WASHINGTON CO. JUDGE DECLARES SEVEN-DAY LOCAL DISASTER

  

Washington County Judge John Durrenberger has declared a local state of disaster, due to the public health emergency of COVID-19.

At an emergency meeting of Washington County Commissioners this (Thursday) morning, Durrenberger said he signed the declaration Wednesday afternoon, and that it will be in effect for seven days.

Durrenberger said the main emphasis of this declaration is to stress to the public that there is a strong concern about the virus, and to strongly discourage large gatherings of ten or more people. He stressed this declaration does not shut down any person’s business, as that decision will be left up to the business owner.

Durrenberger said there are several pieces to making a decision like this, and that he feels the county needs to take its time to make an informed one.

 

Commissioner Joy Fuchs echoed Durrenberger, saying local officials need to confer with State Representative Ben Leman and State Senator Lois Kolkhorst—who is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services—before making any big decisions.

Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Wende Ragonis told commissioners she believes they will do what is best for the county, and asked that they be mindful of the small businesses in the area and the impact any prospective decisions will have on them.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said all local officials need to work together and make the decision that is best for Washington County.