Recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 396,713 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on May 24. There have been 5,722 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s dashboard and the state’s Roadmap to Recovery Metrics dashboard.

Beginning Tuesday, May 25, 2021, DOH added new data to the Epidemiologic Curves tab. In addition to the daily counts of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, we will include case, hospitalization and death rates.

Statement from Washington State Department of Health. DOH is aware of reports of a small number of cases of myocarditis or pericarditis in some patients, post-vaccination. Further investigation is needed to determine whether these cases are connected in any way to COVID-19 vaccines. Read the full statement here.

COVID-19 response update media briefing. Secretary Shah and other response leaders will provide a media briefing Wednesday, May 26, 8:15–9:15 a.m. PT. Please join the call 5-10 minutes early.

• TVW will livestream the briefing here.
• Reporters participating in the Q&A must register here.
• If you would like to ask a question, you must register and log into the Zoom conference, and email doh-pio@doh.wa.gov with subject line Briefing Question.

Inslee updates Healthy Washington proclamation, announces safe workers proclamation. Gov. Jay Inslee extended the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery emergency proclamation, Proclamation 20-25.13. The governor also issued new worker protections that safeguard employees who wish to get vaccinated, or who are in isolation or quarantine, from adverse action by their employer. Read the full news release here.

Intelligent Virtual Agents Help Callers with FEMA Funeral Assistance. FEMA is using intelligent virtual agents to guide callers through the funeral assistance contact center. The technology helps callers by answering a variety of frequently asked questions. If the caller needs further assistance from a live agent, the system can route the caller to an available agent for additional assistance. The virtual system can also connect callers to live agents with different proficiencies, such as applications and general COVID-19 information. For more information, visit FEMA’s funeral assistance web page.

FEMA Guidance on Planning Support for Disaster Response and Recovery. FEMA released new guidance designed to help emergency managers plan for disaster response and recovery. The guidance serves as a tool for governments, outlining guidance related to new priorities that have arisen in recent months. FEMA is offering a series of webinars focused on the guidance throughout June.

Federal grants for shuttered venue operators and restaurants still open. The U.S. Small Business Administration is currently operating two grant programs – the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. You can continue to find information about available federal and state grant and loan programs on the Washington State Department of Commerce’s business grants page at commercegrants.com.

Updated Guidance

Weddings, Funerals, and Events – COVID-19 Requirements

Resources

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor’s Office is available here.

Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the DOH has created a webpage to help people find COVID-19 testing locations throughout the state.

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

The state COVID-19 Assistance Hotline is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127, then press # or text 211-211 for help. New hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays. 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.