Recap of COVID-19 News and Updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on April 27, there are 13,842 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 156 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The state continues its aggressive procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE). Because PPE supplies remain limited, state officials continue to prioritize Tier 1 needs which include hospitals, long-term care facilities and first responders. Though purchase orders are placed nearly every day, arrival time for orders can take weeks. Purchases are the primary way the state has secured PPE, accounting for more than 70 percent of items received so far – a percentage that is growing. Of the $342 million worth of PPE that has been ordered to date, only $8.3 million in PPE has arrived and been distributed or is being processed for distribution (some 10.7 million items).Washington businesses continue to answer the call to produce needed items, with more than 100 manufacturers retooling so far. The state is purchasing directly from five of them, and the others are selling directly to local entities including hospitals. Information about purchasing and distribution of PPE is available on the state’s coronavirus website. 

LGBTQ community and coronavirus: Many people in the LGBTQ community have experienced the physical and psychological stress of being rejected by loved ones and discriminated against by community members and by health care providers. This health disparity means that disproportionately more people who identify as LGBTQ have the underlying chronic health conditions that put us at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19. 

Statewide news items 

Kreidler extends deadlines, expedites online education for insurance producers: Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler filed emergency rules that will help insurance producers during the state of Washington’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Insurance producers are people who are licensed to sell insurance in Washington state. 

L&I encourages moment of silence for lost workers and those on the front lines: Now more than ever, the safety and health of workers is top of mind here and around the world. The week of April 28 is traditionally when Worker Memorial Day is commemorated in Washington state. The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) ceremony was cancelled because of the pandemic and the need for social distancing, but those lost to workplace injuries and illness must not be forgotten. L&I issued a news release today on Worker Memorial Day. 

Resources 

TVW: Find links to past and future coverage regarding COVID-19 and resources from our partners at https://www.tvw.org/covid-19/ 

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.