Another recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. Data for 9/22 are still being processed. Updated numbers will be posted here.

For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard.

It’s more important than ever to get a flu vaccine this year. We may not have a vaccine yet for COVID-19, but we DO have a vaccine for flu. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick with flu during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We can all do our part to prevent illness and hospitalizations caused by flu. This will help save healthcare resources for COVID-19 response in our communities.

More information from DOH is available here.

COVID-19 risk remains high in Washington state despite decreasing activity. DOH released the latest statewide situation report on Friday, September 18. The report shows an overall decline in COVID-19 cases in western Washington and a plateau in eastern Washington, with significant differences from county to county.

State announces new COVID relief funds to support nonprofits helping youth. The Washington State Department of Commerce is partnering with School’s Out Washington to distribute approximately $9 million in state Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to respond to the impact of COVID-19 by supporting programs serving school age kids and young adults facing the most significant challenges to educational and economic opportunity.

Read the full news release here.

State launches interactive data tool to help leaders plan and track recovery efforts across regions, sectors and demographics. The Economic Recovery Dashboard uses select data from a variety of reliable sources to display the latest available status of employment, businesses, government assistance programs and consumer behavior. It provides insight into the current impact of COVID-19, and over time, will help identify which communities or industries are recovering and which need continued support.

Read the full news release here.

Inslee issues guidance for miscellaneous venues. Gov. Jay Inslee today issued guidance for miscellaneous venues, including convention/conference centers, designated meeting spaces in hotels, events centers and other similar venues as part of Washington’s Safe Start phased reopening plan.

The guidance allows business meetings, professional development training and testing, and substantially similar activities to occur away from business premises and with additional attendees, as long as all requirements are met.

Read the full guidance document here, and the associated memo here. Find a full list of all reopening guidance here.

Inslee updates guidance for agritourism. Gov. Jay Inslee announced updated guidance for agritourism as part of Washington’s Safe Start phased reopening plan. Effective yesterday, all agritourism activities are allowed to operate in Modified Phase 1 counties under Phase 2 guidance.

Read the full guidance document here. Find a full list of current guidance for Modified Phase 1 here.

L&I issues COVID-19 Hazard Alert on hospital worker safety. Concern over COVID-19 cases in hospital workers has prompted the Washington State Departments of Labor & Industries (L&I) and Health (DOH) to clarify and update hospital guidance to prevent the spread of the virus to staff and patients.

Along with the guidance for health care and long-term care workers, guidance for other industries is available on the L&I DOSH coronavirus webpage.

Read the full news release here.

Updated Phase 2 and Phase 3 Personal Service Providers COVID-19 requirements. The requirements now include what type of face covering can be used for certain services to resume. As of Sept. 18, services such as facials, beard trimmings and lower face tattoo and piercings can resume as long as the service provider wears a NIOSH approved N95 face covering.

If N95 face coverings are in short supply and cannot be obtained readily, an FDA approved surgical mask, combined with a face shield, is an acceptable substitute. However, the employer would have to demonstrate they have standing N95 orders that cannot be filled.

Read the full guidance document here.

Resources

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance is available here.

Guidance and resources for employers and business owners. Sign up for the weekly business and worker newsletter here.

Washington 211 COVID-19 call center is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, 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.

Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.