6/15: Danielle and Emily of Fern+Foster

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Danielle Schell and Emily Ager of Fern+Foster discuss the ways in which individuals and families create receive support throughout their fertility and parenting journeys. Interview begins at 16:36.

STATE

  • Washington’s Emergency Management Division got reports this afternoon that some T-Mobile cellphone users were unable to complete 911 test calls, or that it calls were taking 30 or more seconds to start ringing. The State E911 Coordination Office was working this afternoon with T-Mobile & local counties on this issue.
  • The State Department of Health released a report on Friday indicating that COVID-19 activity continues to rise in Washington
    • The report suggests an increase in transmission over Memorial Day weekend, but does not include increases that may have occurred following recent protests
    • Benton, Franklin, Spokane, and Yakima counties are of particular concern.
    • Those Eastern Washington counties show greatest increases in transmission levels that the department states will likely lead to explosive growth in cases and deaths if not contained, with local prevalence estimated to exceed the King County’s late March peak.
    • Western Washington transmission also continued to increase, but at a slower rate.
    • More than 115,000 people in the US have died of COVID-19, including 1,204 Washingtonians.
  • The Health Department asks that regardless of which phase your county is in, continue to practice physical distancing and wear masks in public and around high-risk people.
    • If you are exposed to COVID-19 or develop symptoms, you should stay home and not visit with others until 10 days after you started feeling sick, OR 3 days after your fever resolved without medication, OR the day your other symptoms resolved, whichever date is latest.
  • The governor has issued guidance for card rooms and similar businesses operating in Phase 2 counties.
    • Full memos for all businesses can be found by following links at governor.wa.gov in the “News” section.
  • The Washington State Auditor’s office will be reviewing the state’s Unemployment Insurance system in response to the flood of fraudulent applications that overwhelmed the system during the height of the COVID-19 business closure.
    • One audit will review what led to delayed and improper payments for unemployment benefits, and another review will investigate possible weaknesses in the department’s computer systems.
    • As of this past Monday, more than 35,000 claims were still in adjudication.
    • Those still needing to file claims should go to ESD.wa.gov.
  • Friday, June 12 was the deadline for every nursing home in Washington to fffer COVID-19 tests to all residents, administer tests to all consenting residents, require all staff to be tested for COVID-19, and report positive test results.
    • The Secretary of health provided an update that a shortage of shipping containers and cold packs had created complications for returning samples for lab processing, which meant that some facilities were not be able to successfully meet the June 12th deadline.
    • The Health Department notes that 187 facilities have either completed, received testing supplies or been shipped testing supplies
    • The department stated that the 22 facilities that still had to confirm their testing supply needs and report their numbers as of Friday will not be fined, and are being asked to complete testing as soon as feasible while the department assists them in acquiring supplies.

PIERCE

  • Pierce Transit has reinstated fares at regular rates on buses and shuttles
    • Riders are asked to wear face coverings, follow signage indicating available seating, and be patient as passenger numbers continue to be limited.
    • Passengers should enter through front doors, where transparent shields have been installed to separate drivers from passengers.
    • Those with questions can call 253-581-8000 from 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on weekdays, or visit piercetransit.org any time.
  • Pierce County Libraries have opened book drops at eight of the Library System’s 20 libraries: Fife, Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Parkland/Spanaway, South Hill, Summit, Sumner and University Place.
    • The Library plans to open book drops at its other locations in the coming weeks
    • The Library System will not be assessing fines for overdue books and materials for the remainder of 2020 due to the pandemic and disruption to regular services.
    • Free Wi-Fi service is available for use outside of all Pierce County Library buildings in parking lots, with a continued emphasis on social distancing.
    • Online services continue to be offered at PierceCountyLibrary.org

