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.
Mandatory statewide face-covering mandate in effect today
Starting today, face coverings are required in indoor public places and outdoors where you cannot maintain six feet of distance from other people. Wearing a mask in public can save lives, but there are plenty of other reasons for doing it. If you have questions, the Department of Health has developed these handy FAQs.
Top ten reasons to wear a mask
Wearing a mask could save a life, but there are lots of reasons to do it. Check out this blog post from the Department of Health to see more.
Face mask exemption cards – not real, not necessary
Have you read that you need to have an exemption card in order to go out of your house without a face covering? Don’t believe it. It’s true that face coverings are safe for most people, but some people with certain health or medical conditions cannot wear them safely. The Secretary of Health listed several exemptions in the new statewide order. The order requires face coverings while in indoor public spaces or outside if people can’t stay 6 feet apart from others.
If you’re unable to wear a face covering, you don’t need a card and you don’t need to explain your condition to anyone. If a business won’t allow you to enter their office or store, ask them about what accommodations they can provide such as curb-side pick-up, delivery or virtual meeting options. And if you’re the person wearing a face covering and wondering why someone else isn’t, don’t question them. Simply stay 6 feet away and continue about your business.
Department of Health updated hospitalization data
The Department of Health is identifying an additional 88 hospitalizations statewide today, most of which have occurred in the past week but have gone unreported. Counties with a large impact include Yakima (16), King (21), Benton (8), Pierce (9), Franklin (6), Snohomish (5) and Spokane (6). You can read the full statement here.
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.
