March 24 Coronavirus Update

Stay home, save lives

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Yesterday evening, Governor Jay Inslee announced a statewide order that requires everyone in the state to stay home, effective immediately.

This Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is similar to orders that other governors, in places such as California and New York, issued last week. There are now 28 states with full or partial stay-at-home orders. The Governor’s order requires every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity. This will ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes and close all non-essential businesses.

The proclamation states it’s still safe for people to go outside as long as they remain at least six feet from each other. Grocery stores, doctors’ offices and other essential businesses will remain open. People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as they follow social distancing rules.

Staying home will — quite literally — save lives. Let’s all do our part. Please read through the details of the order on the Governor’s website.

Here is a helpful and comprehensive list of who qualifies as an “essential critical infrastructure worker”: https://aqua.kingcounty.gov/mkcc/members/kohl-welles/images/ECIW.pdf

New testing site in Belltown for vulnerable populations

Testing kits continue to remain in short supply in our region. FEMA is providing a significantly lower amount of kits than were promised, despite our continued plea. For now, it is critical that the highest risk communities are prioritized for testing including health care workers, first responders and our vulnerable neighbors. A new site has been established in Belltown that will serve people experiencing homelessness or housing instability to be able to walk in and receive testing and care.

Latest numbers from Public Health

Here is the latest from Public Health. Cases reported today are an approximation. Case numbers draw from a Washington State Department of Health database that is in the process of being updated. Public Health expect to have an official count tomorrow. Public Health—Seattle & King County is reporting the following estimated positive cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/23/20.

• 1277 estimated positive cases (up 107 from yesterday)
• 94 estimated deaths (up 7 from yesterday)

Blood donors desperately needed

As I have mentioned in past updates, our region’s blood supply is critically low. Patients are counting on lifesaving blood throughout this #coronavirus pandemic. If you’re healthy, please schedule an appointment to give in the days ahead: www.rcblood.org/appt  

Keep in mind, blood drives are not considered “mass gatherings” as these are controlled events with trained staff and thorough safety measures to protect donors and recipients. Click the following link if you have concerns during this outbreak and want to know more about why giving blood is a safe process: www.rcblood.org/2Wnz55Y

Bloodworks Northwest is a location that is desperately in need of donors and has more information on coronavirus, who is eligible to donate blood, and donation locations at www.bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus. You can make an appointment for donating at a center or drive to minimize wait time.

Work release program suspended to reduce exposure in correctional facilities

King County Executive Dow Constantine on Tuesday signed an order suspending the work release program as part of several steps to reduce the number of people in custody and ensure the health of everyone in correctional facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to get the population at King County’s two adult correctional facilities to about 1,200 to provide single bunks for everyone in custody as recommended by Public Health – Seattle & King County. It also will provide Jail Health Services employees with more room to isolate people who are at a higher risk of severe complications.

Federal field hospitals in Seattle soon

I am heartened to see that the federal government is sending critical aid in the form of field hospital support for our region.  These hospitals will take non-COVID-related patients out of our hospitals to create room and resources for the coronavirus medical response: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/03/23/hospital-ship-mercy-to-los-angeles-military-field-hospitals-to-new-york-and-seattle/

Public health is also setting up a field hospital in Shoreline. You can read more about this site by clicking the following link: https://www.shorelineareanews.com/2020/03/recovery-center-building-shells-finished.html

The importance of acting now to curb COVID-19

I found this article to be very compelling.  The author provides clear data from around the world and synthesizes them into solid directives that need to be taken. It is lengthy but exceptionally well-written and indicates our communities here in King County are doing the right thing: https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-the-hammer-and-the-dance-be9337092b56

Hands washing hands!

I couldn’t help but laugh at this great video from Neil Diamond in which he sings his famous song “Sweet Caroline” but with new lyrics for keeping safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click the link to enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPLgsV_Ms3Q&feature=youtu.be

New guidelines for child care providers

Public Health announced new guidance Tuesday for child care and early learning providers that are considered essential during the stay-at-home order. Child care and early learning programs serve a vitally important function in allowing parents to continue working and providing safe and enriching spaces for children to spend their days. Public Health’s guidance will help these providers prevent and prepare for cases of COVID-19.

Helpful and informative COVID-19 links

• Ideas for virtual field trips and backyard fun with kids, as coronavirus closures continue – Seattle Times
• King County reduces district court operations – Kent Reporter
• Here’s what Gov. Inslee’s new ‘stay-at-home’ order does and doesn’t restrict – Seattle Times
• Our childcare providers are superheroes: from a parent in public health – Public Health Insider

Resources for those in need during COVID-19 pandemic

During this time, I realize that many of you may be experiencing crises. Below you can find a comprehensive list of links that contain helpful information on a wide range of topics.

Peer Support:

1. Sources for Undocumented Communities During COVID-19
2. COVID-19 Assistance/Public Charge FAQ for Immigrants – City of Seattle Office of Immigrant/Refugee Affairs
3. “Grab and Go” Student Meals Sites in King County
4. If You Are Locked Down With Someone Who May Become Violent: Steps that may keep you and your loved ones safe in your own household – Psychology Today
5. 20 Ways To Support the Queer Community During Coronavirus -
6. The Coronavirus (COVID-19): What Trans People Need to Know - National Center for Transgender Equality
7. WSCADV Resource List
8. Law Enforcement Guidance on COVID-19 - CDC
9. Coronavirus Resources Kit - a collectivized compilation of resources from disabled, queer, elderly, Asian, and indigenous people and US-based mutual aid projects
10. COVID-19 Mutual Aid and Advocacy Resources - includes advocacy information & resources alongside links to many similar compilations of local mutual aid projects.

Workers and Businesses:

1. Small Business COVID Resources - Office of Economic Development, City of Seattle
2. COVID-19 Worker Resources - Office of Economic Development, City of Seattle
3. Events, eating out, and retail: what’s allowed and what’s not – Public Health Insider
4. Expanded Paid Safe & Sick Time for Seattle – Office of Labor Standards, City of Seattle
5. Emergency Loan - Seattle Credit Union

Additional Sources:

1. Family Law and DVPO Info on Remote Appearances – King County Courts
2. Seattle Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund for Community Organizations
3. King County COVID-19 Community Response for Community Organizations
4. Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund
5. COVID-19 Trans/Queer Relief Form
6. Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)

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 to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. 

Finally, to prevent these updates from going straight to spam or junk folders, I encourage you to whitelist these emails by adding the email address to your contacts or address book. And be sure to check your spam folder if you think you may have missed an update.

And please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns and, most importantly, be well.

Sincerely,

Jeanne Kohl-Welles