Live Updates: The stay home order in Tri-Cities, volunteers needed, county offices closing

Kennewick police tried to calm concerns, as other local governments announced further reduced hours and the closure of a county campground.

The Tri-Cities Airport has new restrictions for picking up passengers, and the Benton Franklin Health District put out a call for trained volunteers.

Here’s the latest on what’s happening around the Tri-Cities and the state related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Stay home order

Tri-City police are getting many questions following Monday night’s announcement by Gov. Jay Inslee ordering state residents to stay home.

“During this trying time in our state, enforcement means engagement and education,” Kennewick police Lt. Aaron Clem said in a news release Tuesday.

“Law enforcement’s primary role is to help educate people about how to comply with orders to stay at home,” he said. “We are not being asked to detain, arrest, ticket or establish checkpoints for compliance. Any rumors of strict law enforcement or ‘martial law’ are not true.”

“When officers encounter people not complying with an order, we will remind them, as appropriate, of the recommendation and restrictions,” he said.

Rumors of people or businesses needing “passes” or “licenses” to conduct essential services are not true, Clem explained.

“Our community has shown they understand the severity of the situation and are doing all they can already to keep themselves, their families and neighbors safe and healthy,” he said.

Inslee said Monday that he expects voluntary compliance with his order banning all gatherings and closing nonessential businesses for at least two weeks because most residents understand that their loved ones are at risk if they don’t follow the rules.

“But make no mistake this order is enforceable by law and can be enforced,” he said.

Violations are a gross misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.

To see a list of essential critical infrastructure workers go to bit.ly/WAessential.

Tri-Cities Airport

The Tri-Cities Airport remains open as an essential transportation operation, but with some restrictions and changes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reduced air travel demand across the globe and flight reductions will soon reach the Tri-Cities, the airport said in a statement.

Passengers are encouraged to confirm their flight with their airline before arriving at the airport.

People picking up someone from the airport should wait in the cell phone parking lot and have the passenger call them when they have their bags. Then passengers can be picked up at the curb.

If people must come in to assist the arriving passenger, the airport asks that just one person enter the airport.

Food continues to be available at the airport. They include concessionaires that are providing take-out food and the airport store that sells snacks and bottled drinks.

Volunteers needed

The Benton-Franklin Health District is asking for help responding to the COVID-19 outbreak from volunteers with experience in health care or related fields.

It is hoping physicians, nurses or medical students will volunteer to provide clinical support.

It also is looking for professionals in fields such as epidemiology, social work or other health-related fields, if they have bachelor’s of science or associate degree in a science-related field.

Volunteers are asked to apply online at waserv.org, the state’s emergency registry of volunteers willing to help during disasters or major events.

Goodwill donations

Goodwill of the Columbia has closed its donation locations for the safety of its staff and community until after April 6.

People are asked not to drop off donations, because the donation sites will not be attended for at least two weeks.

It closed its stores, central office, the Employment Connection Center and its mobile employment connection on Friday until at least April 7.

Franklin County Courthouse

Franklin County is conducting business by appointment only, county officials announced Tuesday.

This comes after the county started closing down services last week.

“Employees continue to work remotely where possible, yet are required to remain available and reachable during their normal work hours. Administrative leave is being authorized to minimize the economic disruption to employees,” said a county news release.

Courthouse offices, with the exception of the courts operating from 1-3 p.m., will have open communication by email and phone to help with essential needs.

“For citizens who have business to conduct at the courthouse, we strongly encourage you to call that office beforehand to schedule an appointment,” said the county.

Department contact information is on the county’s website.

Benton County

The RV camping area at Horn Rapids Park has closed.

Hours for some Benton County offices have been reduced.

▪ The Auditor’s Office has limited the on-site working hours of recording staff to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m weekdays and will take appointments for urgent matters Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Vehicle licensing services remain closed and elections staff are telecommuting.

Workers at the office are available by email at auditor@co.benton.wa.us.

▪ The Clerk’s Office has reduced staff’s on-site hours to 1 to 3 p.m. daily through April 3. To contact the office, email clerk@co.benton.wa.us.

▪ The Treasurer’s Office has reduced staff’s on-site working hours to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays and will take appointment for urgent matters Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Contact the office at treasurer@co.benton.wa.us.

Energy Northwest

Energy Northwest of Richland, which employs about 1,000 people, told its non-essential workers not to report to work starting Tuesday, March 24, through April 6.

Those that can telework from home have been asked to do so.

Operations, maintenance and security workers are among those who remain on site.

Energy Northwest operates the Northwest’s only nuclear power reactor, the Columbia Generating Station, and also has some smaller wind, hydro and solar power generation.

“We currently have no challenges to maintaining operations of our generating facilities and this step helps to increase physical distancing between workers,” said Brad Sawatzke, chief executive.

Having many employees work from home is being done for their health and safety, Sawatzke said.

This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 12:25 PM with the headline "Live Updates: The stay home order in Tri-Cities, volunteers needed, county offices closing."