Local Health Board approves plan to apply for variance

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- The Benton-Franklin Health District Board of Health voted Thursday to submit an application to the State Department of Health in order to move forward to Phase 2 of Governor Jay Inslee's Safe Start Plan.

Benton and Franklin Counties are among just five counties in Washington that remain fully in Phase 1.

Health Officer Dr. Amy Person recommended that the board request the Phase 2 variance.

"Although case counts (for COVID-19) continue to increase, data shows that a significant portion of new cases are related to outbreaks in essential businesses and an increase in risk behaviors by individuals, suggesting that the expected rise in infection rates may not be as significantly affected by moving to Phase 2 compared to remaining in Phase 1," Dr. Person said in a written statement Friday.

The health district is also also taking into account the overall impact of trying to mitigate and control the spread of COVID-19, including financial hardship, social disconnectedness, and despair. A press release indicated that the Phase 1 restrictions are preventing residents in Benton and Franklin Counties from accessing mental health resources, including support groups for substance abuse and depression.

The counties expect to submit the application to the Washington State Department of Health early next week. The agency can either approve the application, approve the application with revisions, or deny the application.

The counties will remain in Phase 1 until the application is approved.