In other words the public doesn't know any better about taking precautions against covid-19 on our own, now unelected health officers needs to step in and tell us what to wear, and how to behave. They must had the press release ready to be shared before the meeting on Friday or something. Everyone knew this was already decided on, the meeting a mere formality I bet!---Peter Ripley
The following is a press release issued on Friday from the board of health after their meeting.
https://clallam.app.box.com/s/pdc8ykbn2htw7l1tx8kygapfp0982kcr
Masks Required Indoors Starting August 16thCLALLAMCOUNTY—Everyone aged 5 and older in Clallam and Jefferson Counties must wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, regardless of their vaccination status, according to a new masking order issued today by Dr. Allison Berry, Health Officer for Clallam and Jefferson Counties. The order will go into effect Monday, August 16 than applies to all businesses and government offices within the two counties. Masks are not required but are recommended in outdoor settings where large groups are gathering close together.
Masks are additionally not required but are recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 5.The new masking order comes in response to the alarming growth in COVID-19 cases in the region and the rise of the highly infectious Delta Variant. In Clallam County, cases rates have risen five-fold from 63 to an unprecedented 333 cases per 100,000 residents.
In neighboring Jefferson County, COVID-19 case rates have quadrupled in the last month from 47 to 197 cases per 100,000 residents.. “Clallam and Jefferson Counties are experiencing the highest rates of COVID-19 transmission that we ever had in this pandemic,” Dr. Berry said. “We are at a critical juncture and we must act fast to control transmission of this virus to keep our communities safe and functioning.” Masks along with vaccination remain the most effective methods we have to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Both are safe and highly effective at preventing transmission, hospitalization, and death from the COVID-19 virus.
In Washington State, 94% of hospitalizations and deaths in 2021 due to COVID-19 were among the unvaccinated. 59% of Clallam County residents have completed vaccination against COVID-19. Even though that percentage is relatively high, it is not high enough to protect the community as a whole from infection on its own. Thousands of Clallam County residents, especially young children and those whose immune systems cannot fully respond to the vaccine, remain vulnerable to infection from COVID-19 and its variants. “We must come together to build our community resilience against this virus,” urged Dr. Berry. “That means using all the highly effective tools that we have at our disposal now. It is not too late. If you get vaccinated today, you will protect yourself, your family, and your community in the weeks to come. If you put a mask on today, you will make a difference today.
See you tube video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTA9ZUWdFLM
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All Washington health officers recommend masks in indoor, public spaces.--My Northwest
Hundreds gather at Capitol to protest Gov. Inslee’s vaccine mandate for state workers--The Olympian
Delta variant drives dramatic spike in cases, further exhausting hospital capacity across the state
Another extreme heat event expected over the weekend
Cooling centers considered a key tool in preventing illness for people without air conditioning.
DOH press release issued 8.12.21
OLYMPIA – Hot weather is back again and is expected to impact the entire state starting on Friday, with temps expected in the high 90s and even into the 100s in some places. The Washington State Department of Health is advising people all across the state to take precautions for staying cool, staying safe, and saving lives during this extreme heat event.
Historically this kind of weather has been unheard of for the Pacific Northwest, but as we saw just a few weeks ago, it can be deadly. The catastrophic heat event in late June of this year contributed to 95 deaths in Washington alone between June 26 and July 2.
Climate change is an emergency, and while we wait for decisive action on a global scale to slow its progress, we must work in the meantime to protect ourselves and the people around us when extreme weather takes hold.
Since the majority of people in Washington do not have air conditioning, cooling off can be a difficult challenge. Now more than ever, cooling centers are considered a key resource in protecting people from heat-related illness and other complications that can stem from hot weather. Many regional cooling centers will be established across the state and free to the public during this heat event. Dial 2-1-1 or use the statewide online resource here to find cooling centers near you. Language assistance is available.
Other key recommendations for heat safety include:
Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible. Consider wearing a mask whenever you’re indoors with people who don’t live with you.
Keep your home cool by pulling window shades closed throughout the day. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Do not rely on a fan as your only cooling source. While electric fans might provide some comfort, they won’t prevent heat-related illness when temperatures are very hot.
Check on your friends, family and neighbors before bedtime. The heat isn’t expected to dip at night, so people who need help may not realize it until much later in the day. Assist those who are vulnerable or at higher risk, neighbors who are elderly, ill or may need help.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids but don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Keep outdoor pets safe in the heat, make sure they have protection from heat. Walk on grass instead of asphalt, which can burn your pet's paws. Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle.
If you notice symptoms of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), act immediately. Move to a cooler location to rest for a few minutes and seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.
Follow water safety tips if you go swimming or boating. Remember that swimming in open water is very different from swimming in a pool and make sure to wear a life jacket that fits you.
IN OTHER STATE RELATED NEWS...