TACOMA

  • Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is reopening June 18 for outdoor-only, one-way visits 9:30am to 6pm daily.
    • Every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30am, the zoo will open just for seniors over 65 and those at high-risk from Covid-19.
    • Tickets are purchased online for specific times and dates, and are non-refundable
    • Masks are strongly encouraged but not required, but visitors are expected to practice social distancing from those outside one’s household.
    • Drinking fountains are closed
    • No rental strollers, wheelchairs, or scooters are available at this time, but individuals may bring their own wheeled transportation
    • Guests must follow the marked one-way path through the zoo
    • Credit or debit cards are the only method of payment for in-Zoo purchases–no cash will be accepted
    • More details available at PDZA.org
  • The City of Tacoma has just begun piloting a Curbside Cafe and Market program where businesses can gain permits for temporary structures like outdoor tables, chairs, and shade coverings to allow food service and retail in ways that align with phases 2 and 3 of economic reopening.
    • Retail businesses may also use right-of-way areas to serve customers
    • Fees for permit applications, street use, and on-street parking are currently being waived for businesses that are part of the pilot.
    • More details, and links to the application, are found at CityOfTacoma.org/CurbsideCafe
  • The City of Tacoma’s 2020 Community Cleanup Program for single-family homes and duplexes is going curbside this year
    • Eligible residents can dispose of bagged and boxed unusable household items on their curb on their neighborhood’s designated date at no charge.
    • All batteries, gasoline, oils, and other fluids must be removed, as these items are considered hazardous, and no hazardous waste will be accepted. Construction materials, TVs, monitors, vehicles and car parts, and hot tubs are also unable to be accepted for curbside cleanup.
    • Items that are in working condition should not be disposed of on Community Cleanup days, but donated. A list of organizations accepting donated items can be found at CityOfTacoma.org/WasteFree253
    • Residents will receive a postcard in the mail about 1 week prior to their neighborhood’s cleanup date
    • The next three cleanup dates are as follows: Saturday, June 20 for the Tacoma Dome; Saturday, June 27 for Tacoma Community College; and Saturday, July 11th for the Evergreen State College
    • Those with questions can call (253) 502-2100 or email solidwaste@cityoftacoma.org.
  • The Living Access Support Alliance is offering rental assistance to Tacoma renters identifying as black, brown, indigenous, or mixed-race who have experienced job loss due to COVID-19.
    • Applicants should email CommunityEngagement@LASAwa.org or call 253-582-5320 between 9am and 3pm Monday through Friday.

SCHOOLS

  • Governor Inslee issued an amendment to his State of Emergency proclamation, allowing for schools to open for the 2020-2021 school year in accordance with local health directives.
  • The state superintendent of public instruction also released a 55-page document outlining guidance for how schools should operate starting in the fall.
    • The expectation is that all schools will open this fall for in-person instruction, with modifications in place to minimize risk of viral transmission.
    • The document outlines options for rotating schedules, phased opening, and continued remote learning for districts that are unable to meet social distancing requirements due to space constraints.
    • Face coverings will be required for all staff, students, and guests with exceptions for those with specific health and diagnosed behavioral concerns.
    • Local school boards are responsible for adopting re-opening plans
  • Tacoma Public Schools’ curbside and bus delivery meal program will end this Friday, June 19, the last day of the 2019-2020 school year
    • Tacoma Public Schools will be offering USDA Summer Food Service beginning June 29th with curbside pickup 10am to noon at 7 TPS Middle Schools. It will run through August 28th.
    • The school district also notes that families whose children are eligible for free or reduced school meals will also continue to benefit from Pandemic EBT for summer groceries. The Public Charge rule does not apply to Pandemic EBT benefits and will not impact immigration status.
    • Full details can be found online by following links at TacomaSchools.org, or by calling 253-571-1000.
  • June 16 and 18 are the last days for Tacoma students and families to pick up learning packets
    • The district encourages families to grab a packet for the next grade up.
    • All supplies are first-come, first-serve.
    • Packets can also be downloaded from TacomaSchools.org.
  • In Federal Way, USDA Summer Meals Program will run June 29 – August 10, with families able to pick up a week’s worth of free meals (five breakfasts and five lunches) every Monday at 13 sites across the district.
    • The schedule with times and locations can be found online at fwps.org/summermeals.
    • Those with questions may call the school district main line at 253-945-2000
  • Families living outside Tacoma and Federal Way school service areas who need help with nutritional assistance can call the “Help Me Grow Washington” Hotline at 1-800-322-2588, or visit ParentHelp123.org for additional summer meal locations.