5/13: Wednesday Update

By rebecca No comments

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:24 — 2.5MB)

Subscribe: RSS

Becky is, once again, enthusiastic about potatoes.  No new interview today.

STATE

  • The governor has issued guides detailing how in-store retail and certain manufacturing operations will be able to resume once counties reach phase 2 of reopening.
    • Some of the requirements include limiting locations to 30% occupancy, frequent sanitizing of surfaces, and worker education around preventing transmission of COVID-19.
    • Links to the requirements can be found in the news section of coronavirus.wa.gov.
  • Governor Inslee also has directed state agencies to freeze most hiring, personal service contracts and equipment purchases.
  • The state Employment Security Department is receiving reports of fake websites being set up to steal claimants’ personal information.
    • Employment Security would never personal info outside of its own secure internet site, which is https://secure.esd.wa.gov.
    • If you feel you were victim to such fraud, or if you encounter a fraudulent website, call 800-246-9763 or email ESDGPInternalFraud@ESD.WA.GOV

PIERCE COUNTY

  • Rental assistance is available to Pierce County residents living outside Tacoma city limits who whose housing stability has been impacted by COVID-19. Your income must be below 50% of the area median income. You can apply by calling 253-841-8886 (ext. 800) or by emailing COVID-RA@ShareAndCareHouse.org
  • As of May 11th, there were approximately $600,000 still available for lending to local small businesses in Tacoma and Pierce County that have experienced a 25% reduction in revenues due to COVID-19, have up to 20 employees, and have been in business for at least a year.

TACOMA

  • Tacoma Ocean Fest, a festival originally scheduled for June 7, has been postponed to Sept. 13.
  • More than 200,000 pounds of FREE potatoes will be given away tomorrow, May 14, at the Tacoma Dome from starting at 11 am.
    • Up to two bags per household will be loaded directly into your vehicle in the F and G parking lots
  • The City of Tacoma and the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation have established a rental assistance fund that individuals can donate to at gtcf.org or by calling 253.383.5622.