Recap of COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on May 5, there are 15,905 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 311 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more.  

Statewide Response Updates 

Updated Long Term Care Facility COVID-19 death data released: As of 5/2/2020, a total of 2,894 COVID-19 cases (19% of total cases) and 507 deaths (61% of total deaths) have been identified as associated with a long-term care facility, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities or adult family homes. These cases may include residents as well as employees and visitors, and currently, we have limited ability to distinguish amongst them.  

DOH issues statement on “coronavirus parties”: Washington State Department of Health officials are alarmed by reports of “coronavirus parties” in which uninfected people are mingling with COVID-19 positive individuals to try to contract the virus. 

“Gathering in groups in the midst of this pandemic can be incredibly dangerous and puts people at increased risk for hospitalization and even death,” John Wiesman, Washington State Secretary of Health said. “Furthermore, it is unknown if people who recover from COVID-19 have long-term protection. There is still a lot we don’t know about this virus, including any long-term health issues which may occur after infection. This kind of unnecessary behavior may create a preventable uptick in cases which further slows our state’s ability to gradually re-open.” DOH encourages every Washingtonian to continue to follow Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. 

New mental health and coping infographics available on state website: Several new infographics have been developed to help residents cope with various COVID-19 challenges. All of the infographics can be found on the state’s coronavirus.wa.gov website under the Partner Toolkit.

The new ones are: 

• Building coping skills 
• Coping with financial stress
• It is OK
• Suicide warning signs 
• Supporting Kids and Teens

Thursday media briefing: “The honeymoon is over.” In a Joint Information Center phone briefing for members of the media, Washington state’s leading experts in disaster psychology and mental health will discuss the typical psychological cycles and timelines communities experience during large scale disasters and emergency incidents. They will discuss the significant mental health impacts that employers and state leaders should be anticipating over the next several months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and statewide efforts to bolster mental health and substance use disorder supports in anticipation of greater need. The briefing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. Register here.  

Governor’s Office Updates

Inslee issues guidance for vehicle and vessel sales, and drive-in religious services, in Phase 1 of recovery: Gov. Jay Inslee issued guidance today for vehicle and vessel sales, and drive-in religious services allowed under the Safe Start Phase 1 recovery plan laid out earlier this week. Through the Washington “Safe Start” plan, more businesses and activities will re-open in subsequent phases with adequate social distancing measures and worker safety and health standards in place. Each phase will be at least three weeks — metrics and data will guide when the state can move from one phase to another. 

One of the first industries to re-open under Phase 1 is vehicle and vessel sales. 

“This guidance is the work of a strong collaborative process between my office and the industry,” Inslee said. “Here is a great example of vehicle and vessels sales dealerships leading the way to ensure the opening of their businesses puts the health and safety needs of their employees and customers first.” 

Memo: Resuming Vehicle Sales  

Frequently asked questions on vehicle and vessel sales 

Vehicle and vessel sales proclamation 

Inslee also released guidance today allowing religious, spiritual and faith-based organizations the ability to conduct drive-in services. 

“Faith is so important at all times, but especially during times of crisis and difficulty. This unique drive-in service option will allow people to come together,” Inslee said. “Our goal has always been to keep Washingtonians safe and healthy, and this option allows them to do that while participating in religious, spiritual and faith-based activities.” 

Religious, spiritual, and faith-based drive-in guidance 

Inslee issues emergency proclamation about filing for public office: Gov. Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation Wednesday, May 6, in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The proclamation waives/suspends the statutory requirement that candidates for public office must submit a filing fee petition with registered voters’ signatures if they cannot afford to pay the filing fee. During the COVID-19 emergency, signature gathering runs contrary to recommended public health practices, so candidates for public office may now submit a filing fee petition without collecting those signatures. Read the full proclamation here. 

First Risk-Assessment Dashboard update: Gov. Jay Inslee and the state Department of Health released an update today to the Risk-Assessment Dashboard. This tool helps gauge when and how to best lift restrictions around ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy” in Washington. The dashboard features five “dials” measuring different data points in the state. The public can view the data guiding the state’s ongoing discussions on recovery planning by visiting coronavirus.wa.gov.

Washington COVID-19 Safe Start: The quickest way to reopen the economy and schools is to control the spread of COVID-19. The governor has extended his Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through May 31. He also signed his Safe Start plan, which amends some components of the original order and describes a plan to reopen the state in four phases, while improving and closely monitoring the control of the virus. Some businesses could reopen as early as this week. Through the Safe Start plan, businesses and activities will reopen in phases with adequate social distancing measures and health standards in place. Each phase will be at least three weeks long — data about the spread of the virus and capacity of the public health and health care system will determine when the state can move from one phase to another. The DOH Medium blog has more details: .

Gov. Inslee visits with nurses on National Nurses Day: As part of National Nurses Day Gov. Inslee broadcast a conversation with Washington nurses featuring nurses from Seattle, Centralia and Mill Creek hospitals. Watch on TVW. 

Statewide News Items  

Update on State Veterans Homes: The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is providing the updates on the status of each of our four State Veterans Homes as well as status information on PPE and appreciation to the community for their support during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Read the full release.

Washington Healthplanfinder Urges Uninsured to Act Fast to Meet Friday Deadline: As part of the state Coronavirus response, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is urging individuals who did not secure health insurance for 2020 to sign up for coverage by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8, the deadline of the limited-time special enrollment period through Washington Healthplanfinder for coverage beginning May 1, 2020. “Now is the time to sign up for health coverage if you are currently uninsured,” said Exchange Chief Executive Officer Pam MacEwan. “There are many resources available to help individuals understand their options and secure health coverage before the special enrollment period ends.” Individuals who need help signing up for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder may contact the Customer Support Center between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627- 9604. They may also contact an Exchange certified Navigator, Broker, or Enrollment center who can answer insurance questions and with enrollment. Free help from local experts is accessible via the WAPlanfinder Mobile App or by visiting HERE.

The Exchange is also reminding people that even after May 8, individuals who have recently lost their job or their employer coverage, have experienced a change in income, or experienced another qualifying event can continue to visit WAHealthplanfinder.org or use the WAPlanfinder Mobile App to sign up online.  

Resources  

TVW: Find links to past and future coverage regarding COVID-19 and resources from TVW’s 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.  

Interested in volunteering during disasters and significant events like COVID-19? Are you interested in volunteering in response to COVID-19? The State of Washington needs your help! We are looking for individuals to serve as Community Health Volunteers to assist Washington’s healthcare authorities with customer care/service, data gathering and entry and analysis, language skills, and much more! Volunteer assignments may vary in scope, location, time and length of commitment. A current healthcare license or medical background is NOT a requirement for volunteering.