Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on April 20, there are 12,282 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state (14 in San Juan County), an increase of 197 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more. 

Recovery plan: Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians Tuesday evening to lay out his vision for the eventual safe return to public life amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more on the Governor’s Medium blog and watch the address.  

New webinar:The Economic Resiliency Team, part of the state Joint Information Center, holds a weekly webinar with key stakeholders in collaboration with the Association of Washington Business. The second webinar in a series is now online, providing news and information to help navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown and Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine discuss the state’s efforts to help businesses and workers. The first episode is also archived online. 

Sourcing and delivering personal protective equipment: Washington state is working to source and deliver personal protective equipment (PPE) to support personnel on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Find out the latest. 

US-Canada Border restrictions: Canada and the U.S. have agreed to extend current restrictions on who can cross the border in either direction for 30 days until May 21. Read more information. 

HCA takes actions to ensure access to care for Apple Health clients: The Health Care Authority is taking several steps to help ensure Apple Health (Medicaid) clients have access to high-quality physical and behavioral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

Watch out for Medicare coronavirus scams: As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Medicare enrollees need to stay vigilant against possible scams, including perpetrators emailing or calling seniors and offering coronavirus vaccines. Find out more from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. 

Spokane Veterans Home death: The Spokane Veterans Home is saddened to share that one of our honored Veterans passed away today. This Veteran had tested positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized over the weekend. Our hearts go out to the Veteran’s family and friends in their time of loss. 

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.