205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 02/12/2021 - It was announced on February 11, 2021 that Kittitas County which is part of the South Central Region will remain in Phase I while all other regions in Washington State will move into Phase II of Washington State’s Roadmap to Recovery Plan.
Kittitas County Commissioners, healthcare providers, and partners from across the State of Washington question why Kittitas County remains in Phase I. Kittitas County has lower COVID rates than the state average, lower COVID rates than some counties already moved into Phase II, and has received national recognition for its public health efforts, including having the highest vaccination rate in Washington State. Currently, Kittitas County either is at par or is performing better than the rest of the State in 3 of the 4 key metrics. Commissioner Osiadacz states, “Kittitas County should be proud of the outcomes we have achieved. The Incident Management Team has worked collectively to keep our citizens healthy while having a State University in session and every school in the county with in-person learning. This is no small task. I am continually impressed by community partners and the people of Kittitas County who have come together to make these achievements possible.” The average 14-day incidence rate per 100K in Kittitas County is 189 (Jan. 16-29), while WA State average rate is 273.1 (Jan. 16-29). Kittitas County also continues to lead the State of Washington in the amount of vaccines provided per capita. Currently in Kittitas County 12.82% of the population has received their first vaccination while Washington State on average has initiated only 9.82% of the population. In addition to this, Kittitas County has 3.11% of the population fully vaccinated, while the State of Washington is at 2.59%. Kittitas County is working to be recognized for their success in meeting key metrics through Washington State’s Roadmap to Recovery Plan. Commissioner Wright stated, “Small businesses have had to carry an unproportionate amount of the burden during the pandemic. It is my goal to ensure there is equity in how businesses are treated. We have seen time after time how smaller industries are more agile and are able to pivot more easily. It is time our businesses are given the opportunity to show they are able to both be open more fully while protecting the health of the public. “The county believes we need to follow the science and public health data. And there is scientific evidence that we should move forward. However, we do not have authority over the State of Washington to change their directives. Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and Washington State Labor and Industries have the authority to regulate every business across the state. The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners will continue to pursue every opportunity to move our county forward to reopen. We strongly believe the businesses, private citizens, schools, and healthcare providers have made great strides to meet the key metrics in Washington State’s Roadmap to Recovery. Chairman Wachsmith mentions, “It is the partnerships that truly make us successful. I have witnessed firsthand how community leaders have rallied together and made decisions to benefit everyone.” The Board of County Commissioners is continuing to work for the people to ensure there is recognition for the work that has been accomplished. We have proven and will continue to prove that Kittitas County is fully dedicated to the protection and health of our community.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Laura Osiadacz 509-962-7508