Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Newest numbers – case counts rising. As of June 30, the state’s total confirmed cases are up from 32,824 to 33,435, an increase of 611 cases in one day. Total deaths are up from 1,332 to 1,339. Three counties remain in Phase 1 – Yakima, Benton and Franklin.

For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard.

King County reports sharp increases of COVID-19 among young adults. Public Health — Seattle & King County reports the daily average number of new COVID-19 cases has more than doubled from mid-June through the week of June 21. About half of all new cases are among people aged 20-39. Read the full story on Public Health Insider.

Inslee extends Safe Start proclamation one week. Gov. Jay Inslee today issued a brief extension of the Safe Start proclamation until July 9, in anticipation of additional modifications that will be made early next week. This proclamation extends all of the provisions of previous versions, and adds new requirements for employers to cooperate with public health authorities in the investigation of COVID-19 cases and outbreaks, implementation of infection control measures, and more. The governor’s office says updated Safe Start guidance will be issued tomorrow. Read the full proclamation here. 

COVID-19 is impacting ferry schedules. Public health officials are asking Washingtonians to stay close to home this holiday weekend to help slow the uptick we’re seeing in the transmission of COVID-19. If you do happen to have plans that involve a ride aboard one of our state ferries, check before you travel. Washington State Ferries is telling passengers to plan and prepare for extended waits. Several routes are operating on reduced schedules dependent on their COVID Response Service Plan. With more than 100 high-risk employees unavailable due to the pandemic, crewing has been a challenge. Due to a lack of crewmembers needed to meet U.S. Coast Guard safety requirements, there have been further schedule reductions over the past few weekends.

Resources

Tracking PPE distribution data. Washington state coronavirus response teams have put together comprehensive data on the way the state has secured personal protective equipment, PPE on the state coronavirus response website. About 91 percent have been purchased, while six percent is donated. Data on this page includes a table of acquisitions and distributions, receipt and distributions snapshots, and PPE prioritization information. The site also has a guide on purchasing, donating and manufacturing PPE.

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.

Do you need support due to stress from COVID-19? Call Washington Listens, a line that provides nonclinical support to people experiencing elevated stress due to COVID-19. People who call Washington Listens will speak to a support specialist and receive information and connection to community resources in their area. The program is anonymous and no identifying information is maintained. People who staff Washington Listens will receive basic training needed to provide support to individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. To reach Washington Listens, call 1-833-681-0211. Read the Washington Listens fact sheet.

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.

Have questions about face coverings? DOH and the state Joint Information Center are continuing to provide updated information, FAQs and resources about the new face covering requirement that went in to effect last Friday. Visit coronavirus.wa.gov/masks and doh.wa.gov/masks.