DAILY BULLETIN

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Contact: 

Joint Information Center
253-512-7100
wajic@mil.wa.gov

Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates

Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported 495 new cases in the past day for a total of  64,151 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on August 10. There have been 1,716 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.

Gov. Inslee announces funds to support workers hit hard by COVID-19. Gov. Jay Inslee yesterday announced the creation of two funds to help workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The Immigrant Relief Fund will provide $40 million to assist Washington residents who are unable to access federal stimulus programs due to their immigration status yet are among those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

  • The Food Production Paid Leave Program will provide $3 million of financial resources to certain food production workers who remain home when ill.

The governor and his staff worked closely with a coalition representing 430 immigrant rights and social services organizations, and labor advocacy leaders, to develop the funds.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has issued a request for proposals to select a nonprofit that will administer the Immigrant Relief Fund. The institution will then partner with community organizations to manage applications and awards of $1,000 per eligible individual. Initial awards are expected to be made later in the fall.    

Read the governor’s press release for more details and see information about the RFP.

New guidance available regarding agricultural events, faith-based services and indoor fitness. The governor’s office yesterday issued new guidance and FAQs.

The agricultural event guidelines apply to livestock and horse exhibitions, shows, sales, auctions, companion animal (dog, cats, rabbits, etc.) shows, or any substantially similar event. 

The updated guidance for religious and faith-based services, which reduces restrictions for some religious and faith-based services, is now in effect. Read the full updated guidance here

Indoor fitness frequently asked questions:

The governor’s office also released additional FAQ clarification related to indoor fitness guidance. The FAQ expands on guidance released August 3.

Find a full list of current reopening guidance here

JIC media briefing tomorrow at 2 – livestreamed on TVW. The Joint Information Center’s weekly media briefing with the state’s COVID-19 response leaders will be tomorrow at 2 p.m. TVW will livestream the briefing here.

Tips and tricks for wearing face cloth coverings. As we all do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring fewer, shorter and safer interactions, covering your face while in public is one of the easiest, least restrictive things we can do keep our interactions with other people safe. It’s more convenient than staying home, and it makes running your quick errands safer. Read DOH’s newest blog post about how to wear one comfortably, and why.

Resources

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.

Want to help? Join the Washington Mask Challenge. The Lt. Governor’s office has partnered with the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and Serve Washington to organize a statewide homemade mask-making initiative to encourage the general public to make, wear, and donate cloth masks. Visit www.wamaskchallenge.org for information.

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CHA Washington