Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
Home | About Michelle | News & Media | Email Updates | It's Your Home. Expect More. | The Ledger | Contact
Dear Dental friends,
The legislative session ended last Thursday, March 12. Normally, I would be providing an update on session activities. However, things have changed dramatically over the past week with this coronavirus crisis. So I would like to take this time to provide some essential resources to help you and your patients.
Coronavirus resources — What you should know
There's an enormous amount of uncertainty as news about the coronavirus continues to change hour-by-hour. One of the best central resources for information is on the Washington House Republican website. Please feel free to share this link with everyone you know: http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/coronavirus.
Due to this crisis, dental offices are only open for urgent needs. There is also a statewide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). The state may be calling on dental offices to contribute their inventory of PPE, especially masks.
Many of these requirements have been mandated by emergency proclamation and executive order from Gov. Jay Inslee. However, he is only legally able to make emergency proclamations for 30 days. After that time, he will need to seek approval of the Legislature. Given the increasing rates of confirmed cases and the extreme contagious nature of COVID-19, I believe restrictions on dental and medical procedures will extend much longer than two weeks.
Dental resources – COVID 19
Financial assistance for employers and small businesses
SBA Disaster Relief forms
Coronavirus resources — What you should know
There's an enormous amount of uncertainty as news about the coronavirus continues to change hour-by-hour, as you can see by the number of cases I've charted (see below) between March 7 and March 17.
Here's what we know:
Counties reporting the virus
Dining, entertainment facility closures
Social distancing
School closures
Statewide resources from the Legislature
Unemployment benefits for affected workers
Financial resources
Health insurance
Veterans homes
Protect yourself and your family for COVID-19
If someone believes they are showing symptoms:
We can get through this
There are rough times ahead. But if we pull together, practice social distancing, and do all the recommended sanitation practices, we will get through this. My office in Olympia stands ready to help. Please don't hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns.
Above all, be safe!
Sincerely,
Michelle Caldier