Link: seattle.gov

• The US Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA will be deploying a military field hospital at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field Event Center to assist the region’s hospitals.
  • 300 soldiers from the 627th Army Hospital from Fort Carson, Colorado have deployed to Seattle to staff the hospital, which is expected to create at least 150 hospital beds for non-COVID-19 cases.
  • The request was made by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Governor Jay Inslee
  • The Department of Defense is expected to announce additional details regarding the military hospital in the coming days.
• Washington State Dept. of Transportation has announced that Washington State Ferries’ central Puget Sound routes will temporarily move to a reduced service plan as part of the state’s response to COVID-19, starting Sunday, March 29. The State Ferry call center is operating with limited service, without ability to make reservations or assist with ticket purchases, but customers may still call 206-464-6400 for information.
• Amtrak Cascades has also reduced runs and routes, and has suspended food and drink service aboard trains. Schedules can be found at AmtrakCascades.com.
• Funerals in the state may proceed at this time but can only be attended by immediate family members of the deceased, with social distancing enforced.
• The governor’s office has prohibited real estate open houses, and allows in-person meetings limited to two people only “when necessary for a customer to view a property or sign necessary documents.”

• MultiCare hospitals are seeking donations of personal protective equipment and food at Tacoma General, Mary Bridge Children’s and Allenmore hospitals.
  • Unopened boxes of masks, gloves or gowns can be dropped off from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays at the hospital loading docks. Opened boxes can be donated, and the products inside will be placed through a cleaning process before they are distributed for use.
  • MultiCare currently has a sufficient stock of homemade cloth masks and does not require more at this time.
  • Individually wrapped, commercially prepared food (such as granola bars) can be used to provide hospital staff with snacks during their shifts. If a surplus of food is received it will be donated to the local food bank.
  • MultiCare does not have blood donation sites at its facilities, but encourages blood donation to shore up local blood banks, which are running low. Donors can schedule appointments through Bloodworks Northwest by calling 800-398-7888 or emailing schedule@bloodworksnw.org.
  • MultiCare has set up a COVID-19 response fund to support caregivers, provide access to care and address needs that emerge during the pandemic. Tax-deductible contributions can be made on MultiCare’s website.

• The Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center (or ADRC) is still open and is able to assist individuals with accessing services and support, unbiased information, community outreach, education and person-centered care planning and coordination to meet the individual needs of older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
  • The ADRC can be reached by calling 253-798-4600, or toll-free at 1-800-562-0332.
  • You can also visit pierceADRC.org
• The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has increased its COVID-19 case reporting. Their website now includes a link to an interactive map defining each geographical area in Pierce County and an FAQ explaining what they report and why. More info at TPCHD.org