For immediate release: July 28, 2020 (20-135) Contact: Jamie Nixon, Communications, 360-789-3804 The Department of Health launches CORONA Survey OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) launched the Community Recovery-Oriented Needs Assessment, or the CORONA survey. The survey is an effort to assess the behavioral, economic, social, and emotional impacts and the needs of communities across the state as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The CORONA survey results will inform immediate, long-term, and ongoing actions that DOH and local health jurisdictions can take to address the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on Washingtonians. In order to appropriately and equitably inform recovery plans at the state and local levels, DOH is requesting residents from across Washington to go to www.wacoronasurvey.com to take part in the survey. (To take the survey by phone, call 855-530-5787—interpreters are available to assist.) The survey is voluntary and confidential. At the end of the survey, participants will be given the option to provide their name, phone number and/or email address. Each week of the survey, three participants will receive a $100 Amazon.com gift code as a thank you for their time and participation. If you have additional questions about the CORONA Survey, you can call the Washington State Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127. Learn more about reopening and the statewide response to COVID-19 at coronavirus.wa.gov. Individuals can also find COVID-19 information on the Department of Health’s website or call 1-800-525-0127. Individuals can text the word “coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on their phone wherever they are. The Department of Health works with others to protect and improve the health of all people in Washington State. Visit the DOH Newsroom for all news releases. Subscribe to get news releases in Spanish. You will continue to receive the English version. Washington State Department of Health is your source for a healthy dose of information. To request this document in another format, call 1-800-525-0127. Deaf or hard of hearing customers, please call 711 (Washington Relay) or email [email protected] Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe | Help
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![]() Remember how we flattened the curve? Washington State Department of Health Jul 24 · 3 min read The curve’s not flat anymore. This is an image from the risk assessment dashboards on www.coronavirus.wa.gov. Through June and July, the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 in the previous two weeks per 100,000 population steeply increased. The number of people who have been tested has also increased, but the percent of people who test positive hasn’t drastically decreased. This is one way we can tell that the increase in the number of people with COVID-19 is due to increases in the spread of the disease in our communities and not just increases in testing. We’re all tired of this. But, we’re losing the momentum we had when we first started responding to COVID-19 in our communities. And this means more restrictions on businesses and gatherings with our friends and family. Today, the governor and secretary of health announced several updates to the Safe Start plan to help us have fewer, shorter and safer interactions with people outside our households. This includes reductions in the number of people who can be in a restaurant or fitness center at one time, and restrictions around other opportunities for gathering with other people for longer periods of time. This is a critical time when we all need to work together to prevent runaway growth in the number of people with COVID-19. We know how to do this — check out that chart again — we successfully reduced the spread of COVID-19 in April and May! The sooner we can get control of this virus again, the sooner we can open our communities, our businesses, and our schools. The most important thing you can do is reduce the amount of time you are around people outside your household. You can do that by having fewer, shorter, and safer interactions with other people. It’s still most effective for us to all stay home as much as possible. If you do go out, be sure to keep it quick, keep your distance from others, and wear your cloth face covering. Then wash your hands as soon as you get home. Practice compassion. This is a hard time for many of us. Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1–833–681–0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7–1–1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org. More information. Stay tuned to our blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles. Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov. Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact our the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday — Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday — Sunday. Language assistance is available. Please note that this call center cannot access COVID-19 testing results. For testing inquiries or results, please contact your health care provider. Public Health Connection From the Washington State Department of Health Washington State Department of Health Protecting and improving the health of people in Washington State. Public Health Connection From the Washington State Department of Health New CDC report emphasizes COVID-19 can cause prolonged illness, including in younger people.7/27/2020 Washington State launched the Washington Listen program to support people affected by the stress of COVID-19 - this program includes a phone line to speak with support specialists and connect to community resources.![]() July 6, 2020 OLYMPIA - In response to COVID-19, Washington has launched Washington Listens, a support program and phone line to help people manage elevated levels of stress due to the pandemic. People who call the Washington Listens support line will speak with a support specialist and get connected to community resources in their area. The program is anonymous. "Washington Listens helps people cope and strengthen their resiliency in these uncertain times," said Sue Birch, director of the Washington State Health Care Authority, the agency managing the program. "It complements the state's behavioral health response services by providing an outlet for people who are not in crisis but need an outlet to manage stress." "This pandemic has had far-reaching effects that extend beyond our physical health. We are still in this fight against the virus, and the assistance will help Washingtonians recover during this uniquely stressful time," said Mike O'Haire, FEMA Region 10 administrator. The Washington Listens support line is 1-833-681-0211. It is available from 9am - 9pm, Monday - Friday, and 9am - 6pm, Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Providers and tribes that have partnered with Washington Listens include:
The Washington Listens support line is made available by a $2.2 million Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CPP) grant funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This program support short-term interventions to mitigate stress, promote the use or development of coping strategies, and provide emotional support to help Washingtonians understand and process their stress. Read more about Washington Listens below. How does Washington Listens function?Anyone in the state can call into the line to receive anonymous support. No personal information is kept by crisis counselors. The caller will have the option to select a language preference to accessibility options, or be routed to a live person for assistance. If the person in crisis needs behavioral health support, the counselor will work to get the person connected to behavioral health crisis services. In order to reach to our most vulnerable populations, crisis counselors will reach out to community and spiritual leaders to check in on people. StaffingAll positions require a high school diploma and do not require clinical education or experience, however staff will receive core content and basic training that cover skills needed to provide support to individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following is a list of providers and tribes who will be starting up a team:
Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org. Information courtesy of the Washington State Department of Health June 26, 2020 Read original article here. First things first... Practice Compassion! If you see someone not wearing their mask, just respectfully leave them alone. Some people have medical reasons not to wear a mask. Top 10 Reasons to Wear a Mask
Need more reasons? Check out the Department of Health website and the Governor’s coronavirus page.More information from the Washington State Department of HealthStay tuned to their blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever new articles are posted. Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state's COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable information at coronavirus.wa.gov. Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington State can be found on the DOH website. You can also contact their call center at 1-800-525-0127 between the hours of 6am - 10pm, seven days a week.
