Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County remains in Phase 1 of the four-phased Safe Start Washington plan for reopening the state.

Gov. Jay Inslee replaced the Stay Home order with the “Start Safe, Stay Healthy” proclamation that outlines the state’s phased reopening plan. Under the proclamation, counties remain in their current phases and do not automatically move to Phase 2. Clark County residents and businesses should continue to follow the Phase 1 guidance outlined by the governor.

Clark County Public Health submitted a request for a variance to move to Phase 2 on Friday, May 22. Secretary of Health John Wiesman placed the county’s request on pause on Saturday, May 23, due to the outbreak at Firestone Pacific Foods in Vancouver.

At Secretary Wiesman’s request, Public Health provided additional information and data about its response to the Firestone outbreak on Thursday, May 28 and requested a timeline for moving to Phase 2.

On Friday, May 29, Secretary Wiesman and Gov. Inslee announced new metrics for moving to Phase 2, as well as a modified Phase 1 option. It’s unclear how these announcements will impact Clark County’s request to move to Phase 2.

Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director, will be meeting with Secretary Wiesman to discuss the request. Public Health will provide an update on Tuesday.

For more information about COVID-19 and the Public Health response, visit the Public Health website.

CONTACT
Marissa Armstrong
communications specialist
Public Health
marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov