7/27: Monday Briefing

By rebecca No comments

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Lots of updates today, including an announcement about technology access from the Tacoma Public Schools.

STATE

  • As of today, July 27th, all people in Washington must now wear masks in all common spaces, such as elevators, hallways, indoor communal living spaces, and anywhere else that individuals are unable to stay six feet away from people who they don’t live with.
    • The full memo is available online at coronavirus.wa.gov in the “news” section.
  • The Washington Emergency Management Division and Washington Poison Center urge individuals to check the maker of your household hand sanitizer against an FDA recall list of products that contained unlabeled methanol, a wood-alcohol that is toxic to humans and animals in certain quantities.
    • Visit go.usa.gov/xfnct or call 1-888-INFO-FDA
    • A wide array of hand sanitizing products have been added to the recall list throughout the month of July.
  • Public health and safety officials across the state are warning that most rivers, lakes, and beaches have no lifeguards on duty, and while outdoor recreation with members of one’s household is generally a safe and healthy activity, swimmers need to be extra cautious.
    • Most public pools, spraygrounds, and waterparks are remaining closed to comply with orders from the governor and local health departments.
  • The federally-funded $600 per week extra for those receiving unemployment benefits stopped this weekend, but the Washington Employment Security Department notes that anyone waiting for back payments on unemployment claims will still get the additional $600 when those payments are made.
    • Job search requirements remain optional through Aug. 1 for those receiving unemployment benefits.
    • More information is found online at esd.wa.gov.

PIERCE COUNTY

  • Pierce County Human Services has services available for residents 60+ years old needing help with accessing food due to limited mobility, illness, or COVID-19 concerns.
    • Individuals can get assistance with food shopping, grocery delivery, lunches to go, and home delivered meals by contacting the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600 or by emailing ADRC@piercecountywa.gov.
  • The Pierce County Minority Bar Association is hosting a webinar on Thursday, July 30th at 3pm to discuss participation in the US Census.
  • The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department notes that one in 10 people across all age groups who get COVID-19 end up needing hospital care, and that new studies are showing that many with COVID-19 who do not end up needing to be hospitalized report health impacts up to 50 days after their illnesses began.
    • The department urges continued vigilance over handwashing, wearing masks, and severely limiting any interactions outside one’s home.

TACOMA

  • The city council will hold its weekly meeting tomorrow, July 28th at 5pm via zoom.
    • It will be broadcast in real time on TVTacoma, at TVTacoma.com, and on the city’s facebook live account.
  • Tacoma Public Schools have announced that when school begins in September, all middle and high school students will get a laptop from Tacoma Public Schools running Microsoft Windows.
    • Elementary students will get likely after Jan. 1.
    • All devices will be a mix of new and existing equipment
    • Individual schools will distribute laptops and will reach out to parents about their specific schedules.
    • The district is partnering with The Foundation for Tacoma Students to provide free internet access for one year for qualified families.
    • Email tech@graduatetacoma.org, or call (253) 327-1448 for information on free internet access.

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free testing sites in our region:
  • For Pierce County locations, visit TPCHD.org/covidtest.
  • This week’s mobile testing events include:
    • Gig Harbor High School on Tuesday, July 28th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • West Pierce Fire and Rescue Station 21 on Wednesday, July 29th, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
    • East Pierce Fire & Rescue and Bonney Lake High School on Saturday, August 1st, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Patients can also call their health providers for tests.