Officials throughout Blaine County met Monday and Tuesday to begin working on individual contingency plans as well that will allow each entity to also work with others in the county to best serve our citizens.

Everyones health and safety is a primary concern with an emphasis being placed on the elderly and those needing additional assistance. The County firmly plans on being able to keep its doors open and provide services needed as residents require them.

Members from the Blaine County Health Department, the Blaine County Commissioners, Sheriff’s Department, Chinook Police Department the Blaine County Superintendents Office, The Chinook School Superintendent, the Sweet Medical Center, Sweet Memorial Nursing Home, The Chinook Volunteer Fire Department, the City of Harlem, the Department of Environmental Safety, the Road Department all met to begin formulating a ready response.

Checklist for Individuals and Families:

As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. Creating a household plan can help you protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community. Use this checklist to help you take the steps to plan and protect the health of you and your family.

Plan and Prepare - Get up to date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials.

Create a household plan of action.

• Consider members of the household that may be at greater risk such as older adults and people with severe chronic illness.

• Ask neighbors what their plan includes.

• Create a list of local organizations you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.

• Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department and other community resources.

• Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.

Take everyday preventative actions:

• Wash hands frequently

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

• Stay home when you are sick

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Blaine County Officials are prepared to assist those in need please contact them if you require any assistance. Stay informed of their most recent updates by remaining in contact with people that can relay any updates to you and remain vigilant in doing your individual duty to help contain the situation.

From Darin Hannum, Chinook Public School Superintendent: Please call the school office of the school your child attends during the next couple of days to let us know if you do not have Internet or need to check out a computer from the school.