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DAYTON-The Columbia County Board of Health convened September 7. Public Health Administrator Martha Lanman provided an update of COVID-19 cases in the county. Last week cases hit a record high of 44 with a record testing day of 46 tests. Since then, cases have dropped to 33 but with many calls for testing after the long weekend.
Commissioner Charles Amerein asked how many have been breakthrough cases to which Lanman said that data is not being requested nor collected by the State, but from what she has seen and knows most cases are in the unvaccinated. She said especially in smaller counties, tracing these cases could result in violating HIPPA where the identity would be known of who has the breakthrough case.
Lanman reported the hospital no longer has staff designated to administer COVID tests so getting tests scheduled is challenging. She expanded on this to say the health care shortage is already being felt in the community as a result of the vaccination mandate issued by the governor.
With the increased requests for testing and resulting positive cases, Lanman requested additional contract-based staff to be used as needed for vaccination clinics and contact tracing which was approved. She also received approval for renting the old Public Health Office for vaccination clinics for $50 per half day or $100 for a full day, plus the cost of utilities. Public Health has funding in place for these expenses.
The demand to be vaccinated has increased in the community with the vaccination clinic scheduled that day already full and only a handful of spots available at others later this month.
Lanman announced after consulting with Public Health Officer Dr. Lewis Neace, DO that they are issuing a mask mandate for those attending the County Fair this weekend. The masks will be required both indoors and outdoors. She said the purpose of the mandate is to raise awareness that COVID is active in the community.
Lanman appealed to the community, "It is not an easy time. We've got to stick together. We've got to stay home when we're sick, if you have a cold, if you are sick and have a temperature one day, do not go to work the next day, at least 24 hours without a temperature. Don't test at day one. At day three to five, test because then you are going to get an accurate test. If you have a positive that you've been around and you start getting sick, assume you're positive, notify the people you've been around and stay home."
A brief discussion about the vaccination mandate was led by Amerein when the Board of County Commissioners were approving a job description for a recent vacancy in the maintenance department as a result of the mandate. Amerein expressed his concern for the constituents having to be put in the position of making a choice between getting the shot or no longer being employed. County Attorney Dale Slack could only offer, "I can't advise you not to follow the law." Amerein responded in speaking about what is law and what is "acceptable and understood practice." When asked for clarification, he said he would provide a written statement.
The BOCC held a public hearing for draft Ordinance 2021-06 for proposed fireworks regulation. About 15 people were in attendance along with the Commissioners and County Attorney Dale Slack. After the draft was read by Chairman Ryan Rundell which specified the regulations would be in place in case of hazardous fire danger, the public was invited to ask questions or make comments to which the Commissioners would address.
Most spoke up against the ordinance with concern that the regulation is an infringement of rights. One attendee suggested the ordinance should differentiate between mortar and other fireworks. A few suggested that in addition to allowing fireworks in all circumstances, designating a common place to the public to set off fireworks may reduce danger.
While Commissioner Marty Hall said that he suggested the ordinance in case of extreme fire danger, he is for freedom. Rundell said he supports the idea, but is more in favor of people being responsible for their own actions. Amerein said that he does not agree with it, but felt it was fair to bring it before the people.
After a motion to approve the ordinance by Hall, both Rundell and Amerein voted against it.
