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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In this COVID-19 update you will find information on the following topics:
- Financial resources for families, employees and small businesses
- Latest numbers from Public Health
- Quarantine and isolation sites
- How to help artists and musicians
As I mentioned in last night's update, the Governor and King County Executive have announced new rulings stating that restaurants, bars, dance halls, clubs, theaters, health and fitness clubs, and other similar indoor social, service or recreational venues must cease operations until March 31, 2020. While this may seem drastic, it’s the right thing to do to keep us healthy and slow the spread of COVID-19. However, this decision will be very hard on people who depend on these industries for employment. During this difficult time, I am committed to doing my best to help you and your family get through this crisis. This includes also providing information on how to get through this financially.
My staff and I have compiled information on how to file for unemployment or workers’ comp; help with paying utilities, rent, and mortgages; issues with insurance; food assistance; and much more. All of this information is below.
Remember that the most important thing we can continue to do is maintain social distance. Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday elaborated on the most recent restrictions that include closure of restaurants, bars, gyms and more, as well as prohibition of gatherings of 50 people or more. Public officials stress we must avoid congregating in any circumstances, including in parks, to help stem the spread of the virus. Fortunately , some restaurants and other food establishments will be able to deliver or provide carry-out.
You will literally save lives by following these guidelines.
Additionally, as Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, I am working with the King County Executive to come up with an economic recovery package to bring to the full council for action to keep our economy strong and support working families and small businesses during this evolving crisis. I also implore our state and national leaders to act quickly to pass some sort of stimulus package centered on working families and our most vulnerable community members who are no doubt the ones who will be hurt the most by the economic fallout caused by COVID-19.
Helpful financial resources
- Unemployment and Workers’ Comp
Anyone who has lost his or her job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) should apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Info on that here.
Anyone whose job has brought him or her into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.
If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Washington State's Employment Security Department provides support services as well.
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. We will add to this list as more resources become available.
- Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage
If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:
Student Loans. If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the US Department of Education.
If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.
If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Food Lifeline website to find a partner food bank, food pantry, or hot meal program in your neighborhood. This food is free and available to you, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP or EBT.
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.
Latest from Public Health
Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/15/20.
- 488 confirmed cases (up 68 from yesterday)
- 43 confirmed deaths (up 6 from yesterday)
These additional deaths include:
- A man in his 80s, who died on 3/15
- A woman in her 70s, who died on 3/15
- A man in his 80s, who died on 3/11
- A woman in her 50s, who died 3/8 at Harborview Medical Center
- A woman in her 70s, who died on 3/14 at Northwest Hospital
- A woman her 90s, a resident of Redmond of Redmond Care & Rehab, who died on 3/12
- Of the 43 deaths reported, 29 are confirmed to be associated with Life Care Center.
Helping artists and musicians
One group of people who are particularly struggling from the economic fallout caused by COVID-19 are our region’s artists and musicians as so many are not covered by unemployment insurance, worker’s comp, etc. Cancelled gigs, shows and closed artistic retail locations have this community reeling. To find out how you can support local artists in your community, I encourage you to read this article that appeared in today’s Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/how-to-help-arts-and-culture-workers-in-the-middle-of-the-coronavirus-crisis/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=mobile-app&utm_campaign=ios
Quarantine and isolation sites in KC
Here’s a helpful map for you to be able to find the locations of quarantine and isolation sites in KC, although many of them will not be able to open for a while:
Keep in touch
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 too 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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