2020-04-17 BOCC Wrap-Up COVID-19BOCC Wrap-Up / COVID-19 meeting
April 17, 2020
3 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper (remotely), Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson (remotely),
County Manager Erik Martin, John Abplanalp, Steve Walton (remotely), Daleyn Coleman (remotely),
Jonathan Meyer (remotely), Amber Smith (remotely), Megan Eastman (remotely), Candy Hallom
Guests: Larry McGee and other members of the public and press
Recorder: Rieva Lester
John Abplanalp said the county has learned of its 20th confirmed COVID-19 case, a person in their 40s.
John said health officials have come to a consensus on how to determine whether someone can be
considered to have “recovered” from COVID-19:
• It’s been 28 days since confirmation.
• The person is alive and not hospitalized.
John said Lewis County has nine patients who meet those criteria and could be considered recovered.
He said Lewis County also has two confirmed deaths.
Erik Martin said the county received several supplies. Jonathan Meyer said enough supplies were
received to distribute supplies to all three tiers: Tier 1 (first responders) Tier 2 (long-term care facilities,
medical providers), Tier 3 (Coroner’s Office, funeral homes). Jonathan noted that unordered items also
were delivered and that those particular items would not yet be delivered.
Erik said the congregate housing center opened earlier in the week. He said the number of individuals
using the facility has varied from one to eight.
Erik said Lee Napier, JP Anderson, Bill Teitzel and others are working on a policy that addresses safety
protocols for field work, including personal protective equipment needs and service levels.
Erik encouraged the commissioners to begin considering plans for a measured approach at reopening.
Commissioner Fund discussed Lewis County Together and the Support Local Now, Enjoy Local Later
campaign. She invited the public and others to a meeting planned for 1 p.m. April 22 to discuss the local
economic recovery.
Larry McGee discussed the economic and mental health impacts of the statewide closures and the need
for a phased comeback.
Erik reviewed the White House’s proposed criteria for a phased comeback:
• Symptoms: A downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses reported within a 14-day period
and a downward trajectory of COVID-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period.
• Cases: A downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period or a downward
trajectory of positive tests as a percent of total tests within a 14-day period (flat or increasing
volume of tests).
• Hospitals: Treat all patients without crisis care and Robust testing program in place for at-risk
healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing.
John said Lewis County is not yet seeing any downward trends, though it may be seeing some plateaus.
Jonathan Meyer said his office has fielded several calls about the planned Department of Corrections
inmate release, which he said has grown to include the release of 1,167 inmates. Jonathan said 34 of the
planned releases are Lewis County-related cases. He said his office has contacted as many victims as it
can. Jonathan said the 34 cases account for 795 prior warrants, 213 prior felony convictions and 279
prior non-felony convictions.
Erik discussed work taking place to address functions that typically take place in the county, such as the
Packwood Flea Market.
Commissioner Fund said she had just learned that 12 individuals were expected to stay in congregate
housing at the fairgrounds overnight April 17.
Meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m.