Commissioners, health officer revise OTA resolution

OKANOGAN – On Tuesday, April 21, the county board of commissioners and the Okanogan County Public Health Officer John F. McCarthy, MD, revised a joint resolution passed on April 14 under Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order relating to overnight transient accommodations (OTAs) and hospitality lodging.

Resolution 49-2020 which closed all OTAs and hospitality lodging within the boundaries of Okanogan County was amended from the status of closed until further notice to restricted in operation through May 4. The new resolution, 51-2020 was enacted to clarify the restriction and provide a termination date to the order.

“This is necessary to control and prevent the spread of a dangerous, contagious disease within the boundaries of Okanogan County Health Officer, to maintain health over the territory of this jurisdiction, and to promote the public health,” the amended resolution said in part.

Under the definition of hospitality lodging, the phrase “private property being used as campgrounds” was removed leaving the remaining designations applicable:

● Resort, hotels, motels.

● Short-term rental, timeshares, overnight transient accommodations (bed and breakfast).

● Campgrounds.

● RV parks.

A complete copy of Resolution 51-2020can be viewed on the Okanogan County Public Health website okanogancounty.org/ocph.