Coronavirus Lockdown

Davenport – COVID-19 continues to spread across Washington and the U.S. as local, state and federal officials – as well as private entities – take action.

As of press time, there is one confirmed case of the virus, popularly known as coronavirus, in Lincoln County. There are also confirmed cases in neighboring Lincoln and Spokane counties as well as a death in nearby Grant County.

The number of confirmed cases in the state has grown to 1,012 with 52 deaths. The majority of the deaths have been older patients in King and surrounding counties in Western Washington.

Gov. Jay Inslee last week declared a statewide emergency and called for schools to be shut down from Tuesday, March 17, through Friday, April 24. At the earliest, classes could resume Monday, April 27.

Inslee’s declaration also limits gatherings to no more than 50 people, shutters bars and restaurants and urges people to self-quarantine at home.

Restaurants are allowed to stay open for takeout orders. Here in Davenport, Ednas and Some Like it Hot Espresso are staying open regular hours for “to-go” orders.

Other eateries are opening for modified hours. The Tribune Smokehouse is opening Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Subway is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. El Ranchito will be open 12-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Lincoln County Sheriff Wade Magers reached out to The Times.

“I ask that everyone remain calm and follow the advice of the experts,” Magers said. “Please wash your hands and practice all safety measures that the professionals have provided. Lincoln County residents are very resilient and capable of taking care of ourselves. We also know to check on our friends and neighbors.”

Magers also said people can expect the normal level of service from his department.

“I would like to assure you that our Sheriff’s Office staff including our dispatch, corrections, road deputies, support staff and administrative team is ready and prepared to do our duties as expected,” Magers said. “Although no one knows how long this will last or the severity of the impact, I want to assure you that we are continuing to do our jobs and are taking action to mitigate as many foreseeable situations as we can.”

While the schools have all closed, local school boards have been planning ways to continue to provide school meals for families who depend on them.

The Davenport School District has reached out to parents to inform them of how meals will be distributed. Those who have not been contacted are asked to call 509-725-1481 and leave a message.

According to the district website, busses will deliver meals on the schedule used when school opens two hours late. Students living in town must pick up meals in front of the middle school between 9-11 a.m.

The Harrington School District is also working to provide meals to students.

“Starting March 18th, we will be serving a grab and go lunch and a next day breakfast in front of the school by the kitchen door from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.” a representative of the district said. “Beginning Monday, March 23, we will add country delivery by bus routes.”

The Reardan-Edwall School District is working on a plan and will contact The Times when it is finalized. The Times will post details on our Facebook page when we receive it.

For all three districts, students must be present and seen to receive their meals.

Davenport City Hall remains open, though residents are asked to use the drop box whenever possible to avoid contact with the front desk staff. The local library is closed, but staff is working on plans to provide curbside book deliveries.

As of press time, the Davenport City Council meeting next Wednesday is scheduled to go on, though it may be moved to a larger location to allow more space between each person.

In Harrington, city council is also open for now and next week’s council meeting is still scheduled, however staff meetings are planned and cancilizations could happen. If they do, they will be posted on The Times’ Facebook.