Emergency Operations Center for COVID-19 response

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 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:

SBA Loan COVID-19

Small Business Guide and Checklist for Emergency Loans

Webform to clarify essential businesses under COVID-19 stay home stay healthy proclamation

Business Re-Entry Registration - The Washington Business Re-Entry (BRE) registration system provides statewide consistency in identifying business representatives with a critical need to access facilities or infrastructure located within a disaster impacted area. It serves businesses by informing emergency managers at the state, county and city level about the access and re-entry needs of businesses affected by a disaster.

https://mil.wa.gov/business-re-entry-registration

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