Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates

COVID-19 BULLETIN

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Contact: 

Public Information Desk
doh-pio@doh.wa.gov

Statewide Response Updates

Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 90,663 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on October 5. There have been 2,165 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard and the state’s COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard.

Inslee announces updates to Safe Start reopening plan. Gov. Jay Inslee today announced several updates to Washington's Safe Start reopening plan. The changes seek to align guidance and adjustments to regulations of several industries.

Following a spike in COVID cases in July, Inslee announced a pause to the Safe Start reopening plan. With today’s announcement, all 39 counties will remain in their current phases, but the governor’s announcement allows for more activity in some of the phases. 

The updated guidance is effective immediately. Read the full news release here for more details. 

Recording of Gov. Inslee's press conference available. Today the governor was joined by John Wiesman, Secretary of Health; Dr. Joshua Schiffer, Cancer Research Center infectious disease modeler, Fred Hutch; and Nick Streuli, director of external affairs, Office of the Governor. A recording of the press conference is available from TVW here.

Weekly COVID-19 response update media briefing tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. The weekly media briefing with leaders from the governor’s office and DOH will be held at 2:00 PM tomorrow, October 7. TVW will livestream the briefing here.

Inslee extends 26 proclamations relating to COVID-19 and wildfires. Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of 26 proclamations today in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. View the full news release and list of the proclamations here. 

Tips for a safe and fun Halloween from the Department of Health. DOH wants Washington residents to have a fun Halloween while remembering a few key actions you can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Protect yourself, your loved ones, and others while celebrating:

  • Wear a cloth face covering anytime you are with people not from your household, whether indoors or outside.

  • Avoid confined spaces. Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities, but if you’re indoors, make sure to have proper ventilation, and open doors and windows to the extent possible.

  • Avoid close contact with people outside of your household. Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not part of your household.

  • Wash or sanitize your hands (and the hands of little ones) often.

  • Stay home if you are sick or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. And if you have symptoms or you’ve been a close contact of someone with COVID-19, get a COVID-19 test.

Avoid gatherings, events, or parties with people outside of your household that violate the gathering limitations outlined in Governor Inslee’s Safe Start Plan.

Read the full news release here. Looking for creative ways to celebrate safely? DOH's latest blog post on Halloween might do the trick. Also, your local health jurisdiction may have additional guidance or requirements for celebrating Halloween safely this year.

Resources

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance is available here.

Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the Department of Health has created a webpage to help people find COVID-19 testing locations throughout the state.

Guidance and resources for employers and business owners. Sign up for the weekly business and worker newsletter here.

Washington 211 COVID-19 call center is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.

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.

###

CHA Washington