||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||
Statewide Response Updates
Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 87,042 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on September 28. There have been 2,124 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.
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.
State health experts: Flu vaccine should be considered “essential” this year. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, autumn brings with it another unwanted visitor – the flu. The presence of both viruses could put more people in the hospital and strain Washington’s health care system. While we don’t yet have a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, we do have one to prevent flu.
For help finding a health care provider or vaccine location, and to learn more about flu, visit www.KnockOutFlu.org.
COVID-19 transmission at a crossroads in Washington state going into fall. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report. The report shows COVID-19 case counts continue to decrease overall in both eastern and western Washington, though some counties are experiencing plateaus or increases in disease activity. Read the full news release here.
Inslee announces new standards for airports in Washington. Gov. Jay Inslee announced that Washington is setting new requirements for commercial airports and recommendations for airlines.
This is a statewide approach to the COVID-19 pandemic to help protect the health and safety of workers, passengers and crew in the aviation sector. Read the full story on the governor’s Medium site.
State to provide $300K in emergency grants to Washington shellfish growers. The departments of Commerce and Agriculture are partnering with Impact Washington to create Shellfish Seed Bank, offering up to $5,000 to shellfish growers severely impacted by COVID-19. Read the full news release here.
USDA extends waivers: WIC continues to provide remote services. The federal government has made it easier for people to participate in the WIC program during the pandemic.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the waivers that allow the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to offer remote services to participants. This, the third extension, will continue as long as there is a declared national public health emergency. Read the full news release here.
DCYF announces additional COVID-19 relief funds for child care stabilization. The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) announces a second round of child care funding to help strengthen the existing child care market for working families and providers. The Governor and Legislature approved over $70 million for the child care industry to address the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19. These additional relief funds build on the investments made in the spring. Read more here.
Resources
Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance is available here.
Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the Department of Health has created a webpage to help people find COVID-19 testing locations throughout the state.
Guidance and resources for employers and business owners. Sign up for the weekly business and worker newsletter here.
Washington 211 COVID-19 call center is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211
Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.
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