Klickitat County Sheriff At Odds with Governor Over COVID-19 Restrictions
Pictured left: Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, Pictured Right: Klickitat County Sherriff Bob Songer
UPDATED November 24th, 2020: This article was updated on 11/24/2020 to include the following comment from the Office of the Washington State Governor, Jay Inslee.
“Local law enforcement has the discretion to enforce gatherings and individuals. Where the sheriff errs is that he claims the orders are illegal and unconstitutional, a statement that so far every court has disagreed with. He’s also wrong when he seems to indicate that he can stop state workers from enforcing the restrictions on businesses. That is not a matter of local discretion and can and will be enforced if necessary.”
November 20th, 2020
Klickitat County Sherriff Bob Songer and Washington State Governor Jay Insee are once again singing a different tune when it comes to COVID-19 restrictions in Klickitat County. On Sunday, Jay Inslee announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country. The new restrictions come as Washington sees consistently increasing daily case counts, with over 2,000 cases a day recorded over the weekend and average cases in the state doubling over the past two weeks.
Following the announcement, Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer reaffirmed his stance that he and his staff will not enforce COVID-19 restrictions in Klickitat County Washington.
Klickitat County Sheriff’s Press Release
Songer released the following statement on the Governor’s Office COVID-19 restrictions on Wednesday, confusing the COVID-19 messaging coming from state-funded offices. CCC News has reached out to Klickitat County Sheriff's office, KCHD, and the Washington Governor’s Office for comment.
November 18th, 2020
To all citizens of Klickitat County, as your Sheriff my position has not changed in regards to the enforcement of Governor Inslee's Illegal and Unconstitutional orders in regards to COVID-19.
Governor Inslee's latest statewide COVID-19 restrictions starting November 16 at 11:59 PM and remaining in effect until Monday, December 14. The modified restrictions of restaurants, however, will take effect Wednesday, November 18th at 12:01 A.M..
My Deputies will not be enforcing MASK WEARING, INDOOR SOCIAL GATHERINGS, OUTDOOR SOCIAL GATHERINGS, RELIGIOUS SERVICES, WEDDING AND FUNERAL GATHERINGS,OR THE RESTRICTIONS OF RESTAURANT AND BARS, ALONG WITH OTHER BUSINESSES THAT FALL UNDER GOVERNOR Inslee's most recent COVID-19 Restrictions.
If the citizens and business owners of Klickitat County choose to follow Governor Inslee's COVID-19 restrictions, that is their right to do so. However, if the citizens and business owners of Klickitat County choose NOT TO FOLLOW Governor Inslee's COVID-19 restrictions, that is their Constitutional Right to do so.
If business owners feel they are being harassed by L&I agents or the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Agents, Please call me at 509-261-1833.
Bob Songer
Sheriff Klickitat County, Washington
Governor’s Office Responds
CCC News reached out to the Washington Governor’s Office for comment. An official from the office of Governor Jay Inslee gave the following statement:
“Local law enforcement has the discretion to enforce gatherings and individuals. Where the sheriff errs is that he claims the orders are illegal and unconstitutional, a statement that so far every court has disagreed with. He’s also wrong when he seems to indicate that he can stop state workers from enforcing the restrictions on businesses. That is not a matter of local discretion and can and will be enforced if necessary.”
Klickitat County Health Department Reports & Recommendations
The Klickitat County Health Department (KCHD) also released a press report on Wednesday, reporting the highest COVID-19 case count Klickitat County has seen since mid-August and urging people to wear masks, social distance, and to make safe choices about attending large holiday gatherings.
“Klickitat County Health Department is actively working with the community to provide health guidance for business, families, and healthcare providers. We know that the holidays are a special time and would like everyone to remember to be safe and use precautions.” states Erinn Quinn, Director for Klickitat County Public Health.
The report issued on Wednesday reads, in part:
The Klickitat County Health Department (KCHD) is reporting the highest case count Klickitat County has seen since mid-August. This increase in new COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks is a trend seen throughout Washington state and nationwide. Contributing to the uptick in new cases in Klickitat County are small social gatherings in residential homes. For this reason, KCHD is offering recommendations for residents during the holiday season. KCHD urges Klickitat County residents to make safe choices when celebrating the holidays this year. For the safety of your friends, family, and our community, it is recommended that you do not attend or host an in-person holiday gathering if any of the following apply to you.
● You or someone you live with has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
● You have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
● You or someone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms
● You are currently waiting for COVID-19 viral test results
● You are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19
● You are an older adult with certain medical conditions who is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or live or work with someone at increased risk of severe illness
For more recommendations from the CDC on holiday celebrations and small gatherings please visit: CDC.GOV
Please review the following link for detailed COVID-19 guidance from the State of Washington:
COIVD-19 Guidance from the State of Washington
For More Information:
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