Washington Schools to Continue Distance Learning Through End of School Year
Gov. Jay Inslee announced during a Monday afternoon press conference that the closure of schools to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will be extended through the end of the school year. It was initially set to expire on April 24.
Distance learning will continue through the end of the year, and Inslee said seniors in good standing could still expect to receive their diplomas this year.
When they are made available, you can find more details on the order here.
--Additional Updates--
Washington Health Plan Finder Enrollment Extended to May 8
Last week, in the response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced it is extending the current special enrollment period for individuals who are uninsured.
The original special enrollment period, that ran from March 10, 2020 through April 8, 2020, will now continue through May 8, 2020. Coverage will start May 1, 2020 for customers who enroll after April 8.
To request a special enrollment or to report a change in income, contact an enrollment center, broker, or navigator to initially request. These insurance experts are available by phone to answer questions, assist in reporting a change in income, and get consumers enrolled in the right health plan. Consumers can find contact information at https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/_content/find-expert-advice.html. Consumers can also contact the Customer Support Center between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday- Friday at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost.
State Joins the CDC Now Recommending Face Masks in Public Settings
Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that people wear cloth face coverings when they are in public settings where they cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
This might include trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, hardware store, health clinic or similar places. This recommendation is not a substitute for existing guidance to maintain 6-feet of physical distance from non-household members and performing frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Wearing cloth face coverings will not prevent spread of COVID-19 without these other protective measures. While this is not a mandate that you must wear a face covering, it is considered an additional layer of protection. Visit the Washington State Department of Health page on recommendations and resources for more information about cloth face coverings.
Blood Donors Needed to Maintain Critical Supplies
All types of blood are needed for cancer treatment, trauma cases, and many other situations. The process only takes an hour and actual donation time is about 10 minutes.
Routine blood donor screening methods are expected to reliably protect the blood supply, and there have been no reported cases of transfusion-transmitted coronavirus.
Bloodworks Northwest is accepting donations by appointment-only in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. You can make an appointment for donation by visiting www.bloodworksnw.org or by calling 800-398-7888.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6
|
