Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Numbers. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s website.

Inslee issued proclamations related to long term care facilities, farmworker health, and tribal fuel tax refund. Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the state’s plan to begin broad testing within long term care facilities and laid out additional health and safety guidelines for the agriculture industry. The governor also announced the release of a proclamation related to provisions restricting tribes’ use of fuel tax refunds (20-56) to highway and transportation-related purposes. 

Farmworker protections 

The governor issued a proclamation providing additional health and safety guidelines to protect farmworkers in the agriculture industry. These standards address worker housing, transportation and job site requirements.

Long term care testing 

The state Department of Health issued an order that will require widespread testing within long term care facilities. Residents and staff in nursing homes will be tested within approximately two weeks, with a completion goal date of June 12. All residents and staff in assisted living facilities with a memory care unit will be tested within four weeks, with a completion goal date of June 26.

Tribal fuel tax refund

This proclamation waives and suspends any and all provisions in agreements between the governor of the State of Washington and an Indian Tribe or Tribes restricting the use of fuel tax refund monies to highway- or transportation-related purposes. The proclamation is effective immediately, and will expire at 11:59 PM on June 27, 2020.

Two additional counties approved to move to Phase 2. Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved variance applications for Clallam and Kitsap counties to move into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. A total of 26 counties have now been approved to move to Phase 2: Adams, Asotin, Clallam, Columbia, Cowlitz, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Kittitas, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pacific, Pend Oreille, San Juan, Skamania, Spokane, Stevens, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Walla Walla, and Whitman.

Klickitat County is eligible to apply for a variance to move to Phase 2. The application from Clark County remains on pause due to an outbreak investigation. Full news release here.

Food assistance update. This week WSDA’s Food Assistance program distributed 1.09 million pounds of food, enough to serve more than 170,000 clients. In addition, Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen helped box nearly 2.8 million pounds of food and assembled more than 51,000 meals. Since March, Guardsmen have boxed more than 18.4 million pounds of food and assembled 1.1 million meals.

President Trump announced Title 32 extension. Today Trump announced his intent to extend the Title 32 orders through mid-August. The President’s current authority provides governors continued command of their National Guard forces, while being 100% federally funded under Title 32, enabling these states to use the additional resources to meet the missions necessary in the whole-of-America COVID-19 response.  Each state’s National Guard is still under the authority of the Governor and is working in concert with the Department of Defense.  In the days ahead, FEMA will work with the Department of Defense and the states to extend validated mission assignments to carry out the President’s direction. More information here.

Resources

New infographics available in multiple languages. The state’s Joint Information Center has posted new infographics in multiple languages on all kinds of topics including what kinds of face coverings to wear, poison prevention, supporting your kids and teens, and more. You can find those infographics, along with videos and other content to share with your networks on our online Partner Toolkit.

CDC released considerations for water recreation, funerals, and international travel. More can be found here: Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds, Funeral Guidance, Returning from International Travel.

Coping with quarantine. As we gradually increase the amount of time we spend in public life, some us may get exposed to COVID-19. If someone you know tests positive for COVID-19 and you have had close contact with that person, the health department will ask you to stay in your home for 14 days. If quarantining in your home is not possible for you, then they will help you find a safe place to stay. Visit here for more information.

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? Register with the Washington State Emergency Registry of Volunteers (WAserv) to partner with public health and others who need assistance in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.