Klickitat County and its incorporated cities have declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19.  County Commission Chair Rex Johnston, along with Goldendale Mayor Mike Canon and Bingen Mayor Betty Barnes, verbally issued Declarations of Emergency, joining White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler, who had done so a day earlier.  The declarations open up support services to all the local communities in the county, including emergency services and health care facilities.  Various measures are allowed to streamline purchasing, government operations, and other efficiencies to provide for public safety.  They also provide for additional coordination between local and county government in their efforts to inform, serve, and protect the public.  Klickitat County Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center continues its partial activation, with additional staffing to upgrade its operational support roles.  Canon advised that the Goldendale City Council is looking to conduct meetings by telephone in an effort to minimize group gatherings.