Cheers: To encouraging economic news. A couple of items provide a bit of hope for the local economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. In one, city of Vancouver officials say the impact of COVID-19 does not appear to be as severe as expected. Officials initially planned for a $60 million drop in revenue for 2020, but sales-tax receipts for April and May are promising. Numbers are not yet available for June and July, but Chief Financial Officer Natasha Ramras said, “Definitely we are looking much, much better for 2020 than originally anticipated.”
Meanwhile, the housing market in Southwest Washington saw a surge in new listings and closed sales in July. For the year, numbers are down compared with 2019, but the news is encouraging. As the pandemic lingers, there still is concern about the economic impact. But any good news is welcome.
Jeers: To coronavirus infections. People in their 20s now account for the largest cohort of COVID-19 infections in Clark County. Nearly 20 percent of local cases have occurred in that age range, with people in their 30s accounting for the second-most cases.
From the start of the outbreak, older people and those with underlying health conditions have appeared most vulnerable to the disease. Younger people, on average, demonstrate milder symptoms, but that can lead to a false sense of security. Infected people of any age can spread the virus and endanger those around them. Precautions such as wearing a mask in public and frequently washing hands are urged for Clark County residents of all ages.
Cheers: To remote learning. The Evergreen, Vancouver, Camas and Battle Ground school districts all have decided to keep buildings closed at the start of the school year, with students learning by remote instruction.
While federal officials are pushing for schools to be open in the fall, such a move would be irresponsible with the pandemic continuing. Remote learning is not ideal — not for students, parents, teachers or administrators — but it is the best option at this point. The key now is to best replicate classroom learning with a robust remote curriculum. The situation is difficult for everybody, but we trust that those affected will help students make the best of it.
Jeers: To vandals. Southern Oregon’s Crater Lake, regarded as one of the world’s cleanest and clearest bodies of water, is facing a threat of contamination. Officials have reported visitors illegally climbing along the lake’s rim, using prohibited items that could contaminate the water with invasive species, and defecating along the shores.
Officials say a surge of visitors to Oregon’s only national park is “like spring break on steroids,” with patrons ignoring warnings and the basics of civilized society. An editorial in the (Medford) Mail Tribune — under the headline “This is why we can’t have nice things” — has urged the closing of all access to the water. Whether visiting Crater Lake or one of our nearby natural wonders, visitors should strive to leave no trace.
Cheers: To a touching memorial. The Mains family of northwest Vancouver has tied more than 1,600 green ribbons on the wrought iron fence in front of their home — one for each Washington death attributed to COVID-19. It is a poignant visual depiction of the pandemic’s impact, but it will be coming down at the end of August.
“It’s getting really emotional,” Jim Mains said. “So we’ve decided to take it down and try to go back to some form of normalcy.”