What we do know
This means that people who feel healthy need to wear a cloth face covering in public places—especially indoors—and stay at least six feet away from other people.
And, no, wearing a cloth face covering is not at all likely to restrict your oxygen or make you breathe too much carbon dioxide or affect your immune system. If you feel dizzy or light headed, or have trouble breathing, sit down and remove your mask. If it continues, call 911. Numbers. The latest numbers are updated on the DOH webpage. As of 11:59 p.m. on June 21, there are 477,204 people in Washington who have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 28,870 people (or 6.0%) have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, 4,062 people had to be hospitalized, and 1,276 people (or 4.4%) have died of the disease. Practice compassion. “Everyone shall wear a mask. Those who are not doing so are not showing their independence—they are only showing their indifference for the lives of others.” Sydney Morning Herald, February 3, 1919. Even before the modern research, people understood that wearing a mask is an act of compassion for others.
This guidance describes safe cleaning and disinfecting practices for businesses, parks and other public spaces to ensure cleanliness and safety. Find safe operating guidance for food service, schools ad childcare on the DOH Resources and Recommendations website. To control the spread of COVID-19 everyone must exercise the following important preventative measures to protect others and themselves.
In addition to physical distancing, cloth face coverings, and hand washing, reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfecting our workplaces and homes safely. Personal Hygiene
Cleaning and DisinfectionCleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces using soap or detergent. Cleaning alone does not kill germs, but thorough cleaning will significantly decrease their numbers and lower the risk of spreading infection. Sanitizing reduces germs on surfaces to levels that are safe. Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. Establish a schedule for cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, service counters, bathrooms, and athletic areas based on their use. Commercial kitchens, medical facilities, and childcare facilities need to follow their specific regulations for appropriate cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfection. 1. How to clean and disinfect
2. Guidance for specific areas and surfaces. Frequency will depend on useClean and disinfect elevator buttons, door handles, push bars, automatic door buttons, and other high-touch surfaces routinely. Cleaning and disinfect high touch areas four times per day, depending on use. Shared restroomsThoroughly clean and disinfect restrooms, including all high touch areas such as door handles, flush buttons or levers, counters, sink and shower handles, and light switches. Keep restrooms stocked with soap and paper towels. At remote locations without running water, provide alcohol-based sanitizers. Clean and disinfect high use restrooms twice a day if possible. At remote restrooms that cannot be cleaned and disinfected regularly, post signs to that effect and remind people to wash their hands thoroughly. Ensure exhaust ventilation systems are running continuously and as much fresh air is coming in as possible. If safe, keep windows open to increase ventilation. Public drinking fountains and bottle fillersClean and disinfect the button or lever. Public drinking water supplies are safe. Clean and disinfect surfaces and buttons. Consider posting signage that includes:
Keyboards and other sensitive electronicsUse alcohol wipes or spray 70% isopropyl alcohol into a cloth to wipe electronics. Use a separate area of the cloth for each device. Wash and dry cloths after use. Wash hands before and after use of electronics and do not touch your face while using. Do not share items if you do not need to. Athletic equipmentThoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces that may contact skin at least daily and between use by different people. Surfaces (including mats) must be intact, without rips and tears, to be cleanable. Have separate cleaning mops and buckets for athletic areas. BusesClose seating on buses makes person-to-person transmission of respiratory viruses more likely. Reduce the number of riders to maintain a physical distance of 6-feet between riders and encourage riders to wear cloth face coverings. Keep windows open to reduce virus transmission, including airing out the bus between routes. Clean seats and rails with soap, water, and microfiber cloths. Disinfect handrails with an EPA approved disinfectant. PlaygroundsDo not spray disinfectants on outdoor playgrounds. Clean if needed. Require children to wash their hands with soap and water when they come inside or prior to eating or drinking. Face-to-face respiratory droplet transmission of children playing close together is the primary concern for virus transmission. Encourage children to maintain a physical distance of 6-feet from other children they do not live with. Children's ToysWash soft or porous children’s toys in the highest water temperature appropriate for the item and dry completely. Clean hard plastic toys thoroughly. In general, thorough cleaning with soap and water is all that is necessary. Disinfectants can be harmful to children, especially if small children put them in their mouths. Select chemicals carefully and consider:
