It has now been four weeks since the governor issued the stay-at-home orders that have redefined how most of us live our lives. At first it was something of a novelty as we made adjustments to our social, shopping, entertainment, and recreation habits. It then became something of a “new normal” as we made these adjustments and settled into new routines. This week, now that nice weather has hit, we all want to get out and do things and go back to the way it was.
It is too soon to let up completely. This disease is significantly deadlier than the flu and must be paid attention the attention it is due. Statewide the number of new cases has leveled off, but there has not been enough of a downward trend yet to allow us open up and still control the number of new cases. Locally in Washington County, as of Monday morning, there have been 71 tests given. With all of the tests results returned, we still only have one case in Weiser. Statewide, there have been 1,672 confirmed and probable cases with 45 deaths for a 2.70% mortality rate. Nationwide, the mortality rate is 5.23%. Worldwide it is 6.87%. So, it appears the closer we get to home, the better we are doing at managing this disease.
With that being said, since you have been doing such a good job of limiting the spread of this disease, the city will be opening the boat ramp, the fishing pond, and the parks. The social distancing requirement must remain in place. In the park, the playground equipment, basketball, and tennis courts will remain closed. Contact sports will not be allowed. The Police Dept. will be patrolling to ensure compliance. If you use the picnic tables, be sure to bring and use your own table cloth for safety. We want to allow people to take advantage of the nicer weather, without significantly increasing the risk to others.
Speaking of safety, water is now in the canal and ditches. Please be careful, especially with children near the canal. Once a person it in, there are not many places to get out.
In city business, sometime around the May 1, the Electric Dept. will be needing to put in a new pole west of W. 9th St. on Galloway. To do so, the power will need to turned off to about 30 homes for 5-6 hours. More detail will be provided as we get closer and all households affected will be notified in advance.
Also, do not move the trash containers for your convenience. They have been placed in their locations for a reason. The garbage trucks have limitations, particularly in alleys, on where and how they can maneuver and lift the containers. So, the containers are strategically placed for the trucks to pick them up quickly and efficiently.
While we are on the subject of the garbage trucks, just a reminder to not dump construction materials in the containers. The trucks and containers are not designed to handle items that cannot be crushed. These materials when dumped into the trucks can/will cause significant damage to the hydraulics and the trucks themselves.
Well, that’s it for this week. Hope you enjoy the nice weather. Stay safe out there and keep up the good work! We will survive this together!
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