Supes, incident command ask governor to allow county to execute phase one reopening
Great news for Lassen County residents tired of being cooped up in their homes due to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s stay at home order.
If the Lassen County Board of Supervisors and the Lassen County Public Health Officer can get the governor to agree, the county may soon initiate its Phase One reopening plan.
The board met at 1 p.m. Friday, May 1 at Jensen Hall to receive a report from Dr. Kenneth Korver, the county’s public health officer; endorse Lassen County’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan; direct staff to give effect to Lassen County’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan when authority exists to do so; and provide direction to staff.
David Teeter, chair of the board, said the county would not violate the governor’s order and would not put the Phase One plan into effect without the governor’s approval.
The Lassen County Incident Command sent a letter to the governor asking him to approve the county’s plan yesterday afternoon.
According to his report to the board, Korver has determined the county has met the six indicators necessary to begin the Phase One reopening process.
Roadmap to Recovery
The county’s 47-page “Roadmap To Recovery” is available on the county’s website.
According to the roadmap, “The Lassen County Roadmap to Recovery is based on California’s six indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order as set forth by governor Newsom. The reopening of businesses and activities within Lassen County is predicated upon the continued cooperation of businesses, workers, and the public in following the demonstrated COVID-19 prevention interventions such as social distancing, proper hand and surface sanitation and staying at home if sick. Lassen County’s response to the six indicators below demonstrates its ability to proceed with our plans to implement the Plan.
These six indicators are designed to:
- Ensure our ability to care for the sick within our hospitals:
- Prevent infection in people who are at high risk for severe disease:
- Build the capacity to protect the health and well-being of the pubic: and
- Reduce social, emotional and economic disruptions.
The six indicators
The first indicator is the ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed. Dr. Kenneth Korver, Lassen County’s Public Health Officer, determines that Lassen efforts meet the intent of this indicator.
The second indicator is the ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19.
Lassen County’s Public Health Officer determines that Lassen efforts meet the intent of this indicator.
The third indicator is the ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges.
Lassen County’s Public Health Officer determines that Lassen efforts meet the intent of this indicator.
The fourth indicator is the ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand.
Lassen County’s Public Health Officer determines that Lassen efforts meet the intent of this indicator.
The fifth indicator is the ability for businesses, schools and child care facilities to support physical distancing.
Lassen County’s Public Health Officer determines that Lassen efforts meet the intent of this indicator.
The sixth indicator is the ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.
Lassen County’s Public Health Officer determines that Lassen efforts meet the intent of this indicator.
Phase one guidelines
Under Phase One guidelines, sick individuals should stay home; residents should continue social distancing; maintain good hygiene practices; limit social gatherings to 10 or less; vulnerable individuals should stay home; and non-essential travel is discouraged.
Worksites and businesses would provide social distancing for employees; return workers in phases or shifts; provide protection and accommodation for high-risk employees, clean frequently touched surfaces and ensure sick employees remain at home.
Businesses such as salons, barbershops, bars, gyms and offices need to limit the number of staff and clients in the building at any give time.
Restaurant tables should allow for social distancing; take-out options should be promoted; and frequent cleaning and sanitation must occur.
Those recreating outdoors should maintain social distancing and keep equipment clean.
Testing
One of the county’s goals is to increase testing capacity.
If Lassen County receives a positive COVID-19 case, targeted mitigation measures will be initiated as determined by the EOC. This could include one or more of the following:
- Increased monitoring of exposed contacts;
- Stricter quarantine of contacts;
- Increased recommended use of PPE;
- Recommended reduction in worksite staff;
- Sanitation of a specific facility;
- Closure or partial closure of a specific facility;
- Recommended reduction in social gatherings;
- Return to takeout only options for restaurants; and
- Cancellation of elective procedures.