Harmful algae blooms found in Washington lakes and rivers
Blooms can be toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife
STATE ENTOMOLOGISTS CONFIRM THE FIRST LIVE ASIAN GIANT HORNET SIGHTING OF 2021
West Nile Virus is waking up again, a reminder to keep your horse up-to-date on vaccinations--WSDA
AG Ferguson announces formation of team to facilitate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force.
AG Ferguson issues statement after key court victories in opioid distributors case.
Judge approves AG prosecutors’ request to place Lewis County sex offender in Special Commitment Center.
Fish and Wildlife Commission approves operating budget requests for supplemental 2022 legislative session.
FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC.
Cantwell Heralds Wildfire Response and Recovery Investments in Infrastructure Package
Cantwell Statement on Senate Passage of Budget Resolution
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement after the Senate passed the budget resolution early this morning by a 50-49 vote:
Senator Murray Statement on Republican Obstruction of Voting Rights and Election Law Legislation.
Senator Murray Passes Digital Equity Act, Helps Secure $65 Billion in Broadband Investments.
(2) THIS WEEK'S TOP HEADLINE NEWS:
WORLD NEWS:
Fast-moving Afghanistan crisis ‘has hallmarks of humanitarian catastrophe’
UN health agency urges support for new COVID-19 origins studies.
Afghanistan: UN chief following escalation in fighting ‘with deep concern’.
Top UN envoy points to fresh hope for democratic Somalia.
Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on Somalia--USUN
The United States Designates an Oil Broker Network Supporting Qods Force
NATIONAL NEWS:
DOD Deploys Forces to Protect Kabul Embassy Drawdown.--DOD
China, Russia Pose Strategic Challenges for U.S., Allies, Admiral Says--DOD
Telemedicine Company Owner Charged in Superseding Indictment for $784 Million Health Care Fraud, Illegal Kickback and Tax Evasion Scheme
Justice Department Reaches Agreement with Brown University to Ensure Equal Access for Students with Mental Health Disabilities
U.S. Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and State of Wyoming Commit to Enhancing Wildlife Corridors
HUD AND FHFA ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION TO ADVANCE FAIR HOUSING AND FAIR LENDING ENFORCEMENT
BUSINESS & FINANCE NEWS
Why the FTC is Powerless When it Comes to Competition Rulemaking--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
You Spoke, We Listened: The Challenges of Purchasing Healthy Food with SNAP Benefits--USDA Blog
Treasury and IRS Disburse Second Month of Advance Child Tax Credit Payments--US TREASURY DEPT.
Security Summit warns tax pros to be wary of pandemic-related email schemes.
UNITED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, UNITED HEALTHCARE INSURANCE CO. PLANS TO PAY $15.6M, TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS AFTER FEDERAL, STATE INVESTIGATIONS
Justice Department Supports the Federal Reserve Board’s Proposed Rule on Debit Card Interchange Fees and Routing to Promote Competition
FTC Sues FleetCor and Its CEO for Fleecing Small Businesses With Mystery Fuel Card Fees.--FTC
(3) NEWS COMMENTARIES AND LOCAL MEETING AGENDAS:
NEWS COMMENTARIES:
UP AGAINST THE WALL: California Congressional Candidate Says Anti-Vaxxers Should Be Shot--PJ MEDIA
Masking the Truth
Biden, Fauci, and the CDC have created a colossal trust deficit.--The Patriot Post
The Gay Festival Behind the CDC’s New Mask Guidelines
The CDC’s justification involves an orgy of hairy homosexuals--American Spectator
Philly mandates double-masks for unvaccinated indoor city employees; ‘upset’ mayor rips holdouts
Democrat: 'We know we need to take stronger steps to protect our residents'--Washington Times
Arnold Schwarzenegger: ‘Screw Your Freedom;’ ‘You Are a Schmuck for Not Wearing a Mask’--CNSNEWS
CNN COVID ‘Expert’ Discovers Personal Responsibility--The Federalist
LOCAL MEETINGS
CLALLAM COUNTY:
Clallam County Commission work session for 8.16.21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1276
Commissioner Board meeting for 8.17.21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7278
Clallam County Board of Health for 8.17.21
City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 8.17.21
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/10631/08172021-Council-Packet
PORT OF PORT ANGELES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING ON AUGUST 17, 2021
AUGUST 17, 2021, PORT ANGELES,WA - The Board of Commissioners of the Port of Port Angeles will participate in an educational retreat in the Commissioners Meeting Room located at the Port Admin. Building at 338 W. First Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362 on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm to discuss Strategic Plan and goals. No formal action will be taken.
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08172021-536
OMC BOARD MEETING FOR 8.18.21
https://www.olympicmedical.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AGENDA-August-18-2021.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 8.16.21
City of Port Townsend meeting for 8.16.21
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1683