Local fire department staffs must follow state vaccine mandates

Decisions, decisions.

Perhaps none of late have been so scrutinized as whether to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

In some cases, as for the state’s health care workers and emergency responders, it is less a choice than a mandate in the attempt to curb spread of the deadly virus, which has claimed nearly 630,000 American lives in a year and a half, 300 times more than the number of U.S. military members lost in two decades fighting in Afghanistan.

This month has brought two major developments on the vaccine front.

On Aug. 9, Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed all health care workers be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus by Oct. 18 unless exempted under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Health care workers must have proof of vaccination to stay at their jobs.

Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for persons 16 and older, elevating it above emergency use status and making vaccination a more appealing option for those who have been undecided.

Some have hesitated to be vaccinated for fear of potential side effects, including temporary fever and flu-like symptoms. But with a nationwide summer surge of the coronavirus delta variant, officials around the country – Inslee, among them – have issued new emergency steps to combat the pandemic.

The proclamation includes emergency medical technicians, paramedics and emergency responders as well as volunteers working in fire districts.

“I have released the mandate to my firefighters and started receiving their proof of vaccination,” Chief Wood Weiss of Skagit County Fire District 13, near La Conner, told the Weekly News Monday. “I know there are certain members who have chosen not to vaccinate prior to this proclamation. Although I do support my firefighters’ freedom of choice, my hands are currently tied on this issue.

“I am hoping,” said Weiss, “they all will ultimately choose to vaccinate.”

La Conner Hook & Ladder Chief Aaron Reinstra estimates vaccination rates are already at high levels in his department.

“I haven’t had to check vaccinations,” Reinstra said, “but I am confident we are over 80 per cent, if not 100 per cent.”

Town Administrator Scott Thomas confirmed the governor’s proclamation applies to state employees and health care providers.

“Our volunteer firefighters who respond to medical calls will be impacted,” Thomas said. “We will comply with the law and the governor’s order.

“Other than firefighters who provide medical services,” he pointed out, “there currently is no requirement that our staff members be vaccinated.”

Town and La Conner schools

Thomas did confirm, however, that a town public works employee has tested positive for COVID-19.

“That employee was on vacation last week with some others who also tested positive,” Thomas said. “Because the employee could not have infected co-workers or anyone else in La Conner, we are not required to notify staff or close contacts.

“That said,” added Thomas, “Public works co-workers are aware of the positive result. I don’t know if he has had any symptoms. He is quarantining in accordance with CDC guidelines.”

Thomas said all Town Hall employees are vaccinated but doesn’t know how many of the entire Town staff have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Washington is among those states that require all teachers and school staff to be vaccinated. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community took the lead in administering vaccines to La Conner school district employees. Its health team vaccinated about 100 staff in February, soon after the Moderna vaccine became available.

The district is now providing COVID-19 testing and vaccination opportunities for new staff and those who are returning but did not receive the vaccine last school year.

“Everyone has to be vaccinated,” La Conner School Board President Susie Gardner Deyo stressed during the panel’s meeting Monday night.

La Conner Regional Library, one of the area’s more widely used public spaces, is “committed to keeping the community safe,” said its director, Jared Fair. “All staff have received vaccinations.”