— from Office of the Governor —
Gov. Jay Inslee announced new community strategies and social distancing plans Wednesday at a news conference in Seattle to minimize COVID-19 exposure, particularly in counties hit hardest by the virus.
Starting today, events that take place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are prohibited by the state. This order applies to gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational activities. These include but are not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers and similar activities.
“This is an unprecedented public health situation and we can’t wait until we’re in the middle of it to slow it down,” Inslee said. “We’ve got to get ahead of the curve. One main defense is to reduce the interaction of people in our lives.”
Read the rest of the story on the governor’s Medium page.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
One important measure that Inslee could take (or have taken) would be to assure ALL people that the costs of Covid-19 testing will be assumed by the state. We absolutely do not want ANYONE with symptoms avoiding testing because they are fearful of the costs. That would hurt us all. The governor could demonstrate the leadership that is lacking on the national level.
Second.
The lack of good information, already in short supply with this novel bug, hampers our most effective response individually and as a community. The flub at CDC set us back, mastering the economics is the best way to make up for it.