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.

June 15 Long-term Care Facility (LCTF) Report. The latest LTCF report from DOH is now available here. 

Inslee extends proclamation regarding truck driver hours. Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of a proclamation that waives truck driver hours restrictions.  The original proclamation waived/suspended the restrictions on truck driver hours through April 17, and was later renewed through June 14. Read the full proclamation here.

State and local leaders held a media briefing today to talk about efforts to help keep workers safe with face coverings. Speakers included Scott Lindquist MD, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases from DOH, Anne Soiza, Assistant Director at the state Department of Labor & Industries, and Lilián Bravo, MPH, Director of Public Health Partnerships for the Yakima Health District. Watch on TVW.

Researchers announce increased rates of COVID-19. The latest statewide situation report issued this weekend shows that COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the state. Benton, Franklin, Yakima, and Spokane counties, in particular, are showing alarming rates of infection. The disease seems to be spreading at an increased rate in Western Washington as well. Researchers say current transmission rates in these counties could lead to explosive growth of the virus if these outbreaks are not contained.

In a statement, Gov. Jay Inslee said, “there is still reason for strong concern in parts of our state. The report estimates cases and deaths will soon increase substantially if COVID-19 continues to spread at current levels…This is not the time to give up on efforts to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. We are still in the middle of a pandemic that is continuing to infect and kill Washingtonians.” You can read the DOH blog for more information.

Reminder: Stop the spread by staying local. As counties are reopening and the weather warms up, it’s a good time to check out a local park or camping area. But don’t get too far out of town — COVID-19 is spreading at different rates in different counties. We don’t want people traveling across county lines and bringing the virus with them or taking it back home. Read more on DOH’s blog.

Department of Commerce begins accepting applications for Child Care Partnership grant program. The Washington State Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the first round of a new Child Care Partnership Grant Program. More than 1,100 child care centers have temporarily closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, bringing an existing crisis of scarcity to a head. Even before COVID-19 and the ensuing financial crisis, many working parents in Washington were either paying more than they could afford, or struggling to even find quality child care facilities and programs near where they live or work. Disparities in access to child care are even more pronounced and damaging in economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color. The first round of applications is due by June 30, 2021. You can find more information here and application materials here.