November 5, 2020: COVID-19 Bulletin

Washington State Department of Health sent this bulletin at 11/05/2020 07:48 PM PST

COVID-19 BULLETIN

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Contact:

Public Information Desk
doh-pio@doh.wa.gov

Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates

Statewide Response Updates

Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 112,550 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on November 4. There have been 2,431 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.

New report explores role of diagnostic testing in school reopening. Today, the Department of Health released a new report by the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) that quantifies how various diagnostic screening scenarios could help mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission associated with reopening schools. The report, the third in a series by IDM, affirms that while there are still risks associated with returning to full in-person instruction, the risks could be significantly reduced through school-based countermeasures, hybrid scheduling, and a phased-in approach that brings back K-5 grades first. Read the full news release here.

New report on COVID-19 and schools media briefing. The Washington Department of Health and the Institute of Disease Modeling held a media briefing today to discuss the new IDM report. Watch the recording here.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan update. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to make progress with our COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning efforts.

Throughout the month of October our community engagement team connected with communities, workers, and business sectors that are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and communities and sectors at higher risk for getting or spreading COVID-19. We conducted over 90 interviews and focus groups with 402 people, and received 18,000 survey responses in multiple languages.

Read the full news release here.

It’s more important than ever to get a flu vaccine this year. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, 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

Safer Gatherings: The COVID chat. Whether you want to draw boundaries, are feeling tempted to push others out of their comfort zone, or just need some ways to figure out if an upcoming event meets your standards for safety, here’s some help.

Respectfully say "no." Saying no to people you love is never easy. Be clear, offer alternatives, and be honest. Don't feel pressured to keep the conversation going.
Respect others' boundaries. Hearing “no” from family and friends can be hard. It helps to remember they feel bad too — no one enjoys turning down invitations. Show you care, and learn where they are coming from.
Establish ground rules. To avoid surprises, hurt feelings, or situations where you feel unsafe, be sure to set expectations in advance. Be clear about your boundaries. Gather your thoughts, and consider alternative activities you could suggest. Keep responses simple, and don't feel pressured to negotiate.

For more information and tips on having the COVID chat, visit the Safer Gatherings webpage.

COVID-19 Long-term Care Report. As of November 2, a total of 8,478 COVID-19 cases (8% of total cases) and 1,308 deaths (55% of total deaths) have been identified as associated with a long-term care facility (i.e., nursing home, assisted living facility or adult family home). Read the full report here.

These cases include residents as well as employees and visitors. Not all of these cases were exposed at a LTC facility.
Many cases visited multiple places during their exposure period, and some individuals may have visited a LTC facility after disease onset.

COVID-19 and Technology Survey. The University of Washington’s anonymous COVID-19 and Technology Survey closes Nov. 10. Information from the survey will be used to inform the launch of a technology designed to help stop the spread of COVID-19. It asks questions about technology, privacy, your activities at this time, and some demographic information, such as your employment and the number of people who live in your household. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness applications still being accepted. There has been some confusion about whether applications for PPP loan forgiveness were due Oct. 31, but the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reassured applicants there is no defined deadline. Business owners can still apply and use the simplified application which significantly reduces the time and paperwork needed for PPP loan forgiveness. Read the SBA’s “6 Things About PPP Loan Forgiveness You Should Know” for more info.

Disaster Cash Assistance Program – Wildfires: Ending soon! The Wildfire Disaster Cash Assistance Program has assisted 152 families impacted by wildfires in Washington state. Now that the wildfire season is over, this temporary program activated by the Governor’s declaration of a statewide emergency and subsequent proclamation ends Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. Households may still submit an application for this program until 5 p.m. Nov. 9. Applicants will have until 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 to complete their interview and provide all necessary verification.

Applications can be submitted online at washingtonconnection.org or by calling the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233. Interviews may be completed by calling 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday (except observed holidays).

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 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.

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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