9/18: Friday Briefing

By rebecca No comments

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BORDER

  • Canada has extended its border closure with the United States through at least October 21.

STATE

  • The State Health department is imploring Washingtonian to answer phone calls or return voicemails from state contact tracers in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
  • The governor has issued updated guidance for weddings and funerals, which may resume under certain restrictions.
    • Receptions and ceremonies must be capped at 30 people, or 25% of venue occupancy, whichever is less
    • All table seating must be by household with table sizes capped at 5 people
    • Facial coverings are required, and social distancing must be maintained
  • Agriculture producers affected by market disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic may sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program starting Sept 21st thru December 11th.
    • Producers may apply apply and learn more about the available assistance at Farmers.gov/cfap
  • Payment processing for $300 in extra unemployment benefits starts on 9/21
    • Recipients of unemployment benefits should answer the LWA eligibility question in eServices thru Sunday, Sept 20 in order to receive payments starting next week.
    • Details about what to expect are found online in the Q&A section of esd.wa.gov|LWA.
    • The Employment Security Department asks that Washingtonians read the online Q&A before calling the department customer service line in order to keep the wait times down for those who need to speak with an agent.
    • The department recommends logging in early morning or late afternoon, as it helps prevent site slowdowns.

TACOMA

  • Tacoma Community House will be distributing food boxes at 11am on Tuesday, Sept 22nd from its parking lot at 1314 L St in Tacoma.
  • The West End Neighborhood Council is hosting a family-friendly litter pickup event Sunday, Sept 20th, at 9am
    • Heavy duty trash bags and gloves will be provided; masking and social distancing will be expected of all participants
    • Details are available at we-tacoma.org

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free testing sites in our region:
  • For Pierce County locations, visit TPCHD.org/covidtest.
  • Next week’s mobile testing events in Pierce County are:
    • The Puyallup United Methodist Church in Puyallup, Journey Church on Pearl St. in Tacoma, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church on East McKinley in Tacoma, all on Saturday, Sept 19
    • On Tuesday, Sept 22nd, testing will take place at Albertsons at 104 Military Road in Tacoma, at West Pierce Fire & Rescue in University Place, and at Demark – Pierce County Housing Authority at 1707 74th St Ct East in Tacoma.
    • On Wednesday, Sept 23, testing will be held at Lakewood Village – Pierce County Housing Authority, the University of Puget Sound in North Tacoma, at the Tacoma Urban League, and at the Montgrove/Oakleaf/Village Square – Pierce County Housing Authority
    • On Thursday, Sept 24, testing will take place at Chateau Rainier – Pierce County Housing Authority, at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Portland Ave in Tacoma, at Saar’s Market Place on North Pearl St., and at the Orting Senior Apartments – Pierce County Housing Authority site.
    • Next Friday’s testing sites include: Hidden Village Pierce County Housing Authority, and the City of Bonney Lake upper lot at 18302 Veterans Memorial Dr E
  • No ID is required and tests are free and open to anyone.
  • Patients can also call their health providers for tests.