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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The shadow of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to loom above us. I want to make sure you stay updated on the latest news and information surrounding this virus. I know the decisions being made aren’t the easiest ones to take when they alter our normal way of life. Please stay patient. Let’s stick together, ride this storm out, and stay healthy.
Tonight, Gov. Jay Inslee provided an update on current restrictions. If you missed his address, you can watch it by clicking here. He issued a statewide “stay home, stay healthy” order. Here’s what that means for you, your family, and your business.
- Every Washingtonian is required to Stay Home, Stay Healthy for a minimum of 2-weeks.
- This order is not a “shelter in place” order. It’s still safe to go outside using social distancing while tending to essential needs such as grocery shopping, getting takeout at a local restaurant, doctor’s appointments, physical activity and exercise, or going to work at an essential business.
- All grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, food supply chains, restaurants for takeout or delivery, childcare providers, and health care facilities will remain open.
- Please avoid the impulse to overstock on groceries and supplies. If everyone sticks to their normal buying habits, there will be enough for everyone – including health care workers, first responders, seniors and others who are ill or vulnerable.
- All non-essential businesses will close. This will help reduce social interactions where this highly contagious virus can spread. The closing of non-essential businesses will happen within the next 48-hours.
- Those businesses that can operate using telework are encouraged to continue this practice.
- For businesses where individuals cannot work from home, the Governor’s Office has provided a list of essential businesses.
- This is about getting life back to normal. To do that, restrictions are being hit harder.
- This order takes effect immediately.
We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Bill
Coronavirus | Information and Resources
The House Republican Caucus has created a website with the most up-to-date local, state and federal information and resources. I encourage you to bookmark this website.
General Information
The federal government’s official Coronavirus (COVID-19) site:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- How to Protect Yourself
- If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone
- Symptoms
- Are You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?
- Cases & Latest Updates
- Latest news
Washington state’s official COVID-19 site:
- Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19)
- Government emergency actions
- You & Your Family
- Travelers & Commuters
- Business & Workers
- Local Health Departments
- Childcare / K-12 / Higher Education
General guidance from the Department of Health:
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Department of Health:
- Washington State Local Health Departments and Districts
- Call center | 1-800-525-0127
- 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.
- 2020 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)
Updates from the Governor’s Office:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information and Updates
- Public and constituent inquiries | (360) 902-4111
Health Care Authority:
- Mental health crisis lines| Washington Recovery Help Line: 1-866-789-1511 (24/7)
- County crisis line phone numbers.
Washington State Office of the Attorney General:
Department of Children, Youth & Families:
- Coronavirus – COVID-19 Updates
- Early Learning
- ECEAP
- ESIT
- Child Care Licensing
- Early Achievers
- Home Visiting
- Child Welfare
- Foster Care Licensing
OSPI:
- Guidance for Long-term School Closures as of March 18, 2020
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance & Resources
- Guidance for Long-term School Closures as of March 13, 2020
- School Closure FAQ
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in K–12 Schools: A Parent Guide
- Talking to your children about school closures
Employers and employees
Governor’s Office | Partial list of resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19 coronavirus:
Employment Security Department:
- For workers and businesses affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus)
- COVID-19 | Scenarios & Benefits Available
U.S. Small Business Administration:
- SBA COVID19 Disaster Loan Program Open for Applications
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Department of Labor:
Department of Revenue:
Department of Financial Institutions:
Department of Labor & Industries:
- Paid Sick Leave and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions
- Workers’ Compensation Coverage and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions
Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave:
Office of the Insurance Commissioner:
If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (509) 492-4648. You can also email me at Bill.Jenkin@leg.wa.gov. My Legislative Assistant, Marge, is also here to assist you with whatever you need. You can email her at Marge.Plumage@leg.wa.gov. I encourage you to reach out. We’re here for you.
It’s an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Bill Jenkin
