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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
At the King County Council, we are acting creatively to keep our legislative process functional and running during this unprecedented time. This is especially challenging with all councilmembers and staff working entirely and full-time from home. However, on Tuesday we tackled this challenge head on by holding our regular Council meeting for the first time ever entirely by remote access using Skype and tele-conference technology. We were even able to provide the public an opportunity to provide commentary and had a Spanish language interpreter on the line. Special thanks to Chair Claudia Balducci for running a smooth meeting in light of this unique format. You can stream the entire 3 ½ meeting online by clicking the following link: http://king.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=4&clip_id=8110
You are also able to view this new video from Public Health – Seattle and King County reiterating the importance of staying home unless absolutely necessary to go out. And when you do go out, stay six feet apart, wash your hands, and don’t touch your face. You can watch the video by clicking the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaxaG-Gq4yQ&feature=youtu.be Feel free to share with family, neighbors and friends!
King County COVID-19 data dashboard now live
As I mentioned yesterday, Public Health launched a new data dashboard that tracks COVID-19 cases, deaths and other demographics. The dashboard includes interactive maps, graphs and tables with data broken down by zip code, city of residence and other data points. Data will be updated daily between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. You can visit the site here.
Also, here is a great website that offers excellent real-time data in clear formats, broken down by country and state: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
You can also read about a Mercer Island teen who created his own website tracking COVID-19 by clicking the following link: https://www.mi-reporter.com/news/mercer-island-teen-creates-viral-website-to-track-coronavirus/
Latest numbers 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 3/25/20.
- 1,577 confirmed positive cases (up 218 from yesterday)
- 109 confirmed deaths (up 6 from yesterday)
Statewide, there are now 3,207 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 147 related deaths.
Clarified guidance from Gov. Inslee on construction during stay-at-home order
Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday issued further guidance regarding construction activities while the stay-at-home order is in place. In general, commercial and residential construction is not authorized under the proclamation, but there are some exceptions for work related to essential activities and other reasons. Plans are also being made for part-time workers and those employed in the gig economy can be eligible for unemployment benefits. Read the full guidance here.
Frontline support
Last week, the King County Office of Equity and Social Justice announced the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, that will supply grants of up 20 $25,000 to populations on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak. For more information about who is eligible and how to apply, please visit: https://kingcounty.gov/elected/executive/equity-social-justice.aspx
Public Health guidelines in a variety of languages
Translated materials outlining Public Health’s community guidelines to stay safe amidst the COVID-19 outbreak can be found at the following links:
Additional helpful and informative COVID-19 links
New COVID-19 vulnerable communities data tool available on Communities Count
Communities Count now has a data tool that shows which communities in King County may be more impacted by COVID-19. Focused resources for communities that may be more vulnerable due to social or economic conditions are critical in assuring health equity across all of King County’s communities.
Free symphony series continues
In case you weren’t already aware from an earlier enews I sent out, the Seattle Symphony is re-broadcasting some of its most popular performances for free as a way to help everyone cope with the strain caused by isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new video will be released each week. This week’s is a rebroadcasting performance of Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 led by Music Director Thomas Dausgaard on YouTube, Facebook and at seattlesymphony.org/live. Enjoy!
PAO issues new protection order guidelines
Here is some helpful information from the King County Prosecutor’s Office on how to file civil protection orders during the COVID-19 crisis:
The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency requiring significant changes to the justice system, including decreasing in-person contact as much as possible. We are here to help. All petitions for Civil Protection Orders can now be done remotely.
- Don’t come to court in person! It is contrary to the Governor’s order, bad for public health, and not the way to access court services during the pandemic.
- Courts are still open (virtually) to ensure people at risk can get the protection they need. Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Protection Orders, as well as Weapons Compliance Review calendars, will be heard virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Below are the ways you can access the court from home. Don’t come to court in person!
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Protection Order Advocacy Program (POAP) is committed to supporting domestic violence victims who are seeking a Domestic Violence Protection Order. Our advocacy services, and access to the courts, can now be done by email and telephone in response to COVID-19 pandemic. All petitioners interested in filing for a Domestic Violence Protection Order who need help from an advocate are encouraged to call or email the POAP offices: Seattle: 206-477-1103 PAOPOAPSEA@kingcounty.gov Kent: 206-477-3758 PAOPOAPMRJC@kingcounty.gov We have tools to help file protection orders remotely.
Take a peek at the new Kent quarantine facility
Thanks to a donation of food and supplies from Amazon, King County's Kent quarantine facility will now begin serving community members who can't isolate at home. Council staff produced a video about it. Get a look inside the center here.
Belltown neighborhood sing along
If you live in Belltown, be sure to head to your balcony or open your nearest window this Friday and join a neighborhood singalong beginning at 6:00 p.m. Here are the songs that will be sung in the following order:
Beautiful day in the neighborhood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmplK_MOEnc
This land is your land: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=this+land+is+your+land+lyrics&docid=608041118125657634&mid=8F82D04220C0C0DC93258F82D04220C0C0DC9325&view=detail&FORM=VIRE
We shall overcome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW2MRTqzJug
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
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