6/4: Mariesa Bus, Tacoma Public Library (with Additional Update)

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Mariesa Bus reveals the hidden gems offered by Tacoma Public Library, and shares how Tacomans can become a part of history by contributing to the Northwest Room Archives.

Interview begins at 7:52.   Second news update begins at 15:38.

UPDATE

  • At a 3pm press conference, Governor Inslee and State Secretary of Health John Wiesman discussed a state-wide plan for COVID-19 testing.
    • Previous medical advice dictated those with only mild symptoms should isolate and recover. But now, due to increased test kit availability and more widespread availability of PPE, the message is, “if you think you’re sick, get tested” even if you have mild symptoms.
    • Others who should also test include household members of symptomatic individuals, and household members of individuals even suspected of being in contact with someone with COVID-19.
    • Those at congregate worksites and living facilities should get tested when a member of the worksite or living facility tests positive or has symptoms. Examples are shelters, long-term care facilities, meat packing plants, agricultural worker housing, and close-quarter low income housing.
    • Those awaiting test results should stay home until they receive negative test results.
    • Testing is mandated to be free of charge or copay through at least July 3rd, state wide.
  • Medical providers are directed to accommodate patients who express desire to test, when they present a concern and request a test, and when they show any of the virus symptoms: fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and new loss of taste or smell.
  • The state plans to do regular screenings of vulnerable populations even when there are few active recorded cases.

STATE

  • Just before we went to air, the governor and the state secretary of health began addressing the public regarding COVID-19 testing. We’ll monitor and break in if we have more information.
  • The State Health Department is reminding Washingtonians that the Insurance Commissioner has extended the emergency order to July 3 for waiving deductibles and copays for coronavirus testing.
    • This means there should be no cost for testing, whether you have insurance or not.
  • The Washington State Department of Emergency Management advises that as dental offices re-open, some dentists are assessing patients a personal protective equipment charge.
    • The department recommends asking ahead of time to see what they are charging and for how much, and checking with your dental insurance to see if it is covered under your policy.
  • As local governments and university campuses have been using opt-in cellphone notifications to inform about curfews, road closures and important news, individuals can visit mil.wa.gov/alerts to sign up for notifications from different municipalities and organizations.
  • University of Washington doctors and infectious disease specialists have petitioned state and municipal authorities to cease using tear gas to disperse demonstrators, as chemical irritants increases the risk of spreading respiratory viruses to fellow protestors, observers, and law enforcement officers.
    • Doctors advise that since tear gas is heavier than air, those encountering it should aim to head upwind, uphill or off the ground to help avoid contact with the irritants.

PIERCE COUNTY

  • Pierce County courts remained open all day today, June 4th, with limited staff and judicial officers on site.
    • As coronavirus guidelines and the dynamic nature of protests and demonstrations may change the court hours, individuals can find the most up-to-date information at piercecountywa.gov/superiorcourt.

TACOMA

  • 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 City of Tacoma is hosting a virtual T-Town Hall tonight at 6pm
    • The topic will be the Tacoma Emergency Microshelter Site relocation from Hilltop to the east side
    • Participants can join by phone by dialing +1 253 215 8782 and entering the Webinar ID: 832 6811 2678
  • The Tacoma Public Schools virtual town hall event that had been scheduled for 6pm tonight has been postponed to a date yet-to-be determined.
  • Tacoma’s Spring Fest has been tentatively rescheduled for August 1st in Point Ruston.