The Bear Lake (Idaho) County Commission has issued a Declaration of Emergency during the COVID-19 crisis. However, Commission Chair Vaughn Rasmussen reassured the citizens of the area that the declaration is simply a proactive approach for state or federal funding as needs arise.

As of midday, April 3, there were no positive cases of COVID-19 in Bear Lake County, according to the Idaho Division of Public Health. During an interview with SVI Media’s Duke Dance this morning on The Wave radio station out of Montpelier, part of SVI Radio Network, Rasmussen was asked specifically that there was not “in fact” an actual state of emergency. “That is totally correct,” Rasmussen replied.

The commission chair emphasized: “We want to be proactive on this and get a declaration in place. Most of the counties in Idaho have [contemplated] one of these or declared an emergency mainly for state and federal funding if needed.

“If not needed, we won’t use it, but this area if just trying to be proactive to have everything in place if we do need it. But there is not an emergency at this time, that is correct.”

If future funding is utilized, Rasmussen related, the money could be used in myriad ways in the wake of COVID-19 economic repercussions. “Where we currently run a county hospital, there will be additional funding out there for county hospitals. We’ll be looking at funding for county hospitals, funding for wages or to make up for anything we’ve lost due to COVID-19.

“We’re tracking those costs now, so if we do need reimbursements or there’s an opportunity for us, we’ll look at that.”

Rasmussen continued by reassuring county and area residents that “our preparations are really good. Our emergency preparedness specialist is in daily contact with the hospital. He coordinates with a regional type incident command post in Pocatello [Idaho]. Our district health department coordinates through them. Everything is being coordinated through them.

“I have daily contact with the chairman of the hospital board and the administrator on concerns they have or need. Everything right now is looking good.”

Emphasizing the need for citizens to do their part to slow the spread of the virus, Rasmussen urged people to adhere to the stay-at-home order signed March 25 by Idaho Gov. Brad Little. Stay home; if you have to go out in public, follow the procedures for proper hand washing and continue to social distance, the commission chair urged.

“Follow the CDC recommendations and the recommendations from the state. We’ll continue to move through the process and hopefully get back to normal.”

To listen to the radio interview, click here