WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Wednesday, March 25

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee practices as he prepares to speak about additional plans to slow the spread of coronavirus before a televised... (Elaine Thompson / The Associated Press)

Is 2 weeks enough? Experts say Washington’s ‘stay-at-home’ order may need to continue to slow coronavirus
When Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday shut down many businesses, banned gatherings and ordered Washingtonians to stay at home, he said the restrictions will remain in place for at least two weeks. But public health experts say there’s nothing particularly significant about a two-week interval — and that it will likely take longer to slow the spread of the new coronavirus in a meaningful way. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Elaine Thompson)


Dyllan Muller works on a laptop computer during class on May 16, 2019, in Spokane. Disparities in access to computers and the internet make it difficult for districts to offer equal learning opportunities while schools are shut during the coronavirus pandemic. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

Digital divide challenges Washington districts seeking equity in at-home learning
The coronavirus pandemic is posing some tough questions for school districts in Spokane and the rest of the nation. One of the biggest: How many lessons will be lost by the children who need them most? Because of COVID-19, the learning curve just got a lot steeper for children who have the furthest to climb. As the crisis deepens, so too does the digital divide that isolates tens of thousands of Washington students who lack internet connections, devices and the means to obtain them. Continue reading at The Spokesman-Review. (Dan Pelle)


COVID-19 testing is done at Island Hospital.

Hospitals gear up for ‘uncertain times’
With cases of COVID-19 predicted to double this week and possibly skyrocket over the next month, hospitals are gearing up for a multifaceted problem: A steep influx of patients, stressed staff with limited resources and a severe decline in revenue. Current predictions from the Washington State Hospital Association show that cases could double by Friday, Island Hospital CEO Charles Hall said at an emergency board meeting Monday. Those numbers will keep climbing, he said. Continue reading at The Skagit Valley Herald. (PhotoCredit)


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Associated Press
White House, Congress agree on $2 trillion virus rescue bill
Spain’s coronavirus deaths leap; Prince Charles now infected
Virus: Inmates ask state Supreme Court to order releases
Colorado Army medical unit headed to Washington State
Out of vital medication, US woman among those stuck in Peru
Stocks wobble as Wall Street downshifts from historic rally
Asian shares jump after Dow sees biggest gain since 1933
What you need to know today about the virus outbreak
Ford recalls 268K cars in North America to fix door latches
Washington state’s stay-at-home order at a glance
Crater Lake, Mt. Rainier, other national park sites close
State trooper fatally hit by fleeing motorist on I-5

Aberdeen Daily World
County closes playgrounds, opens call center
Ocean Shores closes beach approaches, imposes curfew, may shut down hotels
Local law enforcement establishes plan to keep cities covered during pandemic
Food banks confident they can meet needs
GH Health officials: Don’t call 911 for COVID questions
Commentary: Big bailouts need fierce watchdogs
Commentary: I’m an ER doctor ready and able to save your life. Want to keep me safe from coronavirus? Stay home

Auburn Reporter
Activists want rent, mortgage suspensions
King County Metro reduces services as a result of coronavirus

Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Job searches now temporarily optional for those unemployed in Washington state
Washington state lawmakers plead with FEMA for more medical personnel and equipment
Bellingham nursing home reports five more employees test positive for coronavirus
Coronavirus deaths reach 123 in Washington state Tuesday as confirmed cases climb to 2,469
This is what Washington state governor’s COVID-19 ‘stay at home’ order means for you
Whatcom businesses considered non-essential begin process of temporary closures
Bellingham updates ordinance some had feared to allow quick action on coronavirus
Suicide hotline calls soar as coronavirus spreads. ‘There is a flood coming’
Social distancing and child custody: How the coronavirus is complicating co-parenting
Health officials backtrack on coronavirus death of 17-year-old in California
Here’s what ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ means
Coronavirus update: Two more Western State Hospital employees test positive
Red, itchy eyes may be another symptom of coronavirus infection, experts say
Despite what Trump says, experts caution against treating coronavirus with certain drugs
Does HIV put you at higher risk from coronavirus? Here’s what the experts say
Coronavirus deaths reach 123 in Washington state Tuesday as confirmed cases climb to 2,469
State parks and wildlife areas to close Wednesday following the governor’s order
Hospitals bar partners from delivery rooms amid coronavirus pandemic
Whatcom coronavirus updates: Bellingham park facilities close, jail restricts lobby access
14 more Whatcom residents test positive for coronavirus, Health Department says Tuesday
Bottles of booze can be delivered in Washington state under temporary coronavirus rule
Students must continue online learning amid school closures, Washington leaders say
Mount Rainier National Park closed to the public to help slow spread of coronavirus
Here’s how the life-saving EpiPen might fail when needed. FDA issues an alert
Opinion: Coronavirus failures are our bad. We’d been warned it was coming for decades | Opinion

