Emergency Operations Center for COVID-19 response

Lewis County Granted Move to Phase 2 Reopening – May 22, 2020

On May 22, 2020, Washington State Department of Health Secretary John Wiesman approved Lewis County’s COVID-19 variance application to fully implement Phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s “Phased Approach to Reopening Washington Plan.”

Phase 2 allows the following:

- Outdoor recreation fewer than 5 people (camping, beaches etc.)

- Gatherings outside household less than 5 people

- Limited non-essential travel

- Business openings of:

There is at least a three (3)-week monitoring period before moving to Phase 3. Phase 3 allows gatherings up to 50 people, government offices, movie theatres, libraries, museums, bars at 25% capacity, in-door gyms at 50% capacity and restaurants at 75% capacity.

The Lewis County EOC continues to be activated at Level 2 (enhanced staffing) in response to the Declared Presidential Disaster 4481-DR-WA regarding the COVID19 Pandemic.

The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners declared a state of emergency on March 16. This activated the provisions of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and utilizes the emergency powers granted pursuant to RCW36.40.180 and RCW 38.52.070(2).

The EOC, activated since March 5, has been developing creative methods to secure and disseminate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to fire services, EMS, law enforcement, hospitals, care facilities, mortuaries and clinics due to the nationwide shortage.

The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce has been collecting and disseminating donations and supplies throughout the response community as citizens “Stay Home” in respond to orders to restrict social movements in an effort to curtail the disease spread.

Local food banks and senior centers have increased efforts to ensure seniors continue to receive at-home meals. Twin Transit is participating in the delivery of meals.

Local schools are continuing to provide take-out meals for students and instruction has moved from the classroom to Internet.

To slow the spread of the virus and reduce your chance of getting sick, Dr. Wood, Lewis County Health Officer, advises everyone to:

Wash hands frequently
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw it away, or cough into your elbow
Stay away from people who are sick
Stay home when you are sick
Frequently clean surfaces that get touched a lot – counters, keyboards, your cell phone, door knobs, handles, etc.

Information for Local Businesses

Lewis County Together - Keeping Us Together While We're Apart https://lewiscountytogether.com/

Lewis County Business Recovery Toolkit https://experiencechehalis.com/business-recovery-toolkit/

Lewis County has qualified for Small Business Administration loans. These are low interest (3.75% small business and 2.75% non-profits) loans. Apply directly at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Be patient, the site Is very busy! See additional information attached:

Small Business Guide and Checklist for Emergency Loans

Essential Business Inquiries - https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d4c155fa930f4b848f95774d610c9708

The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) created a page dedicated to business relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit https://dor.wa.gov/taxrelief

Appreciation for Survey Response Letter

COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide