Today’s recap of 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.

Warning about methanol-based hand sanitizers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about methanol-based hand sanitizers. The FDA is advising consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by “Eskbiochem SA de CV” in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol, a toxic alcohol that can cause blindness or death when absorbed through the skin or when swallowed. Read the Department of Labor and Industries’ press release.

Inslee issues proclamation related to Family Emergency Assistance Program. Gov. Jay Inslee today issued a proclamation authorizing the Department of Social and Health Services to expand eligibility for the agency’s Family Emergency Assistance Program to include individuals and families without children. It goes into effect immediately, expires at the end of the state of emergency and does not require legislative approval for extension.

Friends don’t let friends spread COVID-19. COVID-19 in Washington is now spreading faster among young people and communities of color. While people in this age group are generally less likely to become seriously ill from the virus, they can still spread it to friends, family and neighbors—without even knowing they have it. Contact tracing is one of the most effective ways health experts can track community spread. It also serves as a way to help you not spread it if you’ve been exposed. The Washington State Department of Health explains contact tracing and what to expect if a contact tracer contacts you.

Food security update. The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) continues to provide hunger relief, as more people out of work due to COVID-19 are experiencing food insecurity. The agency reports it distributed more than 1 million pounds of food to more than 192,000 Washingtonians this week. The WSDA this month provided $6.3 million of federal CARES Act funding to hunger relief organizations for food purchases, freezers, storage trucks and other operational needs. Additionally, more than 450 National Guard members have helped support 30 food banks across the state by boxing and food and assembling meals. Since the beginning of the agency’s response to the pandemic, soldiers and airmen have helped process 35 million pounds of food.

Catch this week’s media briefings on TVW. Gov. Jay Inslee held a media availability Tuesday and today about the state’s COVID-19 response, including prospects for safely reopening schools in the fall, ramping up contact tracing, effectiveness of face coverings and more. The state Joint Information Center also held its weekly media briefing yesterday featuring several of the state’s top leaders in the COVID-19 response.