 Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The good news is that our efforts at physical distancing appear to be working. Modeling by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) shows that our early steps have likely saved lives. The bad news is that we are not out of the woods yet. The Stay Home, Stay Healthy order has been extended through May 4 and it's going to take us all doing our part to continue flattening the curve and slowing the spread of the virus.
As we enter into April and rents and mortgages come due, the economic pain that this virus has caused will only be amplified. The Governor announced a moratorium on evictions due to non-payment of rent that will last until at least April 17. The Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is taking steps to assist homeowners who are unable to make their mortgage payments and calling for mortgage servicers to work with homeowners to find a solution. If you need assistance, please call DFI at 877-RING-DFI (877-746-7334) to get assistance.
King County has also delayed property tax payments until June 1 for individual property taxpayers.
Please feel free to reach out to my office for help answering questions or finding additional resources. Legislators and our staff are now working remotely, so you can reach my office at 206-333-2975 or by email at Gael.Tarleton@leg.wa.gov.
Special enrollment period for Washington Healthplanfinder extended to May 8
Responding to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is giving families more time to find the right plan for them if they find themselves suddenly uninsured due to a change in status, such as losing a job that provided health insurance coverage. Originally this special enrollment period was set to end on April 8, but is now extended another month. If you or a loved one is in sudden need of coverage, please visit WaHealthPlanFinder.org.
School Closures
During this unprecedented time, state officials have been monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in Washington to plan accordingly to keep students and families safe.
The decision to close schools has been made with painstaking care to protect public health while prioritizing the needs of students, families, teachers, and school workers who are all impacted by school closures. Our state public health authorities have been in close communication with OSPI, county and local officials, and the Governor’s office to best meet the needs of Washington students.
We know that students are at low risk for infection, but we must consider their vulnerable family members who may be at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Many students and families rely on critical school services. With each student facing vastly different family and home situations in this crisis, we expect districts to actively develop plans to accommodate nutrition, childcare, and students experiencing homelessness. We also expect OSPI to offer technical support to districts as they work to reach students in different ways than ever before.
I know that this will be very difficult for families, and that parents are struggling to balance their own work schedules – whether they work in essential industries or are working from home – with the new demands of providing home instruction. The school closures are especially difficult for students who receive special education services and English language learners. In efforts to reduce barriers to distance learning, Washington state is working to provide better access to internet and devices to more students.
This decision was not made lightly, but we are following the guidance of health officials to help mitigate the number of cases and save lives. Our goal is to continue supporting districts, students, and families in finding flexible ways to achieve and learn.
The situation is rapidly evolving, and information is changing quickly. We recommend that you stay up-to-date by checking with the Department of Health and OSPI. You can also check Washington state’s official coronavirus website.
Please continue following public health guidelines to keep yourselves and your families healthy.
Resources:
OSPI will continue to be your best resource for updated information about schools. Check their website or follow them on Twitter and Facebook. You can also find a list of school closure resources at housedemocrats.wa.gov/covid-19.
Feeding your family during the COVID-19 crisis
There are still ways to continue to access safe and healthy food, and extra help is available for families that need support getting food on the table.
Grocery stores, gas stations and convenience stores remain open. There is no need to stockpile. Our supply chain remains strong. Practice social distancing and use good hygiene when making essential trips for groceries. NOTE: Many stores are designating specific times for those most at risk for COVID-19, like people over 60, to shop with less risk. Contact your local grocery or convenience store to learn more details.
Order takeout and delivery while practicing social distancing. Again, the governor has closed restaurants to increase social distancing, not because food is the risk. You can still support small businesses by ordering takeout and delivery. Make sure to maintain good social distancing and hygiene while doing so.
Assistance with buying food. If the COVID-19 crisis is creating extra strain on your household budget, you can apply for assistance through various state programs at washingtonconnection.org/home.
Free school meals in some school districts. School districts are stepping up to continue to provide free school breakfasts and lunches. Check with your local school district to see if they are providing free meals for kids.
Food banks remain open. Food banks continue to provide assistance to families and are instituting increased social distancing and hygiene practices. For any questions about hours or practices, please contact your local food bank directly. If you are healthy and able to give time, consider volunteering.
The size and scope of emergency food need across our state is enormous and continuing to grow. To address this need, Governor Inslee has created a new Food Security Coordination Team, which will be meeting twice weekly throughout the COVID-19 crisis. If you are willing and able in this time of need, please look into how you can help the WA Food Fund.
Cooking at home. For those cooking at home, handle food with the same care that you usually would. Wash your hands. Only handle food when healthy. People who are coughing, feverish, short of breath, or otherwise sick should stay out of the kitchen.
Protect yourself and your community
As this situation continues to rapidly unfold, please protect yourself and your family by following these DOH recommendations:
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Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
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Cough and sneeze into a tissue and discard it immediately.
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Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
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Stay home when you’re sick.
- If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider before you go to a clinic or emergency room.
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Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
- Show compassion and support for individuals and communities most closely impacted.
Physical distancing, not social isolation
Physical distancing is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of COVID-19. Even if you do not show signs on the virus, you could be a carrier and should practice physical distancing whenever possible. By now, we should all be familiar with the basics: to stay home whenever possible, maintain six feet of space between individuals, and practice good hygiene. It’s okay to get fresh air, walk the dog, buy groceries and pick up medications, just use precautions to keep your family and your neighbors healthy.
 While physical distancing is best for our physical health, it can take a toll on our mental health. Here are some recommendations and resources to stay mentally healthy over the next few weeks:
Remember, this won’t last forever. These are temporary situations and will eventually end.
Your voice in Olympia,
Gael
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