COVID-19 Update 48

Dear friends & neighbors,

I know that the growing and constantly evolving COVID-19 outbreak in our nation and community is creating significant concern and anxiety among families, workers and employers. It is affecting all our daily lives, and I hope you and your loved ones are taking the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy during this time.

I know our community is strong, and while the future feels uncertain, we will get through this by supporting each other and following the guidance of public health officials and directives from the Governor. We learn more about this highly-contagious disease every day, so we need to expect our officials to continue to adapt as we learn more about how to protect people from exposure. That means recommendations and orders are changing rapidly, and I want to make sure you have updated information.

Stay Home, Stay Healthy

On Monday, Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians to announce a statewide order that requires everyone in the state to stay home. We are in a stage of peak contagion that makes it critical to alter our normal behaviors and avoid contact with others unless absolutely necessary. This is the most effective way to break the chain of transmission; it will vastly reduce the number of people who are exposed, who test positive, or who develop life-threatening illnesses.

The Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is similar to those in other states, like California and New York, and will last for at least two weeks. This order:

Requires every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
Bans all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.
Closes all businesses except essential businesses.

It’s still safe for you to go outside as long as you remain at least six feet from others. Grocery stores, doctor’s offices and other essential businesses will remain open. You can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as you follow social distancing rules.

This order builds on the early and unprecedented steps the state took in the past few weeks to protect Washingtonians. These included closing schools and restaurants, entertainment venues and other businesses where people congregate.

Stay Home, Stay Healthy

Protect yourself and your community

As this situation continues to rapidly unfold, please protect yourself and your family by following these DOH recommendations:

Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue and discard it immediately.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
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.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
Show compassion and support for individuals and communities most closely impacted.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19:

Call your doctor – do not go to the hospital. Your doctor will make an assessment about next steps, and many are using telehealth options. If you require a COVID-19 test, your doctor will contact public health officials to arrange one.
- If you have symptoms and do not have a doctor to call, you can call the state Department of Health call center at 1-800-525-0127.
If you live in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you are a healthcare or homeless center provider with questions, you can call the King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 206-477-3977. Interpreters are available.
If you have general questions about COVID-19 or Washington State’s response, please call the Washington State Department of Health call center: 1-800-525-0127. Phone lines are currently staffed from 6 am to 10 pm, seven days a week, interpreters are available.

Social Distancing: A How-To Guide

Social distancing is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of COVID-19 as the virus is transferred from person to person.

Even if you do not show signs of the virus, you could be a carrier and should practice social distancing whenever possible.

Social distancing guidelines include:

Stay home whenever possible, especially when you or anyone in your household is sick.
Maintain six feet of space between individuals. It’s okay to get fresh air, walk the dog, buy groceries and pick up medications – just maintain six feet of space.
Eliminate nonessential trips outside the home. Use telecommute options and avoid public transportation whenever possible.
Minimize contact with people, especially nonessential travel and visits with people over the age of 60. Seniors and people with compromised immune systems should stay home whenever possible.
Reschedule nonessential social gatherings and travel. While there is a ban on sit-in options at restaurants and bars, delivery and take-out options are still available.
Keeping in contact with loved ones remotely. Social distancing should not mean social isolation. Tips on staying mentally healthy during this outbreak.

Feeding families during the COVID-19 Crisis

There are plenty of 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. As the governor stated on Monday, there is no need to stockpile. Our supply chain remains strong. Practice social distancing and use good hygiene when making essential trips for groceries.

Order takeout and delivery while practicing social distancing. Again, the governor has closed restaurants for the next two weeks 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 https://www.washingtonconnection.org/home/.

The City of Seattle is taking steps to help residents who may be experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak and contributing $5 million to provide emergency food vouchers to approximately 6,250 families in need. Learn more and find out if your family qualifies in this FAQ.

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.

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.

Additional Resources

News on COVID-19 is changing quickly. Stay up to date with the most recent and accurate information with the links below, including where to find public resources, including unemployment, health care, small business support and more.