Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is preparing a new application to move into Phase 2 at the request of Secretary of Health John Wiesman.

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

Public Health provided Secretary Wiesman with additional information and data about its response to the Firestone outbreak on Thursday, May 28. During a meeting Monday evening with Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director, Secretary Wiesman asked Public Health to submit a new application.

The new application uses new metrics to measure COVID-19 disease activity, health care system readiness, testing capacity, case interview and contact notification capacity, and protection of high-risk populations. The state is waiving the requirement for another vote by the Board of Health and Clark County Council. Public Health has already begun compiling the necessary information and data, and will submit the application as soon as possible.

“Based on the level of COVID-19 activity in the community and our ability to respond quickly, effectively and appropriately, we’re optimistic we’ll receive a favorable review and approval to move to Phase 2,” said Melnick.

Public Health does not have a timeline for when the county may be approved to move to Phase 2. Public Health will issue an update when the application is submitted.

For now, Clark County remains in Phase 1. Clark County residents and businesses should continue to follow the Phase 1 guidance outlined by the governor.

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