County leaders appeal to governor

On Friday, May 23 the Skagit County Board of Health sent a letter to Governor Inslee asking that he consider a Phase 2 variance for Skagit County.

Skagit County Unified Command, mayors of all eight Skagit County cities and towns, and First Responders sent letters in support of the Board of Health’s request. Text of all the letters can be found online at www.skagitcounty.net/countycommissioners.

Members of the Skagit County Board of Health include Chair Ron Wesen (Dist. One includes Anacortes), Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt, Commissioner Lisa Janicki, and Dr. Connie Davis.

“Governor Inslee has made a lot of tough decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re thankful for his leadership,” said Chair Ron Wesen, “but his eligibility requirements to be able to apply for a variance should not be weighed more heavily than public health readiness. We’re asking he reconsider this eligibility requirement. We are preparing an application for review now.”

Moving forward to Phase 2 would allow for some additional non-essential activities to resume including reopening the remaining manufacturers, in-store retail, hair and nail salons, and restaurants and taverns at 50 percent capacity. Phase 2 would also allow for outdoor recreation or gathering with five or fewer people who are not part of your immediate household.