Bothell Reporter
Kenmore suspends plastic bag policy to reduce COVID-19 spread

Capital Press
Spokane Junior Livestock Show date changes
U.S. apple retail sales get a boost
WSDA work continues despite office closures
Potato prices jump as retail demand goes ‘through roof’

Columbian
In Our View: Warning: Scammers prey on fears, desire to help

Everett Herald
All coronavirus outbreak news here

Federal Way Mirror
South King Fire chief urges community to make a difference ‘that will result in better outcomes for all of us’

The Inlander
Please Stop Killing People
 
Islands’ Weekly
OPALCO suspends late fees and disconnection during COVID-19
Addressing shortages of Personal Protective Equipment
Washington State Parks and wildlife areas to close

Issaquah Reporter
Blood donations drop due to school closures

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Washington State Parks and wildlife areas to close
Help for Washington artists

Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Health district investigators are ‘one piece’ of curbing the spread of COVID-19
Man charged with being under influence of pot during Kitsap Way hit-and-run
Under Inslee’s stay-at-home order: What’s allowed and what’s not?
‘Budgeting every penny’: For Kitsap workers, coronavirus’ economic toll starts to set in
USS Carl Vinson’s leaders stay the course while trying to limit contagion
Coronavirus live updates: Half of New Yorkers face infection; details coming on $2 trillion stimulus; Prince Charles sick

Olympian (subscription required)
Flood of 911 callers wanted to know if Washington state ‘stay home’ order affects them
Coronavirus update: Two more Western State Hospital employees test positive
You don’t have to look for work in order to get jobless benefits, state announces
Bottles of booze can be delivered in Washington state under temporary coronavirus rule
Coronavirus deaths reach 123 in Washington state Tuesday as confirmed cases climb to 2,469
This is what Washington state governor’s COVID-19 ‘stay at home’ order means for you
Despite what Trump says, experts caution against treating coronavirus with certain drugs
TVW celebrates 25 years of providing unfiltered access to state government
As coronavirus slams the economy, local governments prepare for revenue declines

Peninsula Daily News
Clallam County OKs certain employees working from home
City of Port Townsend changes permitting, inspections process
Kilmer plans telephone town hall to discuss COVID-19
Port of Port Townsend plans virtual open public meeting
Westport lays off workers in Port Angeles
COVID-19 Relief Fund to help those impacted by virus precautions
LETTER: Residents of Clallam County

Puget Sound Business Journal
Facebook is ‘just trying to keep the lights on’ as traffic soars in pandemic
States say doctors are stockpiling trial coronavirus drugs — for themselves
Can we put a price tag on a life? The shutdown forces a new look
Congress, White House strike deal for a $2 trillion stimulus package
Seattle-area businesses announce hundreds of layoffs in March
Port of Seattle suspends 2020 Alaska cruise season indefinitely amid public health emergency
Some job sites close as confusion grips construction industry in Seattle region

Seattle Times (subscription required)
Is 2 weeks enough? Experts say Washington’s ‘stay-at-home’ order may need to continue to slow coronavirus
Westneat: There’s a ‘moon shot’ to save the school year from coronavirus, but not in Seattle
More than 250 people in Washington hospitalized last week with coronavirus symptoms; state data shows upward trend
Nonessential businesses closing today. What’s an essential business amid the spread of coronavirus?
How Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will spend $3.7 million on Seattle-area coronavirus response
What can I do outside? What Gov. Inslee’s latest coronavirus mandates mean for outdoor recreation.
Layoffs begin as aviation collapse due to coronavirus hits Washington companies
Microsoft push brings medical supplies from overseas to aid in state’s coronavirus fight
Washington State football player Bryce Beekman dies at 22
LA Times: Will California’s coronavirus crisis look like Italy’s soon?
Not everyone changed behavior because of coronavirus; here are a Seattle poll’s findings
In response to a Seattle Times investigation, advocates seek benefits for workers who wore leaky respirators at Hanford
Sound Transit sues longtime ally Microsoft in effort to condemn land for Redmond light rail
Inmates with health problems sue Inslee to force release of thousands from prison over coronavirus fears
Stay on campus or go home? For Washington students, coronavirus makes spring break a complicated gamble
UW pathologist Stephen Schwartz, 78, dies after COVID-19 hospitalization
$150 for $7 sanitizer? Price gouging complaints pile up in Washington state amid coronavirus outbreak
Are Seattle’s farmers markets allowed to operate through the coronavirus ‘stay-at-home’ period?
Editorial: West Seattle Bridge closure alarming
Op-Ed: Speaking as a dad and a doctor, we should rethink coronavirus school closures

Skagit Valley Herald
Constant evolution: Skagit farmers try new crops as consumer preferences change
County gives COVID-19 update
Hospitals gear up for ‘uncertain times’
What’s an essential business? Here are some in Skagit County

Snoqualmie Valley Record
Blood donations drop due to school closures
Activists want rent, mortgage suspensions
King County Metro reduces services as a result of coronavirus
Spokane leaders urge residents to stay home, as Spokane County confirms 33 COVID-19 cases
Digital divide challenges Washington districts seeking equity in at-home learning
Spokane law enforcement focus on education ahead of enforcement of ‘stay home’ order
Washington State Patrol trooper struck, killed by car while deploying spike strips in Chehalis
Beware of coronavirus-related scams, Washington officials urge
Shawn Vestal: Little ideas become major force for good as community comes together (Riccelli)

Tri-City Herald
Thousands of Hanford workers to stay home for at least 2 weeks. Only essential work continues
3 more coronavirus cases confirmed in Tri-Cities area by Benton Franklin Health District
Coronavirus led to hoarding toilet paper. Here’s what it’s done to gun, ammo sales
Live Updates: The stay home order in Tri-Cities, volunteers needed, county offices closing

USA Today
Senators reach deal on $2 trillion stimulus bill aimed at coronavirus, bill will pass ‘later today,’ says McConnell
The US is confronting coronavirus without the CDC. It’s ‘like fighting with one hand tied behind your back,’ ex-director says.

Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
Inslee orders state residents to stay at home
COVID-19 threatens health of rural hospitals

Washington Post
Largest bailout in history expected to face a vote this afternoon
Senate, White House reach deal on $2 trillion stimulus package
Deal carves out billions intended for Boeing, officials say. Critics say money should go to workers.
Why Trump won’t have the final say on whether people go back to work
Editorial: We should plan for the next phase now — or the coronavirus could come roaring back
Op-Ed: Are young people doomed to a repeat of the Great Recession?
NOAA tsunami website faltered Tuesday while Hawaii faced a potentially ‘destructive’ threat
Israel’s parliament speaker resigns, but gavels session closed before replacement elected
The Cybersecurity 202: States surge mail-in voting for delayed primaries as coronavirus pandemic intensifies
The Daily 202: Prince Charles testing positive illustrates how the coronavirus does not discriminate
The GAO told the government in 2015 to develop a plan to protect the aviation system against an outbreak. It never happened.
Terrorism laws may apply if people intentionally spread coronavirus, Justice Dept. says
‘Disaster waiting to happen’: Thousands of inmates released as jails and prisons face coronavirus threat
Amazon workers test positive for covid-19 at nine U.S. warehouses
Prime members first: Amazon is ranking customers and ramping up hiring to address coronavirus demand

Whidbey News-Times
Oak Harbor School District deploys buses to distribute food
Community Resiliency Fund to aid charities with COVID-19 response

Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima Health District: Local stay-home order indefinite because of hospital closure
Many Yakima County businesses will keep operating; challenges remain for others
Q&A: Yakima coronavirus case update; stay-at-home orders; can my kids play outside?
Fairgrounds and SunDome “a good spot” for field hospital if one is needed, emergency official says

Broadcast

KING5 TV (NBC)
These essential businesses can stay open during Washington’s stay-at-home order
Washington state parks, wildlife areas close after Inslee’s stay-at-home order
Sea-Tac TSA agent tests positive for coronavirus
Shoreline 3D printing expert making face shields for healthcare workers
City parks set limits as ‘stay-at-home’ starts throughout Washington state
Organ transplant surgeries could be casualty of coronavirus pandemic
Seattle travel and aviation industry woes worsen through global coronavirus pandemic

KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Non-essential businesses bracing for midnight shutdown
Who’s working, what businesses are open during stay-at-home order
TSA officer at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport tests positive for coronavirus
Bellevue-based Eddie Bauer shifts production to make masks for local hospitals
Tacoma Public Schools adds study aids to free lunch handouts
Retired admiral takes leadership of WA COVID-19 effort
Nurses taking care of Life Care Center patients describe what they saw inside the facility
Thurston County Food Bank asking for help during coronavirus pandemic
Local group raises $27 million in 72 hours for businesses, people impacted by coronavirus

KOMO4 TV (ABC)
Statewide coronavirus death toll hits 123; confirmed cases top 2,400
King County gets thumbs up for social distancing; Oregon? Not so much…
Seattle closes parking lots at 8 popular parks to keep crowds down
UW Obstetrician to study COVID-19 impacts on pregnancy
Husband & wife diagnosed with coronavirus die hours apart: ‘It’s heartbreaking’
Rural America watches pandemic erupt in cities as fear grows
King County preparing to release hundreds of inmates to limit spread of COVID-19

KNKX FM
Food for Thought: Restaurants step up to do their part
Washington commissioner of public lands shuts down all recreation areas for at least two weeks
Petition seeks early release of some Washington prison inmates to reduce risk of coronavirus

KUOW FM
Senate Reaches Historic Deal On $2T Coronavirus Economic Rescue Package
GM helps Washington ventilator maker scale up amid COVID-19 crisis
Balancing Justice, Public Safety: Virus Brings Changes To Courts, Jails, Arrests
States Get Creative To Find And Deploy More Health Workers In COVID-19 Fight
Workers In 8 Amazon Warehouses Test Positive For Coronavirus
Wednesday’s the deadline for small businesses seeking $10,000 in relief from Seattle
Federal rules “expressly prohibit” labs from donating needed medical supplies
Lockdown Tuesday: Defining ‘essential’
Washington distillers switch from spirits to sanitizer
Sew say we all! How cosplayers are answering calls for face masks and more
King County Executive takes your calls on coronavirus
My 71-year-old mom is a nurse on the front lines of Covid-19. I’m worried. She’s not.
Washington’s essential workers face risks, choose to serve anyway
Nurses Are Facing Coronavirus Without Enough Protective Gear

Q13 TV (Fox)
What are essential businesses during Washington’s ‘stay at home’ order? Check this list
Mandatory stay at home order leads to questions about some gray areas
Food banks need help providing for people during COVID-19 pandemic
Mt. Rainier, Crater Lake, other national park sites close
‘A lot of first-time buyers’: Gun sales surge amid COVID-19 outbreak
Walmart, Albertsons and Kroger are adding sneeze guards to checkout lanes
US on track to become next coronavirus epicenter, but there’s time to reverse cours

Web

Crosscut
‘Nature’s not closed’ during coronavirus, but should you still go hiking?
Coronavirus is far from over, but countless businesses are already gone
Climate bills in WA a ‘comprehensive failure’ in 2020, critics say

Slog
Slog AM: Democrats Pitch Stimulus Deal as Win, Seattle Is 5% Stupid, Prince Charles Catches Bug
Breaking Coronavirus Updates: Anyone Who Has Left New York City Should Self-Quarantine
The Mayor Eased Parking Restrictions But This Ballard Restaurant Keeps Getting Ticketed
The Logic Behind Sacrificing Old People for the Economy
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal on the Coronavirus Stimulus Bill: “We Can’t Have a Repeat of the 2008 Bailout”