Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information about the resumption of elective medical procedures, regional chamber of commerce webinars, a safe celebration for the Class of 2020, and more.

Guidelines for Non-Emergency Medical, Dental Procedures to Resume

Governor Inslee announced that dentists, family practitioners and other health care services for non-emergency care could resume under new guidelines to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Health care providers must have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment for their staffs, must use social distancing policies – such as limiting access to waiting rooms – and screen visitors and patients for symptoms of the virus. Those providers must also have plans for expanding or limiting their activities based on the scale of the outbreak.

Not all providers will be able to open up fully right away, so check with your provider to find out when and how you can begin scheduling non-urgent appointments. You can read more about the guidelines here.

Thomas Jefferson High School Graduation

Today, Thomas Jefferson High School seniors took part in filming a socially distanced graduation ceremony, driving through one at a time before the graduating senior left the car to “walk” and receive their diploma. Congratulations to the Class of 2020 as graduation season begins. A year unlike any before, I want to commend teachers and administrators across our region for finding creative and safe ways to celebrate this year’s graduating seniors. A special thank you to Thomas Jefferson Principal Adrienne Chacon and her team for organizing today’s “commencement”, and allowing me to stop by to show my support. Raider Strong!

Happy to help support the TJ teachers and administrators efforts to make the 2020 graduation special. #RaiderStrong!

COVID-19 Business Resource Update

On Thursday at 1:30 p.m. the City of Auburn’s Office of Economic Development will be hosting an update on resources for South King County businesses with the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, the Green River College Small Business Center, King County Library, and other community partners.

You can join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link. The meeting ID is 914 5912 2754 and the password is 613948. If you have questions, call the Auburn Chamber at 253-833-0700.



Bellevue Chamber Virtual Lunch

Although I am not a member of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, I respect their leadership and have enjoyed their virtual events throughout this crisis. On Thursday at 12:00 p.m., they will be hosting a virtual lunch on the Future of Energy. The lunch will feature Puget Sound Energy CEO Mary Kipp. If you’re interested, you can learn more and register here.

Guidelines for Additional Counties to Reopen

Yesterday, Governor Inslee announced guidelines for ten additional counties to apply for early entry into phase two of his reopening plan. You can read more about the enhanced criteria in the Seattle Times.

U.S. Census Databases

The U.S. Census Bureau has released two new data tools to analyze COVID-19 related data. This includes a weekly Small Business Pulse Survey and a COVID-19 Data Hub with economic and demographic information. As a reminder, if you haven’t already, be sure to fill out your census!

King County Case Update

As of today, Seattle – King County Public Health was reporting 35 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 7,617. In addition, they reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the County to 530.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember