Benton County approves emergency declaration

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- The Benton County Board of Commissioner voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an emergency declaration in the wake of the COVID-19 virus.

Earlier Tuesday morning, Benton-Franklin Health District officials announced that Franklin County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19, just one day after Gov. Jay Inslee ordered social restrictions for restaurants, bars, recreation centers, and other business. The purpose of the restrictions is to create a greater social distancing in order to reduce the rate that COVID-19 is spreading.

When Inslee announced the changes Monday, he encouraged Washingtonians to work from home as much as possible, and encouraged employers to encourage telecommuting as much as possible.

The resolution gives commissioners authority to enter into contracts without going through the typical bidding process in the event of an emergency, and allows non-essential workers to telecommute between March 23 and April 5.

Employees that are approved for telecommuting or paid administrative leave would be expected to work from home, accessing email, and taking phone calls. Department heads will decide which employees fall into the non-essential category and are permitted to work from home.