Today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Newest 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 July 6, the state reported 1088 new cases for a total confirmed case count of 36,985. These new numbers are not just from one day – data processing issues over the holiday weekend caused a backlog. Over the past four days, the average daily case total has been 711. Total deaths are 1,370.

Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties move to modified Phase 1. Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced last Friday that he approved Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties to move to a modified Phase 1 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. He was clear that this is an effort to help keep people closer to home so they avoid transmitting COVID-19 across county lines. To see what’s allowed under the modified Phase 1, you can read DOH’s press release. Due to high levels of COVID-19 activity across the state, the governor and secretary have paused review of any county applications to move to the next phase. All counties will remain in their current phase until at least July 16.

Reminder: New face covering requirements go into effect July 7. Beginning July 7, businesses will not be able to serve customers or visitors who aren’t wearing face coverings. This measure aims to counteract the record-high levels of COVID-19 activity in the state as counties have begun to reopen. Face coverings, when combined with keeping 6 feet of physical distance and frequent hand-washing, can significantly slow the spread of the virus.

Individuals with certain health or medical conditions or disabilities are exempt from the requirement to wear a face covering. Businesses can offer to provide accommodations such as curbside pick-up, delivery, scheduling of visits during non-peak hours or virtual meetings. No one is required to carry proof or documentation of their health condition or disability.

State launches Washington Listens program to support people affected by the stress of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has created new levels of stress and anxiety for many Washingtonians. State disaster psychologists say this is normal and increasing numbers of people will need some kind of mental or behavioral support as we head into the fall and the holidays.

That’s why Washington has launched Washington Listens, a support program and phone line to help people manage elevated levels of stress due to the pandemic. Washington Listens support line is 1-833-681-0211. It is available 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.

Washington Listens partners include American Indian Community Center, Colville Tribe, Community Integrated Health Services, Crisis Connections, Frontier Behavioral Health, Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare, and Swinomish Tribe. The support line is funded by a $2.2 million Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program grant funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency and supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org. 

PPP applications resume. The U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications today in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is Aug. 8. This is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep workers on the payroll. More https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program

Resources

Free Wi-Fi Map. In response to the impact of COVID-19, drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots provide free, temporary emergency internet access for Washingtonians who don’t have broadband service at their homes. Commerce has a Wi-Fi mapping tool on its website.

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.