To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Public Health
Agenda Section: Departmental
SUBJECT:
title
Attestation of Humboldt County Readiness for Variance to Stage 2 of California’s Roadmap to Modify the Stay-at-Home Order
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive a report from the Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health;
2. Accept the attestation of readiness as outlined by Humboldt Containment County Containment Elements report; and
3. Authorize the Chair of Board to sign a letter of support for attestation and the Humboldt County Containment Elements Report.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A
DISCUSSION:
On March 4, 2020 Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency as a result of the threat of COVID-19, and on March 12, 2020, through Executive Order N-25-20, he directed all residents to heed any orders and guidance of state and local public health officials. Subsequently, on March 19, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 directing all residents to heed the State Public Health Officer's Stay-at-Home order which requires all residents to stay at home except for work in critical infrastructure sectors or otherwise to facilitate authorized necessary activities. On April 14th, the State presented the Pandemic Roadmap, a four-stage plan for modifying the Stay-at-Home order, and, on May 4th, announced that entry into Stage 2 of the plan would be imminent.
Given the size and diversity of California, it is not surprising that the impact of COVID-19 has differed across the state. While some counties are still in the initial stabilization phase (Stage 1) of the pandemic response, there are a number of less affected counties. Provided these counties are able to demonstrate an ability to protect the public and essential workers, they may be in a position to adopt aspects of Stage 2 of California's roadmap at a faster pace than the state as a whole. As directed by the Governor in Executive Order N-60-20, this guidance provides information on the criteria and procedures that counties will need to meet in order to move more quickly than other parts of the state through Stage 2 of modifying the Stay-at-Home order.
The county's documentation of its readiness to increase the pace through Stage 2 must clearly indicate its preparedness according to the criteria below. As part of the attestation, counties must provide specifics regarding their movement through Stage 2 (e.g., which sectors, in what sequence, at what pace), as well as clearly indicate how their plans differ from the state's order. Further, this attestation requires letters of support from local healthcare providers, hospitals, and county Board of Supervisors.
It is critical that any county that submits an attestation continue to collect and monitor data to demonstrate that the variances are not having a negative impact on individuals or healthcare systems. Counties must also attest that they have identified triggers and have a clear plan and approach if conditions worsen for modifying the pace of advancing through stage 2, including reinstituting restrictions, in advance of any state action. Counties must also submit their plan for how they anticipate moving through Stage 2 (e.g., which sectors will be opened, order of opening etc.). This plan must demonstrate the following factors have been achieved:
• Epidemiologic stability of COVID-19
• Protection of Stage 1 essential workers
• Testing capacity
• Containment capacity
• Hospital capacity
• Vulnerable populations
• Sectors and timelines
• Triggers for adjusting modifications
• Plan for moving through Stage 2.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact by signing this letter of attestation, therefore there is no impact to the Public Health fund or the County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health and supporting business, workforce and the creation of private sector jobs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center
St. Joseph Health Humboldt County
Mad River Community Hospital
Jerold Phelps Community Hospital
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors could choose to not sign but that is not recommended because this would delay Humboldt County’s business reopening process.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Letter of Support from BOS Supporting Humboldt County Attestation
2. Humboldt County COVID-19 Containment Elements
3. Letter of Support from St. Joseph Health Humboldt County
4. Letter of Support from Mad River Community Hospital
5. Letter of Support from Jarold Phelps Community Hospital
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A