This morning the Yakima Health District received a letter from the Washington State Department of Health (WDOH) clarifying that the South Central Region has met the metrics required to move into Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery effective February 14, 2021.
On Thursday, it was announced that the South Central Region would remain in Phase 1 due to only meeting two of the four metrics. After further analysis of the region’s hospitalization data, it was discovered that a hospital in the region had been incorrectly reporting its hospital admission data. This information was sent to WDOH which conducted an additional review of the data and used the hospital’s updated information to confirm that the region did meet this metric and subsequently the criteria to move into Phase 2.
The metrics that are currently being met by the South Central Region as of today are:
• Trend in 14-day rate of COVID-19 cases per 100K population – the South Central Region had a 41% decrease January 17 to January 30 compared to January 3 to January 16.
• Trend in 14-day rate of new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100K population – the South Central Region had a 19% decrease January 24 to February 6 compared to January 10 to January 23.
• Average 7-day percent of ICU staffed bed occupancy – the South Central Region had an 86% occupancy from January 31 to February 6.
In Phase 2, indoor social gatherings with 5 or less people outside of the household are permitted, as well as outdooring gatherings with a maximum of 15 people. Phase 2 guidance also allows indoor services for restaurants, movie theaters, fitness and other entertainment and recreation activities at 25% capacity.
Ceremonies and indoor receptions, wakes or similar gatherings are also permitted, following the appropriate venue requirements. Community members are encouraged to visit the Yakima Health District’s website for additional information on Phase 2 guidance.
The Washington State Department of Health will continue to reassess metrics every two weeks. In order to remain in Phase 2, regions must meet three out of the four metrics. If a region only meets two or less of the metrics, they will move back into Phase 1.