Adams County to start COVID-19 screenings

RITZVILLE — Beginning Monday, July 20, Adams County will implement COVID-19 screenings in Othello and Ritzville for all members of the public who enter county buildings for court services. Other county services are still primarily conducted by phone and email in response to the pandemic.

The screenings will consist of a temperature check and a short list of questions.

In Othello at the Adams County Public Services Building, which houses Othello District Court, the screenings will be done at the main entrance.

In Ritzville, courthouse access will be restricted to one entrance at the rear of the building. The main entrance will remain locked until the county is allowed to advance to the state’s Phase 3.

County commissioners, utilizing federal CARES Act funds, have retained Phoenix Protective Corporation Solutions Inc., of Spokane, to conduct the screenings Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to a press release.

In accordance with state mandates, the public must wear a mask in order to enter any county facility. Disposable masks will be available for those who do not bring a mask.

Also beginning Monday, Adams County employees entering these two facilities during normal business hours will be screened.