Recap of Today’s COVID-19 News and Updates

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Contact: 

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

Statewide Response Updates

Newest 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.

Long-term care facility data. As of August 3, a total of 5,694 COVID-19 cases (10% of total cases) and 898 deaths (56% of total deaths) have been identified as associated with a long-term care facility (LTCF) (i.e., nursing home, assisted living facility or adult family home). Read the full report here. 

  • These cases include residents as well as employees and visitors.

  • Not all of these cases were exposed at a LTCF. Many cases visited multiple places during their exposure period, and some individuals may have visited a LTCF facility after disease onset.

New report highlights outbreak data across the state. DOH released a new report today -that helps illustrate which types of businesses and facilities experience the most COVID-19 outbreak activity. These state-level data are aggregated from all counties that report data to DOH, and the report contains both healthcare and non-healthcare related data. These outbreak data are not collected by DOH directly. Local health jurisdictions (LHJ) use information from case interviews and other means, such as voluntarily reports from businesses and facilities, to identify clusters of cases. If an LHJ confirms an outbreak, they report it to DOH.

As of 08/01/2020:

  • A total of 411 non-healthcare associated COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported.

  • 459 long-term care facility (LTCF) COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in settings including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult family homes.

  • A total of 53 non-long-term care healthcare associated COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in settings including hospitals, outpatient settings (dental clinics, etc.), behavioral health facilities, supported living facilities, home healthcare, dialysis centers, and independent senior living facilities.

The numbers represent outbreaks, not people impacted. DOH will update this report weekly on its COVID-19 page here.

Inslee extends two proclamations related to COVID-19. Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the extension of two proclamations in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The extensions were approved by the Legislature in a July 30 letter. Both proclamations are extended to September 1, 2020. 

Garnishments - 20-49.7 – Protects CARES Act stimulus payments, as well as state and federal unemployment payments, from bank account garnishments for consumer debt.

Temporary Licensing - Dental and Pharmacy Graduates - 20-59.3 – Extends the previous waiver/suspension of legal requirements that allows recent dental, dental hygiene and pharmacy graduates to obtain their temporary licenses and begin working if certain conditions are met. It has been amended from the July 31 extension to include denturists to the list of professional graduates who may obtain their temporary licenses.

COVID-19 is real. Not everyone experiences COVID-19 the same, as evidenced by this story of a couple from Bainbridge Island. But the stories of those such as Anna King, a news correspondent for Northwest Public Broadcasting, help us all understand just how scary and dangerous this virus can be. Watch and share the state’s newest public information ad that reminds us all: COVID-19 is real. We can keep each other safe by simply wearing a mask, staying six feet apart and washing our hands.

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