Recap of COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on April 16, there are 11,445 cases of COVID-19 in Washington state. Visit the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more.

Inslee statement on Trump encouraging illegal and dangerous acts: Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement today on President Trump’s comments around “liberating” parts of the country. Read full release.

Inslee extends proclamations for utility ratepayers and truck driver hours: Gov. Jay Inslee signed three new proclamations today in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Two of the proclamations extend existing ones related to truck driver hours and utility ratepayer assistance. The third waives and suspends laws that impact community associations meetings and late fees.

New agriculture industry guidance from L&I spells out safety and health requirements during pandemic: Washington’s massive agriculture industry is critical to both the state’s economy and to the welfare of families across the country. Thousands of farm workers are on the job, and the season is just getting started. Many farmworkers are among the state’s most vulnerable employees. The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issued specific coronavirus guidance for the agriculture industry, including a general fact sheet along with guidance specifically for agricultural warehouses and packing houses. Read full release.

Reopening after COVID-19: We are all looking forward to the state opening up again. We miss our family, our friends, and our way of life. But what exactly happens when the state reopens? Read the latest Department of Health blog for more information.

The Frontlines: Leadership, Science, & Washington’s Fight Against COVID-19 webinar: The Eastside of Lake Washington was the first place in the country to experience the Coronavirus pandemic. Hear stories from the front lines of this battle, what healthcare experts have learned, and what’s next as we prepare our communities for life after lockdown. The recorded webinar features Vice Admiral Raquel Bono, Washington state director for COVID-19 Health System Response Management; Dr. Ed Leonard, lead infectious disease specialist for Overlake Medical Center; and Dr. Thomas Miller, Medical Director for Quality and Safety at Overlake Medical Center.

Snohomish Health District guidance on farmers markets and produce stands: Farmers markets and produce stands are considered essential businesses during the COVID-19 response, and food or other essential vendors are allowed. There are measures that must be taken to keep people safe and healthy at markets. The Snohomish Health District has published a number of resources to help farmers market managers, vendors and shoppers. Learn more by viewing their press release, blog, and website.

Kreidler finds most business insurance policies in state exclude pandemic, virus coverage: Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler polled Washington state insurers to get a thorough picture of business interruption insurance. He found that only two insurers offer coverage for a pandemic event through their base policy. An additional 15 offered limited coverage through endorsements to standard policies. Read the full release.

Washington WIC an essential service and continues to be available to pregnant women, new moms, and young children: During this challenging time, Washington WIC is here for vulnerable families. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC gives families access to nutritious foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, health assessments and referrals. WIC is for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding moms, infants, and children under five. These services help diverse communities address their health needs during and after pregnancy and in early childhood. English Español – Spanish

How many people have recovered from coronavirus? Check out the latest BienstarWA blog ¿Cuántas personas se han recuperado del coronavirus?

Washington Commerce Director interview on Yahoo Finance: “We don’t want to reignite the virus but we want to reignite the economy” said Washington Commerce Director Lisa Brown. Watch the full Yahoo Finance interview.

DSHS to provide disaster cash assistance for some Washingtonians: Beginning Friday, April 17, some Washington residents can apply through the Department of Social and Health Services for emergency cash assistance to help meet their immediate needs. As a result of Governor Inslee’s emergency declaration in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has approved implementing the Disaster Cash Assistance Program, or DCAP, in Washington state. News Release- English News Release – Spanish FAQ-English FAQ-Spanish

Washington 211 COVID-19 Call Center: Do you need information or answers to your questions and concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? You can call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.