Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information about the “Stand Together, Stay Apart” campaign, links to the new COVID-19 data dashboard, as well as updated guidance and resources for those in need.

Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember

New PSA Videos from Public Health – ‘Stand Together, Stay Apart’

Public Health – Seattle and King County has released some new public service announcements about COVID-19 that can be shared with the public. Three videos are available, in 15-second, 30-second and 60-second lengths. The message is the same: stay home unless absolutely necessary to go out. And when you do go out, stay six feet apart, wash your hands, and don’t touch your face.

King County COVID-19 Data Dashboard Now Live

Public Health on Wednesday launched a new data dashboard that tracks COVID-19 cases, deaths and other demographics. The dashboard includes interactive maps, graphs and tables with data broken down by zip code, city of residence and other data points. Data will be updated daily between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. You can visit the site here. (Please be advised, the interactive map on the site is currently dealing with some technical difficulties, but a PDF can be downloaded).

Clarified Guidance from Gov. Inslee on Construction During Stay-at-Home

Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday issued further guidance regarding construction activities while the stay-at-home order is in place. In general, commercial and residential construction is not authorized under the proclamation, but there are some exceptions for work related to essential activities and other reasons. Read the full guidance here.

Real Time Global COVID-19 Data: Check This Out

In addition to the local data, you can check out www.ncov2019.live/data, which tracks the total number of COVID-19 cases by country, including confirmed cases, daily changes, confirmed deaths, and recoveries. The website is designed and managed by a 17-year-old high school junior from Mercer Island named Avi Schiffmann. You can learn more about Avi in this interview with Democracy Now. Please note, the website pulls data from public health websites around the world every minute, but not every country reports the data uniformly.

Fare-Free Video for Sharing

KCTV produced a short video on the suspension of fare collection across King County Metro services. You can find the clip here to share with residents.

Unemployment Pay No Longer Contingent on Job Search

The job search requirement to receive unemployment insurance benefits was made optional on Tuesday, another in a series of measures to increase access to unemployment benefits for workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another critical step taken recently to increase access to unemployment benefits was an order by Gov. Inslee to waive the program’s waiting week, allowing payments to start from the first week someone is eligible for the benefit.

More information is available on the Employment Security Department’s website.

King County Parks Closing More Facilities in Response to COVID-19

To support the new statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19, King County Parks is closing parks, effective Wednesday, March 25, when gated parking lots and trailheads will be closed, and restrooms will be locked.

All State Managed Parks Closed

Parks and Recreation Commission and Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the temporary closure of all state-managed parks, wildlife areas and water access areas for at least two weeks starting Wednesday, March 25.

Telemedicine Expanded for Medicaid Clients, Public Employees and School Workers

The state has taken several steps to support expanded use of telehealth for Medicaid clients as well as public employees and school workers.

This includes: providing services through telephone interaction; online digital interaction through a patient portal; and video-based evaluation and management health services. Learn much more on their website.