How The States Are Faring: Contract Tracing Probe, Closure Of Bars

AP: Report: Hawaii Auditors Stonewalled In Contact Tracing Probe
A report from Hawaii’s state auditor’s office says Department of Health officials stonewalled them while attempting to get answers about the government’s coronavirus contact tracing program. The report, which was released Wednesday, says the auditor’s office “encountered barriers, delays, and ultimately were denied access to those responsible for leading the department’s contact tracing.” (Jones, 8/28)

In news from Nevada —

AP: Bars, Taverns To Remain Closed In Las Vegas, Reno
Bars and taverns in the Las Vegas and Reno areas will remain closed after Clark and Washoe counties didn’t offer new proposals Thursday to the state task force responsible for approving virus prevention plans. The task force kept existing plans in place in counties flagged as high-risk. Meanwhile, bars can remain open in Lander County and all of Nye County except Pahrump. (Metz, 8/27)

AP: The Mirage Joins Vegas Hotels Open After Coronavirus Hiatus
Another iconic Las Vegas Strip resort has joined casinos that have reopened since being closed in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Mirage reopened Thursday in what MGM Resorts International chief executive Bill Hornbuckle called a step toward economic recovery for employees and the community. (8/27)

In news from Oregon, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Michigan —

AP: 2 Inmates From Same Oregon Prison Die On Same Day
Two inmates from the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution died of COVID-19 within hours of each other, prison officials said Thursday. The deaths on Wednesday bring the total of COVID-19 fatalities in Oregon’s prisons to five, according to the Oregon Department of Corrections. (8/28)

Billings Gazette: Wyoming Corrections Department 'Encouraged' By Latest Round Of COVID Testing That Identified 5 New Inmate Cases
ss retesting at Wyoming's state prison found five new coronavirus cases among inmates, an apparent slowing of the spread there that "encouraged" officials within the Department of Corrections"Comprehensive retesting has been completed at this facility and of the 726 samples taken there were only 5 positive inmate results and zero staff this round," department spokesman Mark Horan said in a statement. "We are very encouraged as this indicates our containment efforts have successfully reduced transmission." (Klamann, 8/27)

The Oklahoman: Average Oklahoma County Jail Population On Downward Trend, But Disparities Still Exist
The average inmate population at the Oklahoma County jail has stayed below 1,700 people for over a year, a downward trend after nearly two decades of populations routinely above 2,000. The decline in numbers is being attributed to diversion programs, collaboration between local judges, changes in state law and dedicated funding to address mental health and substance abuse issues. (Branch, 8/28)

Detroit Free Press: New Coronavirus Billboards, Ads Target Young, Diverse Michiganders
A group of young women are hanging out together, but Rona's with them, too, and hitches a ride when one of them later visits her mother. When people go to the beach, Rona tags along. It's all part of a $5 million ad and marketing campaign created by a coalition of Michigan businesses and health care companies to remind people how easily the virus can spread in the community. The aim is to reduce transmission in Michigan and allow for the state's economy to completely reopen. (Shamus, 8/27)

In news from Georgia —

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 15 Sex Trafficking Victims Among 39 Missing Children Recovered In Georgia
For law enforcement officials who spend countless hours investigating child sex trafficking cases, the work can feel like an uphill battle against evil. Those who traffic minors for sex tend to fly under the radar. And when a child is rescued from an abusive situation, they’re often reluctant to accept help or speak out against those who harmed them. (Abusaid, 8/27)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia WIC Implements Breastfeeding Support Campaign
The Georgia Department of Public Health recently announced the Georgia Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Breastfeeding Support social marketing campaign “Learn Together. Grow Together,” according to a press release. The goal of the campaign is to increase knowledge of and promote breastfeeding among Georgia mothers.The campaign highlights breastfeeding as a journey, family and partners are important parts of the team, and moms need encouragement, too. In addition to social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, activities consist of virtual breastfeeding classes, mom-to-mom support groups, and enhanced breastfeeding training for WIC staff in Clayton and DeKalb counties. (Miller, 8/27)