6/8: Monday Update

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Sorry, no interview today.  Just updates!

STATE

  • Today marks the first day in which all workers, statewide, are required to wear masks that cover one’s mouth and nose unless they aren’t working with other people.
  • Only 5 counties remain in Phase 1, including King County which is in Phase 1 with some modifications that allow very limited retail and dining business activity.
  • The Secretary of Health advised at a 3pm press conference that anyone who attended protests and was unable to maintain distance from others should stay home and self-isolate for 14 days because the risk of viral transmission remains high.
    • He also urged any one to seek COVID-19 tests if they develop symptoms or if they worry that they may be asymptomatic carriers based on personal activity.
    • At the same press conference, the governor also urged isolating while awaiting results.
  • Washington State Ferries will remain on a reduced schedule, since ridership is down about 60% compared to this time last year
    • Service increases would depend on a variety of factors, including crew and vessel availability, funding, and the coronavirus pandemic.
    • Full details and reservations are available online at WSDOT.wa.gov
  • As counties enter into Phase 2, many state park campgrounds are increasingly opening for visitors
    • Information is available online at parks.state.wa.us, but the Parks Service notes that the page may lag in being fully updated, so individuals who don’t see their desired park on the “open” page can call directly to ask if it’s open to daytime use or overnight camping.
  • The Bureau of Land Management has opened Spokane District sites to overnight camping.
    • Interested campers should call (509) 536-1200 or (509) 665-2100 to confirm site status.
  • Many automatic extensions are in place for Washington state driver licenses expiring between March 1 and Sept. 30, 2020.
    • Driver licenses with an expiration date between March 1 and June 30 will now expire six months after the date shown on the license.
    • Driver licenses with an expiration date between July 1 and Sept. 30 will expire three months after the date shown on the license
    • The new expiration date will show up on a driver’s record if it is pulled up by law enforcement.
    • New cards will not be issued.
    • The Department of Licensing recommends going to dol.wa.gov to print and carry the notice of license extensions if requested by law enforcement or others who need to verify identity.
    • Drivers can also renew online at dol.wa.gov during the extension period, and motorcycle permits and endorsements have been added to the lineup of online services as well.
    • Those seeking to obtain a Washington ID card for the first time will need to wait until driver licensing offices reopen.
  • The Washington State Department of Commerce and the Association of Washington Businesses has published a website to help establishments comply with guidelines on reopening.

MOUNT RAINIER

  • Recreational access and services at Mt. Rainier National Park are being restored through a phased approach that aligns with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local, state, and national opening plans
  • The park is currently operating with approximately half of its regular summer workforce
  • On Mt. Rainier’s west side, the road from Nisqually to Paradise reopened this weekend
    • All trailheads along the entrance road that are normally accessible this time of year are open.
    • The Cougar Rock Picnic Area is open
    • The National Park Inn at Longmire is open for purchases only at the General Store, not for lodging or dining
    • The road at the park’s northwestern (Carbon River) entrance was damaged by winter storms, but visitors can park along the road outside the entrance and walk in
    • Westside Road is available for hiking and bicycling.
    • Stevens Canyon Road was damaged over the winter. Traffic safety mitigations are being installed for eventual public access. As a result, the road is open on its west end from Paradise to the Snow Lake trailhead parking area, and the road is open on its east end from Highway 123 to the Grove of the Patriarchs Trailhead and restrooms.
  • On the park’s East Side, Highways 123 & 410 across Cayuse Pass are open, as well as all trailheads along that route.
    • The White River Road is open as far as the White River Campground, with the campground open for trailhead access and day use only
    • The Ohanapecosh Campground area is open for trailhead access and day use only
    • All park trails are open, but high elevation trails are still snow-covered
    • Overnight, backcountry camping is available but requires a permit, which must be obtained online at least 48 hours in advance by following links at nps.gov
  • All visitor centers, hotel lodging and developed campgrounds remain closed until further notice
  • Recreation on the Upper Mountain above 10,500 feet in elevation will open on June 19.
  • Complete information can be found at NPS.gov/MoRa, and regular updates can be found on twitter @MountRainierNPS.

TACOMA

  • The Puyallup Tribe of Indians opened the Tacoma location of the new Emerald Queen Casino in a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning.
    • The casino opened to the public at noon, with anti-transmission measures in place like temperature checks, masks, and frequent sanitizing.
  • The annual Taste of Tacoma food festival has been postponed.
    • The festival was originally set for June 19th through 21st at Point Defiance Park but will be rescheduled when the County can be in Phase 4 of reopening, which permits large outdoor gatherings.
  • The Tacoma Mall has reopened, with Monday through Saturday hours of 11am-7pm, and Sundays noon to 6pm.
    • Services may be limited, with some stores remaining closed
    • Patrons are asked to wear masks and to follow new one-way signage
    • Puyallup’s South Hill Mall opened this weekend with similar modifications.
  • Goodwill reopened its donation sites today throughout Pierce County, and stores will open on Wednesday, June 10th.
    • All patrons are required to wear masks.
  • 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.