Newhouse Demands Governor Inslee Correct Health Data, Move Central Washington Counties to Phase 2

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Upon the news that the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has received updated data from local county health boards reflecting the South Central region's qualifications to move Phase 2, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement:

"Now that the Department of Health has the correct data for all of our counties, I demand Governor Inslee immediately expedite a review of the information and allow the South Central region to move into Phase 2 tomorrow alongside the rest of our state's regions," said Rep. Newhouse.

He continued, "There is now no question: Our region is eligible to move forward. This designation will support the families and businesses in our region who have consistently been left behind. The people in our communities have earned this, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work. Thank you to our county commissioners, state legislators, and local health districts for stepping up to the plate and exemplifying the leadership our region needs. I particularly commend Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney for her leadership in ensuring this accurate data is not overlooked by Governor Inslee and the DOH."

Background:

On Friday, February 12, the Washington State Department of Health received updated data from Walla Walla County noting a 36% decrease in hospitalizations in the county, a rate previously misreported which prevented the South Central region from progressing forward under Governor Inslee's "Healthy Washington" plan.

Also on Friday, Rep. Newhouse released a statement in response to Governor Inslee's announcement that the South Central region would be the only region in the state staying in Phase 1.

###