smell, Chills or Repeated Shaking with
Chills.
CDC GUIDLINES
b. SUPPORT DOCUMENTS
L COVID-19 Symptoms
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/svmlotomstesting/svmi)toms.html
ii. Community Mitigation Strategies
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-
strategy.pdf
iii. Hand Washing&Hand Sanitizer Use
a. https://www.cdc.goy/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.htmi
iv. Mass Gathering Guidelines
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/large-
Events/mass-gatherings-ready-for-COVID-19.html
v. How to Protect Yourself&Others
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prEvent-
gettingsick/prEvention.html
vi. Social Distancing Guidelines
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/PrEvent-gettingsick/social-
distancing.html
vii. Travel Guidelines
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-inthe-us.htmI
pg.4
Latest Update:May 1,2020
viii. Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV2 as Compared with SARS-CoV1
a. https://www.neim.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973
ix. Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/organizations/cleaning
disinfection.html
x. FDA Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
a. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/foodsafety-and-
coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
xi. CDC Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
a. https:/hyww.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-
2019-ncov-fact-sheet.pdf
xii. CDC Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/disinfecting-building-
facility.html
xiii. CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to
Coronavirus
a. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidancebusiness-
response.html
xiv. Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Covid-19
a. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
This document has been reviewed by and incorporates feedback from the following industry experts:
Agajanian &Anthony, P.C.
www.agajanianandanthony.com
Mr.Jeff Ladd
Sports Insurance Specialists, LLC www.kicksomerisk.com
Jack Faircloth, MD
Atrium Health
Diplomate ABFM
North Mecklenburg County, NC COVID-19 Briefing Coordinating Panelist
pg.5
MASON COUNTY
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Building,Planning,Environmental Health,Community Health
May 12,2020
To whom it may concern:
I first would like to thank the Governor and the state officials for providing an excellent preliminary
response to this pandemic. I think we, in Washington State, have been very successful in flattening the
curve and are seeing a reduction in COVID-19 diagnoses and deaths throughout the state. Mason County
as well has created a strong,coordinated approach to combating the novel coronavirus. I am proud that
we have demonstrated very few cases since our peak and that our established healthcare system has
not become overwhelmed.
Because of these successes as listed above, I, as the health officer for Mason County,would recommend
a Phase 2 variance. Currently, Mason County has continued to see sporadic cases of COVID-19,
indicating that there are still low levels of transmission in our community. As outlined in the variance
request,we have been able to prepare our community and we feel that our healthcare system, case and
contact investigations and isolation and quarantine availability are prepared for additional cases that
may arise. I recognize that relaxing social distancing rules and expanding businesses could pose a threat
to increase the spread of this virus in our area, and that we may be potentially susceptible to additional
spikes in cases. I believe that continuing to encourage social distancing is required to maintain our low
incidence rate.Allowing outdoor recreation including fewer than 5 people outside the household,
opening remaining manufacturing, additional construction, in-home/domestic services, retail with
restrictions, real estate, professional services/office-based businesses,salons and barbers, restaurants
and pet grooming will likely involve only a small increase in risk. I believe that our system is ready to
accommodate the potential for increased cases. County business partners and officials have assured me
that all businesses will be evaluated prior to opening that they meet the required opening criteria, and
that the businesses would be able to protect patrons.We would use our local authority to regulate the
safety of businesses.
Mason County recognizes our responsibility as an early adopter of the phased reopening.As we
cautiously restart our economy,we will need to evaluate and act quickly to contain additional
outbreaks. I am especially concerned about reopening rapidly and exposing high-risk individuals. Even
with allowing additional access to business resources,we will continue to stress the importance of
restricting exposure to those who are at a very high risk of death if exposed to the SARS-CoV-2.
Public Health Community Development
(Community Health/Environmental Health) (Permit Assistance Center/Building/Planning)
415 N.6t'Street—Shelton,WA98584 615 W.AlderStreet—Shelton,WA98584
Shelton:360-427-9670,Ext.400 Shelton:360-427-9670,Ext.352
Belfair:360-275-4467,Ext.400 Belfair:360-275-4467,Ext.352
Elma:360-482-5269,Ext.400 Elma:360-482-5269,Ext.352
If we are allowed to move forward with a Phase 2 variance, we will continue to monitor the situation.
Mason County is prepared to reevaluate and potentially further restrict these services to step back to
Phase 1 if needed. I appreciate the excellent work of our Board of County Commissioners,the Mason
County Board of Health,the Public Health Department, and our overall health system for allowing us to
have this discussion.
Sincerely,
Dan Stein,MD,Health Officer
Public Health Community Development
(Community Health/Environmental Health) (Permit Assistance Center/Building/Planning)
415 N.61 Street—Shelton,WA 98584 615 W.Alder Street—Shelton,WA 98584
Shelton:360-427-9670,Ext.400 Shelton:360-427-9670,Ext.352
Belfair:360-275-4467,Ext.400 Belfair:360-275-4467,Ext.352
Elma:360-482-5269,Ext.400 Elma:360-482-5269,Ext.352