Soft (porous) surfacesSurfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes require only routine cleaning appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to launder items. Use the warmest water possible and dry completely. To clean carpets use truck-mounted hot water/steam extraction. Spot treat as needed first. Use the minimum amount necessary of low-odor and low-sudsing carpet shampoo. Thoroughly remove cleaner and dirt. The water should run clean. Carpet should dry thoroughly within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Ventilation SystemsThere is no special cleaning or disinfection recommended for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems. If the HVAC system uses a cooling tower, ensure proper maintenance prior to reopening after extended closures. For more information about cooling towers and HVAC systems see: Ventilation is an important part of maintaining good indoor air quality and reducing transmission of respiratory diseases. Ventilate with as much outside air as possible before, during and after occupancy, and while cleaning and disinfecting. Open windows when possible. Upgrade to MERV 13 filters where feasible. Filters must fit tightly. Two-inch pleats provide greater filtration with less pressure drop. Cleaning and disinfecting an area after a person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 has been in a facilityIf it has been more than 7 days since the sick person visited or used the facility, additional cleaning and disinfection is not necessary. If it has been less than 7 days:
Additional cleaning and disinfection guidance
More COVID-19 Information and ResourcesStay up-to-date on the current COVID-19 situation in Washington, Governor Inslee’s proclamations, symptoms, how it spreads, and how and when people should get tested. See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
The risk of COVID-19 is not connected to race, ethnicity or nationality. Stigma will not help to fight the illness. Share accurate information with others to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading:
Have more questions about COVID-19? Call our hotline: 1-800-525-0127. For interpretative services, press # when they answer and say your language. (Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) For questions about your own health, COVID-19 testing, or testing results, please contact your health care provider. Washington State Has Been Approved to Operate the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) ProgramWhat is the P-EBT?P-EBT is a new and temporary food benefit to help families buy groceries. It works like a debit card, and can be used anywhere that accepts SNAP benefits. ALL kids who qualify for free or reduced lunch can receive the benefit of $5.50 per day per child, which for many families will be up to $399 per kid. Who can receive P-EBT?Students enrolled in a K-12 school that offers a school lunch program during the normal school year AND - Is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals OR - Is attending a school where meals are free for all students such as a Provision 2 or Community Eligibility Provision School Can Immigrant Households Apply?Yes. Using P-EBT benefits does not count as a public charge. P-EBT does not change a parent or child’s immigration status. P-EBT replaces school meals and are for all families that receive free and reduced price school meals How can I access these services?
Frequently Asked Questions
Food PromotionFind delicious, budget-friendly and family-friends recipes below. Print and enjoy with your family tonight! For additional recipes click here.
June 11, 2020Four additional counties approved to advance to next phase of Safe Start planYesterday, Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved three additional counties to move into the next phase of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. Chelan and Douglas counties are approved to move into a modified version of Phase 1 and Asotin and Skamania Counties are approved to move from Phase 2 to Phase 3. Chopp announces Cap Gains and Employment Head Tax ProposalFormer Speaker Rep. Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) announced a plan today for a $2B COVID-19 recovery based on a cap gains and employment head tax. View HERE. Washington schools expected to reopen this fall with in-person learningWashington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction said Thursday that he expects school districts to reopen buildings and return to in-person learning next school year — as long as public health guidelines allow them to do so. Chris Reykdal, the state’s superintendent of public instruction, and a work group of more than 120 educators, parents, students and community organizations released a 47-page document with new guidance Thursday that lays out what face-to-face instruction could look like come fall. Counties in Phase 1The below counties are currently in Phase 1:
Specific Guidance for Phase 1Below you'll find specific guidance for the above counties: Essential Business GuidanceMany parts of the economy are already allowed to operate safely as essential businesses. For a list of essential businesses click here.
Counties in Phase 2The below counties are currently in Phase 2:
Specific Guidance for Phase 2Below you'll find specific guidance for the above counties:
Counties in Phase 3The below counties are currently in Phase 3:
Specific Guidance for Phase 3Below you'll find specific guidance for the above counties:
New COVID-19 Proclamations
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