— 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 website.
Tuesday media briefing. Officials from the governor’s office, the Department of Health and other state agencies held their weekly briefing this afternoon to update reporters on various aspects of the state’s COVID-19 response. You can view the briefing on TVW here.
Governor Inslee issues proclamation extending protections for renters among other financial protections for Washingtonians. The governor first proclaimed a moratorium on evictions in mid-March, which was extended and expanded. Proclamation 20-19.2 extends the prior eviction moratorium through August 1, and modifies aspects of the prior moratorium. The proclamation also encourages landlords and tenants to communicate in good faith with one another, and to work together on the timing and terms of payment and repayment solutions.
Read the full proclamation here.
New guidance issued for libraries, drive-in theaters. Today Governor Inslee issued guidance for library operations, including plans for the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, in Phase 1 and 2, and drive-in theater operations for Phase 2. Through the Washington “Safe Start” plan, more businesses and activities will re-open in phases, with adequate safety and health standards in place. Each phase will be at least three weeks. More details are found in the list of guidance for all current businesses.
New guidance issued for masks. Which Mask for Which Task guidance was issued today by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the state’s Labor and Industries. Complete guidance for workers and businesses is found here. Beginning June 8, all employees will be required to wear a cloth facial covering, except when working alone in an office, vehicle, or at a job site, or when the job has no in-person interaction. Employers must provide cloth facial coverings to employees, unless their exposure dictates a higher level of protection under the Department of Labor and Industries’ safety and health rules and guidance. Employees may choose to wear their own facial coverings at work, provided it meets the minimum requirements.
Risking your health to fight racism (Thank you!) Racism is a public health threat we can’t ignore. Nor can we wait until the pandemic is over to address it. The violent, senseless death of George Floyd and the ensuing national outrage is a sobering reminder that violence against Black people has occurred in this country since our very beginnings. The Department of Health stands with our Black community members and all People of Color in solidarity, support, and love. Full blog post from DOH here.
