Recap of Today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Numbers: As of 11:59 p.m. on May 10, there are 17,122 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 231 cases in the last 24 hours. Visit the the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more.

Statewide Response Updates

Three additional Washington counties approved for early move to next phase of reopening: Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved applications from Wahkiakum, Skamania, and Stevens counties to move into Phase 2 of Governor Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. This brings the total to 8 counties. Last week, Secretary Wiesman approved variances for Columbia, Garfield, Lincoln, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties.

Phase 2 Guidance: The governor’s office today issued Phase 2 guidance for limited reopening of certain restaurants and continues to work on guidance for other Phase 2 industries.

Inslee and Western leaders send letter to Congress requesting $1 trillion in state and local aid: Gov. Jay Inslee, House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig joined the governors and state legislative leaders of California, Colorado, Oregon and Nevada today in urging congressional leadership to dedicate $1 trillion in direct and flexible relief to states and local governments amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter reads, in part:

“Without federal support, states and cities will be forced to make impossible decisions – like whether to fund critical public healthcare that will help us recover, or prevent layoffs of teachers, police officers, firefighters and other first responders. And, without additional assistance, the very programs that will help people get back to work – like job training and help for small business owners – will be forced up on the chopping block.

“Red and blue states alike all are faced with the same COVID-19 math, as are Democratic and Republican mayors across our states. The moment requires unprecedented partnership from all of us – across every level of government and across party.”

Seattle/King County issue face covering directive: City of Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and King County Executive Dow Constantine issued a directive for all residents of and visitors to King County, which includes the City of Seattle, to wear face coverings while in public. This directive will begin May 18.

Inslee extends nine proclamations relating to COVID-19: Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of nine proclamations today in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Statewide news items

Fraudulent unemployment claims on the rise: On a nationwide level, including in Washington State, there have been many reports that scammers are fraudulently applying for COVID-19 unemployment compensation. In addition, reports are surfacing of fake sites being set up to steal claimants’ personal information. Employment Security would never request personal information, such as an individual’s Social Security number, outside of the ESD secure internet site.

If you become aware of or suspect you have been a victim of unemployment fraud, you should report it to the ESD through one of the following methods:

• Toll-free number: 800-246-9763
• Faxing a letter to: 360-902-9771
• Email esdfraud@esd.wa.gov (preferred method of notice)
• Completing an online benefits-fraud reporting form on ESD’s website: https://www.esd.wa.gov/unemployment/unemployment-benefits-fraud

Once you notify ESD of the fraudulent claim using one of the methods listed, ESD will respond with next steps.

If you become aware of or suspect you have been a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you file a report with your local law enforcement. You can further report suspected employment-related fraud to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), information is available at their website: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/employment-related-identity-theft

This day in History: Forty years ago this month, Mount St. Helens erupted, killing 57 people, spewing forth 540 million tons of ash and changing our world forever. For many, the eruption date of May 18 is something they will always remember and visiting the volcano on that date has even become an annual trek. But, this year, state and federal officials are asking you to observe the volcano from a distance and to visit virtually with the many, many scientists and experts willing to share information and listen to your memories of what happened on May 18 and the years that followed. The gates on State Route 504 near Coldwater Lake will remain closed for the anniversary. Johnston Ridge Observatory and its visitor center will remain closed. The nearby visitor center run by the Washington State Parks will also remain closed. https://mil.wa.gov/news/remember-mt-st-helens-40th-anniversary-virtually-this-year

Resources

TVW: Find links to past and future coverage regarding COVID-19 – including an interview today with Washington’s health care response leader, retired Vice Admiral Raquel Bono – https://www.tvw.org/covid-19/

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.