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.

Tomorrow’s weekly media briefing set for 2:30. Tomorrow’s media briefing will be livestreamed through TVW at this link.

Health secretary urges protesters to help stop the spread. During the governor’s media availability this afternoon, DOH Secretary John Wiesman urged anyone who has been in a large crowd and wasn’t able to maintain six feet of physical distance to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and away from others for 14 days. Fourteen days is the time it can take to develop symptoms of COVID-19. He also reminded Washingtonians that anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should seek a test. You can watch the governor’s and secretary’s remarks on TVW. 

Updated modeling report. A new update to previous modeling reports on the spread of COVID-19 continues to show different trends in different parts of the state. The report estimates transmission was declining slightly in western Washington and increasing in eastern Washington as of the end of May, with significant variation from county to county. Read the new report.

Today is the first day of employee mask requirements.  Beginning today all employees in the state are required to wear a cloth facial covering, except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site, or when the job has no in-person interaction. Employers must provide cloth facial coverings to employees, unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection under the Department of Labor and Industries’ safety and health rules and guidance. Employees may choose to wear their own facial coverings at work, provided it meets the minimum requirements. Which Mask for Which Task guidance was issued today by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the state’s Labor and Industries. Complete guidance for workers and businesses is found here.

DOH highlights importance of face coverings, shares additional information. As counties across Washington state continue their progress on phased reopening, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) urges Washington residents to continue to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Full news release here.

Communicating with our faces covered. Read the DOH blog for ideas to overcome some of the challenges created by wearing masks.

Resources

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.