Local declaration of state of emergency in response to detection of COVID-19 virus BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
IN THE MATTER OF: RESOLUTION NO. 20-100
LOCAL DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN
RESPONSE TO THE DETECTION OF THE COVID-19
VIRUS IN LEWIS COUNTY
WHEREAS, COVID-19, a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death,
is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus that had not
been previously identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person; and
WHEREAS, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
identifies the potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 both globally and in the
United States as "high" and has advised that person-to-person spread of COVID-19 will
continue to occur globally, including within the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Health has confirmed an increasing
localized person-to-person spread of COVID-19 in Washington State, significantly
increasing the risk of exposure and infection to Washington State's general public
creating public health risk that may spread quickly; and
WHEREAS, the outbreak of COVID-19 and the potential for rapid transmission
throughout Washington State, including Lewis County, presents a significant threats to
the life and health of Lewis County residents, as well as the economy of the County;
and
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human
Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public health emergency for COVID-19,
beginning January 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, on February 29, 2020, Washington Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of
emergency in response to the continued and growing threat presented by COVID-19;
and
WHEREAS, under the above referenced conditions there is a substantial likelihood of
risk to the citizens of Lewis County and the cities therein unless further efforts are taken
to reduce the threat; and
WHEREAS, there is a present emergency which necessitates activation of the Lewis
County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and utilization of
emergency powers granted pursuant to RCW 36.40.180 and RCW 38.52.070(2).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED SECTION 1. It is hereby declared by the Lewis
County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) that, in accordance with the terms and
conditions of RCW 36.40.180, there is an emergency due to the above-stated conditions
in Lewis County; therefore, Lewis County offices and departments are authorized to
enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such disaster, protecting
the health and safety of persons and property, and providing emergency assistance to
the victims of such disaster.
SECTION 2. Each Lewis County office and department is authorized, in accordance
with the terms and conditions of RCW 38.52.070(2), to exercise the powers vested
under Section 1 of this resolution 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), including but not
limited to:
• Budget law limitations
• Requirements of competitive bidding and publication of notices
• Provisions pertaining to the performance of public work
• Entering into contracts
• The incurring of obligations
• The employment of temporary workers
• The rental of equipment
• The purchase of supplies and materials
• The appropriation and expenditures of public funds
SECTION 3. Each Lewis County office and department may undertake contracting
authority subject to the terms and conditions and provisions of Lewis County Resolution
11-084.
SECTION 4. Notwithstanding the authorizations set forth in Section 1 of this
resolution, each Lewis County office and department shall endeavor to secure the most
competitive price available for goods and services, subject to the terms, conditions and
provisions of Lewis County Resolution 11-084.
SECTION 5. Such authorization shall include unannounced entry and access onto and
about private property, where such entry and access shall not violate those
constitutional privacy and property rights under an emergency declaration.
SECTION 6. The emergency authority granted under this resolution shall expire 30
(thirty) days from the date of the adoption of this resolution unless specifically
authorized by the BOCC.
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 16th day of March, 2020.
APPROVED AS TO FORM: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jonathan Meyer, Prosecuting Attorney LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Amber Smith Gary Stamper
By: Amber Smith, Gary Stamper, Chair
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST: �•`V�?NTY,w'q.S,•
Edna J . Fund
'�` RD OF``;y�2
nor
,a 'sc.Edna J. Fund, Vice Chair
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Rieva Lester '�?sf; . Robert C. Jackson
Rieva Lester, Robert C. Jackson, Commissioner
Clerk of the Lewis County Board of County
Commissioners
BOCC AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Resolution: 20-100 BOCC Meeting Date: March 16, 2020
Suggested Wording for Agenda Item: Agenda Type: Deliberation
Local declaration of state of emergency in response to the detection of the COVID-19 virus in Lewis
County
Contact: Andy Caldwell Phone: 360-740-1157
Department: DES - Emergency Management (Dept. of Emergency Services)
Description:
Declare state of emergency in response to coronavirus
Approvals: Publication Requirements:
Publications:
User Status
PA's Office Approved
Additional Copies: Cover Letter To: