Washington state builds coronavirus contact tracing ‘fire brigade’
If life is going to return to anything like normal in the next few months, experts say we’re going to need a lot more “contact tracers.” Those are the public health workers who get in touch with someone who’s tested positive for a disease, to find out who else he or she might have been in contact with. It’s a long-standing practice for illnesses such as tuberculosis and AIDS, and now, as states re-open, it’ll be a crucial tool for keeping a lid on the coronavirus. Continue reading at KUOW. (AP)
No one fails: School districts won’t give out Fs this year
None of the state’s 1.2 million K-12 students will earn a failing grade for the rest of the school year, state Superintendent Chris Reykdal said during a call with reporters Wednesday. Districts must assign either an incomplete grade or a letter grade better than F to high school students, according to a new policy from the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Continue reading at The Federal Way Mirror. (Sound Publishing)
States rushing to reopen are likely making a deadly error, coronavirus models and experts warn
By the end of the week, residents in Georgia will be able to get their hair permed and nails done. By Monday, they will be cleared for action flicks at the cineplex and burgers at their favorite greasy spoon. And it will almost certainly lead to more novel coronavirus infections and deaths. As several states — including South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida — rush to reopen businesses, the sudden relaxation of restrictions will supply new targets for the coronavirus that has kept the United States largely closed down, according to experts, math models and the basic rules that govern infectious diseases. Continue reading at The Washington Post. (Sam Thomas)
Associated Press
First COVID-19 deaths were in California, not Kirkland, WA
Inslee: Stay-at-home order working, changes to be data-led
Coronavirus cases at Wallula beef plant reach 100
Former Gov. Locke among finalists for Bellevue College head
State Patrol: Man arrested for threats to governor, staff
History, geography scores dip on Nation’s Report Card
Stocks push higher again, even as dismal data piles up
What you need to know today about the virus outbreak
26 million have sought US jobless aid since virus hit
Mayor called reckless for urging Las Vegas to test reopening
State Patrol: Man arrested for threats to governor, staff
Former Gov. Locke among finalists for Bellevue College head
26 million have sought US unemployment aid since coronavirus hit
State Patrol: Mill Creek man arrested for threats to Gov. Inslee, his staff
More than 300 inmates released from Washington prisons due to COVID-19 concerns
100 coronavirus cases reported at Washington beef plant
In Seattle, nursing homes get tests – even without cases
Washington Supreme Court to hear COVID-19 inmate case online
‘We’ve been ignored’: Nursing homes plead for more testing
Teachers can give letter grades but no Fs amid pandemic
More than 300 inmates released due to COVID-19 concerns
Coronavirus cases at Wallula beef plant reaches 100
10,000 deaths: Ravaged nursing homes plead for more testing
Hotels become barracks for health workers ‘going to war’
Aberdeen Daily World
Legislative Republicans unveil “safe economic restart plan”
Community-based drive-through testing has been extended through Monday
Census Bureau to launch two coronavirus surveys in coming months
Commentary: Millions of small businesses are about to collapse. We can’t afford the mistakes we made in 2008
Commentary: Trump joins ‘Ostrich Alliance’ of loser leaders who put politics above coronavirus science
Bellingham Herald (subscription required)
Coronavirus concerns linked to increase in household cleaner poison exposures
Whatcom County reports one new coronavirus case Wednesday, but no deaths
Whatcom sheriff urges ‘sound and reasonable efforts’ in battle against coronavirus
Bellingham nursing home to accept patients who have tested positive for coronavirus
WA teachers can assign letter grades or ‘incomplete’ during pandemic; Fs not an option
New study shows how many Whatcom residents are staying home to fight coronavirus
Here’s how Intalco’s loss of 700 jobs will ripple through Whatcom County
Alcoa Intalco Works’ timeline of 54 years in Whatcom County
Alcoa to close Intalco Works smelter near Ferndale, lays off around 700 employees
Here’s why Whatcom’s air quality declined last year in a national survey
As opponents get louder, Inslee stands his ground on stay-at-home order
Mill Creek man held on charge he threatened to kill Gov. Inslee and staff
State asks National Guard for 500 people to help with coronavirus contact tracing work
State tells Franklin commissioners they can’t defy governor’s stay-at-home order
WATCH: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee to give update on coronavirus response at 2:30 p.m.
Can COVID-19 isolation change how you speak? You may emerge with an accent, experts say
Most hospitalized coronavirus patients in New York had underlying issues, study says
African American leaders want more White House outreach to reduce coronavirus deaths
Capital Press
UW study on wolves in Cascades nearing finish
Mapping the future of NW farming
Inslee may alter, but won’t let stay-home order expire
The Daily News
‘Let us fish!’: Washington anglers, hunters want restrictions lowered
Cowlitz housing market steady despite COVID-19, new realty rules
Kelso council approves letter supporting reopening construction, fishing
Confirmed Cowlitz County coronavirus cases hit 34
Port of Longview to receive $500K from county for rail upgrade
Woodland offers tips to parents: We don’t expect you to be teachers
Woodland Middle School recognized by state for second year
Everett Herald (subscription required)
Sheriff calls governor’s stay-home order unconstitutional
Failure is not an option: Schools won’t give out Fs this year
WaPo: Commentary: What a lower death toll than first expected means
WaPo: Commentary: Right adds public-health efforts to enemies list
Editorial: Public health isn’t part of Sheriff Fortney’s beat
Federal Way Mirror
Excessive force by police: Federal Way to pay $655K for lawsuit appeal
No one fails: School districts won’t give out Fs this year
Islands’ Weekly
Puget Sound whale sightings in COVID-19 times
Issaquah Reporter
UW students create Spira app to gather COVID-19 data
No one fails: School districts won’t give out Fs this year
Journal of the San Juan Islands
A unique look at surviving a pandemic
Inslee announces Washington’s COVID-19 recovery plan
Virtual sewing bee stitches beautiful protection for San Juan islanders
Kitsap Sun (subscription required)
Kitsap sheriff not joining two other sheriffs in refusing to enforce ‘stay at home’ order
Kitsap Transit receives $13 million in federal relief funding
Fact Check: Trump says the US coronavirus mortality rate is ‘one of the lowest’ in the world
New York Times
Coronavirus-vaccine chief ousted; he says he questioned drug that Trump praised
Coronavirus Live Updates: More Than 26 Million Americans Have Filed for Unemployment in 5 Weeks
Vaccine Rates Drop Dangerously as Parents Avoid Doctor’s Visits
The Cold Calculations Governors Will Have to Make Before Reopening
Olympian (subscription required)
As opponents get louder, Inslee stands his ground on stay-at-home order
Thurston commission opts not to partner with Salvation Army for shelter expansion
New study shows how many Thurston residents are staying home to fight coronavirus
State asks National Guard for 500 people to help with coronavirus contact tracing work
State tells Franklin commissioners they can’t defy governor’s stay-at-home order
Mill Creek man held on charge he threatened to kill Gov. Inslee and staff
Carroll: Seahawks must adapt, be ready for games in empty stadiums because of coronavirus
Thurston County adds 2 more COVID-19 cases, updates map of cases by ZIP code
Peninsula Daily News
Family shelter on hold due to COVID-19 in Sequim
Peninsula jobless rates deceptively low
Peninsula marks one week without confirmed COVID-19 case
Inslee: Stay-at-home order working, changes to be data-led
Puget Sound Business Journal
Small business advocates fear many will be left out of new PPP funding
Didn’t get a PPP loan the first time? Here’s some advice on how to be successful in round two
Renton Reporter
10 mayors from South King County ask Inslee to reopen construction industry
Seattle Times (subscription required)
Boeing workers’ return after coronavirus closure is a test case for industrial recovery
Washington sees nearly 90,000 new unemployment claims as coronavirus crisis continues
Applications for food and cash assistance skyrocket in Washington as coronavirus pandemic continues
WATCH: Washington Supreme Court considers lawsuit seeking release of prisoners due to coronavirus
‘It is impossible to overstate the pain’: Fight against coronavirus will define our era, Bill Gates says
School nurses are joining ranks in testing clinics, health departments to boost coronavirus efforts
Coronavirus cash, housing, green upgrades: Seattle council spotlights potential uses for big-business tax
Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke among finalists for Bellevue College interim president
Alcoa to shut Ferndale smelter, throwing 700 out of work
Bloomberg: Expedia names new CEO, seeks $3.2 billion to fight coronavirus travel slump
Op-Ed: 3 coronavirus science lessons give us hope for the planet’s future
Editorial: Testing Washington’s patience
Seattle Weekly
Medical Teams pivots to help with COVID-19 response in King, Snohomish counties
Skagit Valley Herald
State report: No more Diobsud wolf pack
Snoqualmie Valley Record
UW students create Spira app to gather COVID-19 data
Opinion: The true meaning of community
Spokesman Review
Hunters, anglers, even Fish and Wildlife commissioners say restrictions on recreation should be lifted
Spokane County leaders will follow statewide distancing orders as some in state push back
State ramps up contact tracing forces in preparation for reopening
Spokane Public Schools board expected to declare financial emergency, cut costs
Rep. Matt Shea, initiative promoter Tim Eyman join protest of governor’s COVID-19 response
Spokane leaders want independent, regional plan to reopen. And they want to know if you agree.
4 GOP lawmakers call for a special session to deal with pandemic’s effects (Jinkins, Billig)
Opinion: Judy Rohrer: The virus does discriminate
Opinion: Anthony Anton: Hospitality is where community happens, what our communities stand to lose
Tri-City Herald
Dying alone from coronavirus: A Tri-Cities family’s final goodbye
Tri-Cities residents struggling with bills during coronavirus outbreak can apply for cash
40th coronavirus death reported in Tri-Cities area. New cases increase by just 2% to 740
Tyson beef plant worker in Tri-Cities dies of coronavirus. All workers to be testedState tells Franklin commissioners they can’t defy governor’s stay-at-home order
Editorial: ‘A wrong-headed approach.’ Reopening Franklin County endangers us all
USA Today
‘It’s going to be around a long time’: What we’ve learned from the first discovered COVID-19 cases
Record 26 million Americans filed for jobless benefits over 5 weeks as layoffs wind on
Supreme Court gives environmentalists narrow win in water pollution case
House set to approve funds to replenish small-business program, bolster funds for hospitals
Walla Walla Union Bulletin (subscription required)
State education head issues guidance on high school grades
Editorial: New, enhanced unemployment benefits will arrive
Op-ed: Wade Smith: A spring unlike any other for public schools
Washington Post
Some economists see a W-shaped recovery ahead because of coronavirus crisis
A mysterious blood-clotting complication is killing coronavirus patients
Two New York cats tested positive for coronavirus
4.4 million Americans sought jobless benefits last week as economic pain continued
College students want answers about fall, but schools may not have them for months
Desperate for fall enrollees, colleges are luring students with campus perks — and cash
Young people are left out of economic relief efforts. That could be a big problem.
