Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you can take time this weekend to do the things that restore and refresh you. While so much focus has been placed on physical health effects of the coronavirus pandemic, too little attention has been paid to the mental health impacts of this global crisis. This article in the Boston Globe does an excellent job of framing the dire situation. Today and tomorrow, I will share news around this critical topic, among others. While we need to continue our battle against the virus itself, we also need to start healing the impacts this pandemic is having on our hearts and souls.
You can now read previous updates I sent out on an archive page so you can find any information you may have missed. I have been sending updates every day since March 1 (sometimes more than one in a day). Click here to visit the archive page.
As always, I would like to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or comments. You can call me at 206-477-1004 or you can reach me by email at jeanne.kohl-welles@kingcounty.gov.
All the best,
Coronavirus and Mental Health
I recently found a few good articles around the powerful effect this pandemic is having on mental health. Our increased isolation, fear for our health and for our loved ones, and intense disruption to our lives all combine to create greater stress on our beings, manifesting itself in myriad ways from the brutal rise in domestic violence to the lethargy, depression and “brain fog” that this article describes. The author goes on to suggest that we should reduce our expectations on ourselves, understanding our bodies’ need to adjust to this very different and difficult situation.
Another article, this one from the BBC, further illustrates the impacts, and suggests the pressing need to find ways to deliver mental health services in real time during this crisis.
Latest Statistics on Confirmed Tests, Deaths, and Recoveries
The Washington Post published an excellent summary with detailed graphics and current statistics from the spread of COVID-19 around the world.
Since yesterday’s update, Public Health is reporting 100 new positive cases of COVID-19 in King County (6,507 total) and 7 new COVID-19-related deaths (456 total). So, once again we seem to be stuck pretty much on a plateau in the number of new positive cases as tested, as well as in the number of deaths.
Detailed information about demographics of those who died from COVID-19 are available on Public Health’s data dashboard. And, interestingly, you can click on your zip code to learn of the number of “positive” cases and fatalities where you reside.
Also, and again, here is an excellent website that offers real-time COVID-19 data in clear formats, broken down by country and state: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
The CARES Act and You
The federal government has rolled out a stimulus package in response to COVID-19, so take the necessary steps to ensure you receive this relief money. This article provides helpful information for people wondering when they’ll be receiving their relief payments from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The IRS also has a helpful website with detailed answers to questions around these economic impact payments.
Covid Toe – A New COVID-19 Symptom?
If these times were not strange enough, there appears to be a rise in the number of people experiencing chilblains out of season and that might be from coronavirus. The New York Times recently reported on this very strange and yet unexplained phenomenon.
Additional helpful and informative links
Something Fun
This spoof of a car commercial is tremendously well done, and I bet it puts a smile on your face or even makes you laugh outright! (Note: Remember this is a spoof and not to meant to be a hit against any auto sales company and workforce.)
Keep in Touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my daily update. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. You can also visit my Facebook page for the latest info.
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.
Be well, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
-Jeanne
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