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Dear friends and neighbors,
I have a lot to report to you in this update in addition to the latest information from Public Health on the rapidly evolving COVID-19 crisis and response. Here’s what’s in today’s enews:
- Latest on COVID-19 situation
- Emergency spending appropriation
- Statement on funding for quarantine sites in King County
- Funds for foodbanks/senior centers in District Four
This has been an enormous challenge and for many of us it has been very nerve-wracking. Remember that taking extra precautions will have a positive impact and will help keep you healthy and our most vulnerable neighbors from becoming infected. As always, I would like to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.
COVID-19 update
Public Health is reporting 74 new cases as of midnight last night, bringing the official case count total in King County to 190. In addition, two new deaths are reported, bringing the total deaths to 22. As a friendly reminder it is critical for everyone to take seriously the precautions announced previously:
- Employers should encourage and enable as many employees as possible to telecommute and follow other guidance for businesses.
- Avoid bringing large groups of people together and consider postponing events and gatherings.
- Stay home when you are sick. Do not go out in public when you are sick. If you are ill in any way call your doctor's office first before going in.
Public Health is also reporting details about the two deaths being reported today:
- A woman in her 80s, a resident of Issaquah Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, was hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah, and died on 3/8/20. (This case was previously reported as a positive case on 3/7/20, in an earlier case count.)
- A male in his 80s, a resident of Ida Culver House, was hospitalized at University of Washington Medical Center, and died on 3/9/20. (This case was previously reported as a positive case on 3/6/20, in an earlier case count.)
I encourage you to watch the press conference Governor Inslee held this morning on the state’s COVID-19 response, precautionary measures, and new policies supporting workers and businesses impacted by the virus by clicking the following link: https://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2020031146
Emergency spending appropriation
The King County Council on Tuesday approved a suite of legislative measures to aid in the county and regional response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including an emergency appropriations ordinance I sponsored as the Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee.
King County has already moved to respond rapidly to the needs of the community since the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the county on February 29, including activating the King County Emergency Operations Center. Today’s legislation funds action already underway and takes more action to help the continued response.
We are experiencing in real time a new and unprecedented crisis. During a crisis, we must utilize every resource available in a responsible way to ensure our government agencies are in the best position possible to respond accordingly and to ensure the safety of our entire community. Click the following link for more information: https://www.kingcounty.gov/council/news/2020/March/3-10-council-emergency-covid-package.aspx
Quarantine site statement
This afternoon, I issued the following statement after approval of the emergency supplemental appropriation ordinance that includes funding for COVID-19 quarantine sites in Interbay, North Seattle, Kent and White Center:
“I acknowledge that this is an anxiety-producing time for everyone, as we all find the best ways to adapt our lives to align with best practices in caring for ourselves, our families and our community.
“The sites that King County has identified for modular units that can serve as quarantine and isolation spaces are a critical piece of our response to this crisis. Some of the best and brightest scientists and epidemiologists have recommended these spaces as a way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community.
“To that end, these modular units will be made available to frontline health workers, emergency medical service staff, people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and other individuals such as college students who do not have the ability to isolate themselves.” CONTINUE READING >>>
Funding for food banks and senior centers in District Four
Today, as an amendment to the emergency supplemental appropriation, I allocated almost all of my available district funds to 11 senior centers and food banks in District Four to help their efforts in the face of COVID-19. I know this is employing the classic peanut butter approach, and that an easy criticism is the limited amount of money is being spread too thin. But I did not want to play favorites with the very little funding readily available to me in this moment. Senior centers and food banks are all on the front lines of delivering needed food and services to our most isolated and vulnerable citizens, and they assure me every penny counts. I will continue to work with government and community leaders to bring even more resources to the organizations meeting our citizens where they need it most.
Senior centers:
- $400 – Ballard Senior Center
- $400 – Pike Place Senior Center
- $400 – Greenwood Senior Center
- $400 – Wallingford Senior Center
Food banks:
- $300 – Pike Market Food Bank
- $300 – Family Works Food Bank
- $300 – PSLA AFL-CIO Food Bank
- $300 – Ballard Food Bank
- $300 – Bitter Lake “North Helpline” Food Bank
- $300 – Queen Anne Food Bank at Sacred Heart
- $300 – Greenwood Food Bank
- $300 – Queen Anne Helpline
Thank you again for taking the time to read my update. You can expect ones to continue being sent out on a daily basis. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. And please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns and, most importantly, be well.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Kohl-Welles
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