States rushing to reopen are probably making a deadly mistake, experts warn
The post-pandemic workplace will hardly look like the one we left
Op-Ed: Four innovations we should invest in to get closer to ending this pandemic
Nursing homes linked to up to half of coronavirus deaths in Europe, WHO says
Justice Dept. anticipates coronavirus stimulus will be a major target for fraud
The Technology 202: Start-up executives who immigrated to United States are pushing back on Trump’s order
Yakima Herald Republic
Yakima county, city officials stick with stay-home orders, while advocating for businesses
Editorial: Washingtonians have lots of chances to demonstrate their generosity
Broadcast
KING5 TV (NBC)
Real-time updates: King County Metro creates bus passenger limits
UW, Microsoft release coronavirus contact-tracing app
Filing for unemployment won’t have negative impact on getting a home loan, expert says
‘Irresponsible’: Seattle mayor slams proposed payroll tax that’s promising to provide stimulus checks
Frustrated West Seattle Bridge users have more than a thousand questions about what’s next
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan says she’ll forgo her salary during the coronavirus pandemic
Everett City Council approves deep spending cuts as pandemic continues
KIRO7 TV (CBS)
Inslee faces growing resistance to stay-at-home orders
State Supreme Court hearing arguments to allow mass release of prisoners due to pandemic
100 workers sick in COVID-19 outbreak at Tyson Fresh Meats plant near Pasco
Second-round of small business loans may spell final lifeline for many Washington businesses
First US coronavirus deaths happened weeks before first death in Kirkland
26 million Americans have filed for unemployment since virus hit
Pierce County, Tacoma roll out coronavirus help for businesses, renters
King County Metro implements new rider limits for social distancing
Pierce County restaurant once struggling during pandemic, now paying it forward
Coronavirus pandemic could leave as much as $300M hole in Seattle budget
KOMO4 TV (ABC)
‘Now is not the time to give up’: Inslee blasts critics of his stay-home order
Medical experts recommend extending Inslee’s stay-home order by another three weeks
‘We’re ready to go’: Construction workers hope to get back on job soon
Metro enacts 12-18 passenger limits on buses amid COVID-19 precautions
Former Gov. Locke among finalists for Bellevue College head
Town hall on West Seattle Bridge closure tackles key frustrations
Washington National Guard joins COVID-19 contact tracing effort as UW develops app
Man arrested for allegedly threatening governor, State Patrol says
King Co. unveils remote protection order filing for domestic abuse victims
KNKX FM
State Republican leader talks protecting the workforce — and economy — amid the pandemic
School districts work to sort out how to pay for child care for essential workers
State history museum seeks artifacts from COVID-19 pandemic
On Earth Day, activists call for environmental justice in the face of the coronavirus pandemic
KUOW FM
Crowding, lack of social distancing enforcement may have contributed to Covid-19 outbreaks at Seattle shelters
Researchers Look To Behavior To Explore Why The Coronavirus May Hit Men Harder
Deluge Continues: 26 Million Jobs Lost In Just 5 Weeks
‘Let Us Fish’ Protest One Of Two In Spokane To Question Stay-Home Measures
Virus Researchers Cast Doubt On Theory Of Coronavirus Lab Accident
Washington state builds coronavirus contact tracing ‘fire brigade’
U.S. Pressures China To Close Wet Markets Thought To Be Source Of COVID-19
Boeing employees are back to work. Can they stay safe?
Mayors and pols to Inslee: “you can’t make me.” But can he?
NW Public Radio
Washington Builds Contact Tracing ‘Fire Brigade’ As State Looks Toward Gradual Reopening
Analysis Shows 1st Known U.S. COVID-19 Death Was Weeks Earlier Than Previously Thought
Idaho’s Reckoning: From Business And School Closures To A Long, Slow Reopening
Q13 TV (Fox)
Inslee faces growing resistance to stay-at-home orders, says changes will be data-led
Washington Supreme Court to hear lawsuit for release of prison inmates to reduce COVID-19 exposure
Faith leaders call out Gov. Inslee as battle grows over religious freedoms during shutdown
Hundreds more training to ramp up contact tracing in Washington state
Snohomish County Sheriff says he won’t enforce Inslee’s stay-home order
Web
Crosscut
Advocates seek early release for incarcerated youth amid COVID-19
Opinion: Releasing 1,100 WA inmates with no support is a bad plan
Opinion: If we can mobilize against COVID-19, we can for climate change too
Apocalypse: Now What? License to drive
Seattle rekindles business tax debate in a grim new economy
Seattle P.I.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says he won’t be guided by ‘irrational forces’ that gamble with health
Officials give new grading framework for Washington high schools: No one will get an F
Air quality report: Washington cities see worst-ever air quality rankings over three-year period
Slog
Did State Senator Phil Fortunato Fart on This Zoom Call?
Why Boeing Is Open But Your Hairdresser Is Closed
Seattle City Council Discusses the Amazon Tax. Meanwhile, the Budget Is Fucked.
Wednesday COVID-19 Updates: Dr. Rick Bright Speaks Out, Facebook Removes Spokane Protest Events
Governor Says Snohomish County Sheriff and Spokane Protest Planners Are Putting Public Health “At Risk”
Poll: A Vast Majority of Washingtonians Support a Rent Control and Tenant Protection Initiative