6/1: Mary Getchell, Pierce County Libraries

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Mary Getchell shares what is means when the building is closed by the library is open!

Interview begins at 10:30.

STATE

  • The state Insurance Commissioner has issued an emergency order to protect consumers from receiving bills for undisclosed lab fees related to medically-necessary COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
    • Health insurers also must notify the State Insurance Commission if out-of-network labs are not publishing prices related to testing.
  • The governor has issued guidelines for higher education workforce training for institutions located in Phase 1 and Phase 2 counties.
    • The guidelines apply to programs that require in-class practicums or labs.
    • Guidance for all businesses and industries can be found at Governor.wa.gov in the “Issues” section.

REGIONAL: REOPENINGS

  • Pierce County health officials have expressed their approval for the county to apply to the State for moving to phase 2 of reopening.
  • King County officials indicated they would apply for Modified Phase 1, which would allow some limited retail to restart, along with small gatherings.
  • As the statewide stay-home order officially ends, traffic is expected to further increase, and the state has resumed using metered traffic signals at freeway on-ramps in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

SOUND TRANSIT

  • Starting today, Sound Transit is resuming Link light rail service in King County, with trains running every 20 minutes during the day, and every 30 minutes during evenings and weekends.
  • Fares will again be collected on the Link in King County, and on Sounder trains, but at temporarily reduced rates of $1 for the Link and $2 for Sounder trips through June 30th if purchased through ticket vending machines or through the Transit GO Ticket app.
  • Riders using ORCA cards will be charged full fare.
  • Riders seeking to participate in ORCA Lift, a discount program for income-qualified individuals, can apply online through metro.kingcounty.gov and click on ORCA Lift, or call (800) 756-5437
  • Sound Transit passengers will be expected to wear face coverings, follow social distancing guidelines, and limit travel to only essential trips.
  • Several Sound Transit Express and Community Transit Routes serving Pierce County are transitioning to increased or full weekday service, with up-to-date schedules available at SoundTransit.org.
  • Riders can also call 1-888-889-6368 7am to 7pm for general inquiries, and 1-800-823-9230 for help in other languages.

PIERCE COUNTY

  • The organization “Kids Mental Health–Pierce County” is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, June 3rd at 3pm focused on helping children manage school stress, and increasing family resilience during a pandemic.

TACOMA

  • Tomorrow’s June 2nd 5pm City Council meeting will be virtual.
    • Participants can listen by calling 253-215-8782 and using Meeting ID: 890 2715 0863.
    • The meeting will also be broadcast live on TV Tacoma and tvtacoma.com and via Facebook LIVE.
  • Drive-through COVID-19 tests will be available at the Tacoma Dome on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the month of June.
    • Patients must pre-register online for an appointment time at TheLittleClinic.com or call 1-888-852-2567 and select option 3.
    • No insurance needed and test results will be available in 48 hours.
  • The Tacoma Sister Cities Film Festival has been cancelled for 2020.
    • The festival was originally scheduled for March and postponed till late August, but organizers announced that they will not hold a festival at all this year and will be refunding tickets.
  • The Hilltop Action Coalition will host their virtual weekly update at 6PM this evening, Monday June 1st, via Facebook Live.
  • Tacoma Public Schools are asking parents, guardians, teachers, and students to complete a distance learning survey to share their experiences and opinions.
    • Parents and guardians should complete a survey for every student
    • Printed surveys are available at middle school meal pick-up sites Tuesday, June 2nd through Friday, June 5th.
    • Online surveys can be found at TacomaSchools.org

GRADUATIONS

  • High School graduation virtual ceremonies begin this week for Tacoma Public School students.
  • Fife High School celebrations will become available online at FHS.FifeSchools.com under “Senior Class Celebration Central” throughout June.
  • Federal Way Public Schools graduation information, along with ceremonies, can be found online at FWPS.org/Classof2020