COVID-19 news and updates recap for today

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Newest numbers. The state of Washington reported a total of 39,218 confirmed cases and 1,424 deaths as of 11:59 p.m. July 9.

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.

Please note that the data system will be undergoing maintenance July 11. The next round of data on the dashboard will be updated the afternoon of July 12.

FDA hand sanitizer recalled products list. The FDA has updated its product list of recalled hand sanitizer products that have tested positive for methanol contamination. Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested.  View the press release and list of recalled products here.

Waiver extension for WIC remote services. Congress has extended waivers allowing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children to offer services remotely until Sept. 30. In lieu of in-person visits, the wavers let WIC enroll new applicants, provide nutrition education and breastfeeding support and issue food benefits by phone or video chat.

Built to respond: How the Washington Military Department has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees of the Washington Military Department have been at the center of the response since the beginning, helping the state Department of Health with pandemic planning before COVID-19 was on the national radar, helping with logistics, operations and planning support. As the response became more critical, soldiers and airmen of the Washington National Guard have helped with testing sites, supporting food banks and most recently, in a call center where they help track where the virus spreads. Read the story here.

Resources

Face coverings: your questions, answered. Washingtonians must wear face coverings in all public spaces, and may be refused service at businesses if they don’t wear one. The state Department of Health and the state Joint Information Center are continuing to provide updated information, FAQs and resources about the state’s face covering requirements. The state’s coronavirus response website outlines requirements for employers, guides for businesses, details on who may be exempt and answers to common questions. 

Visit coronarvirus.wa.gov/masks and www.doh.wa.gov/masks.

Medicaid providers have until July 20 to apply for relief funds. The US Department of Health and Human Services has announced additional distributions from the Provider Relief Fund for eligible providers that participate in the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance programs. Deadline to apply is July 20. More information is on the CARES relief funds fact sheet.

Want to help? Join the Washington Mask Challenge. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor has partnered with the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and Serve Washington to organize a statewide homemade mask-making initiative to encourage the general public to make, wear, and donate cloth masks. Visit www.wamaskchallenge.org for information.

The 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.