DAILY BULLETIN
Monday, June 22, 2020
Contact:
Joint Information Center
253-512-7100
wajic@mil.wa.gov
Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates
Statewide Response Updates
Numbers. 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.
Please note that due to an issue that stalled data reporting starting Saturday night through Monday morning, both the DOH and the risk assessment dashboards have lower total tests and case counts today. The problem has been resolved, but cases and tests will be lower as the department works to account for the backlog. DOH will share an update once this is resolved.
Inslee announces face coverings will be required in all public spaces in Yakima. In response to “an imminent explosion of the COVID pandemic” in Yakima County, Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Saturday that he will be issuing a proclamation early this week that will require people in public spaces in Yakima County to wear face coverings. Yakima Valley has the highest per capita rate of COVID-19 on the West Coast and the county has 22 percent of the state’s COVID-19 hospitalizations. Inslee said Yakima County’s case count is higher than the entire state of Oregon, and without immediate action case counts could double in the next two weeks. You can view the press conference on TVW.
The governor is scheduled to hold another press conference tomorrow, June 23, at 3:00 p.m. The press conference will be livestreamed by TVW. The Joint Information Center’s regularly scheduled Tuesday briefing at 2:30 p.m. will be canceled to accommodate the governor’s schedule.
DOH releases American Sign Language (ASL) re-opening guidance videos. The videos, which can be found on the DOH’s ASL landing page, contain guidance for the Safe Start plan, each separate re-opening phase, and requirements for individuals, businesses, and employers. You can find more information here.
Going back to work safely. On Friday, DOH released a report on what types of occupations and industries people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 work in. The highest number of COVID-19 cases in Washington is among people who work in health care and social assistance. The manufacturing industry has the second highest number of cases. This includes food processing facilities. It’s important to note this report reflects where people work, not where or how they were infected. DOH’s latest blog post answers questions how to keep employees safe. The Safe Start plan also has guidance for specific industries as they reopen.
Resources
Washington 211 COVID-19 Call Center. Do you need information or answers to your questions and concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)? You can 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.
Interested in volunteering during disasters and significant events like COVID-19? Register with the Washington State Emergency Registry of Volunteers (WAserv) to partner with public health and others who need assistance in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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