Recapping today’s COVID-19 news and updates

Statewide Response 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 dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard. As of June 28, the state’s total confirmed cases are 32,253 and total deaths are 1,320. Three counties remain in Phase 1 – Yakima, Benton and Franklin.

Rate of COVID-19 is increasing in many parts of the state. On Friday evening, DOH released the latest statewide situation report, which shows increasing COVID-19 transmission across the state as of mid-June. You can view the full report here.

The report estimates the percentage of the population actively infected with COVID-19 in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Yakima counties. The estimate for Yakima County, which has remained in Phase 1 due to very high rates of COVID-19 activity, suggests recent efforts to control the virus are showing some initial signs of success, although the situation remains concerning. In King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, the percentage of the population with COVID-19 is increasing.

Inslee and Secretary Wiesman announce pause on Phase 4 applications. On Saturday, Gov. Jay Inslee and DOH Secretary John Wiesman announced the state is putting a pause on counties moving to Phase 4. The pause is due to the increased number of cases across the state and “significant rebounds” in other states that have been reopening. Eight counties were eligible to move to Phase 4. You can read the announcement here.

Staying home is still safest, but if you do go out… #WearAMaskWA #MaskUpWA. Keeping one another safe from COVID-19 is a team effort. Staying home is still safest, but if you do go out, remember to wear a face covering, stay 6 feet apart, wash your hands and stay local. Former Defense Secretary Gen. (Ret) Jim Mattis, TV news host Enrique Cerna, state Supreme Court justices, and thousands of other Washingtonians are wearing a mask for you. Please wear a mask for them too.

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 https://coronavirus.wa.gov/masks and www.doh.wa.gov/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.

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.