2020-03-17 COVID-19COVID-19 Update
March 17, 2020
4:04 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik
Martin, John Abplanalp, Andy Caldwell, Becky Butler, Steve Wohld
Guests: Various county employees and electeds as well as various members of the public and press
Recorder: Rieva Lester
County Erik Martin read a proposed resolution aloud.
Commissioner Stamper said he is not in favor of closing the county buildings and facilities to the public.
Commissioner Jackson said he feels the responsible thing to do for the safety of the public and county
employees.
Erik Martin said staff has been working to alternatives to the public attending the commissioners’
meetings in person.
Commissioner Stamper said he does not want to close the county’s buildings to the public.
Erik clarified that the county would still provide public services regardless of whether the doors were
closed to the public.
Jonathan Meyer said President Trump has recommended avoiding groups of 10 or more. Jonathan said
the Treasurer, Auditor and Treasurer have control over their own office hours. He also reminded the
board that Dr. Rachel Wood can overrule the commissioners about closures.
Commissioner Fund said the resolution doesn’t reflect the right tone regarding services. She said she
would prefer to review it the following day for consideration on March 18.
Jonathan discussed closures elsewhere across the state. He noted that services would still be available
that the county is just trying to limit foot traffic.
Jonathan discussed efforts to ensure the public has access but that the person
Erik read a proposed message regarding the COVID-19.
Andy Caldwell said he held a phone meeting with cities in the morning. He said several cities have issued
declarations of emergency. He said Emergency Management will reach out to gauge closures, etc.,
locally.
John Abplanalp said Health is fielding a lot of calls about tests, quarantines and isolations. John said
there are not enough masks for tests.
Andy discussed equipment shortages. He noted that some items are being used and reused. He noted
that resources are not coming from the state.
John said the county had considered offering the fairgrounds as a possible drive-through testing site.
The commissioners stressed the importance of outreach across many mediums.
Steve Wohld said the county is working on teleconferencing and has added YouTube Live and Facebook
Live capabilities. He said cleaning kits have been shared with offices and departments. Steve discussed
updates to the county’s website.
John said the patient from Lewis County who contracted COVID-19 has been released from the hospital.
Joe Clark said Twin Transit will begin delivering food to senior citizens March 18. He said Mountain
Highway Transit System will shut down March 18. He said Twin Transit is mobilizing a team to cover the
routes. He said Twin Transit also is working on efforts to deliver meals to schoolkids. He said the group
also is looking at ways to deliver prescriptions and possibly food. Joe reminded the group that Twin
Transit is operating fare-free for the time being.
Meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m.