11/3: Monday Briefing

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STATE

  • The governor issued an emergency rule on Friday requiring the state Department of Retirement Systems to maintain continuity of pension benefits for school district employees who are experiencing work disruption due to remote instruction in the wake of COVID-19.
  • Also on Friday of last week, Washington reported [https://coronavirus.wa.gov/news/state-reports-more-1000-cases-day-first-time-summer|more than 1000 new COVID-19 infections]], the highest rate since mid-July.
    • In light of a potential fall surge, the Department of Health recently encouraged Washingtonians to work to “flatten the curve” of infection much like Washingtonians did in March and April so that hospitals do not become overwhelmed.
    • Health officials once again strongly urge all Washingtonians to wear a mask, even with people you see regularly, in your smallest social circles, and anytime you are using shared transportation, including while in private vehicles with other people.
    • Keep gatherings small and hold them outside whenever possible.
    • Avoid any indoor social gatherings, but if you must participate, wear a mask and ensure windows and doors are open to maximize ventilation.
    • Wash or sanitize hands often
    • Avoid touching one’s face
    • Staying home if you’re sick or if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19
  • The Health Department has also issued an alert to health care professionals to beware of scammers falsely claiming to represent the department, and demanding money.
    • Fraudsters have been spoofing the department’s phone number in an attempt to bilk providers out of large sums of money, claiming that the provider’s license has been suspended or is under investigation.
    • The Department of Health will never ask providers to wire money to save a license, and assures providers that if any issues do arise potentially affecting a health care professional’s Washington license, that person will receive written communication by mail and/or by email from an investigator at a verifiable Department of Health email address.
  • Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day!
    • KTQA, along with Radio Tacoma and VTRadioUniversal, will be hosting simulcast coverage starting around 3pm, with election results, commentary, and analysis in Spanish and English, featuring a variety of diverse voices including elected officials, first-time voters, aspiring Americans not-yet-able to vote, and more!
    • Tune in to 95.3FM, 101.9FM, or stream online at RadioTacoma.org, VTRadioUniversal.com, or ktqa.org
    • If you’ve mailed your ballot, check to see that it’s been accepted at VoteWA.gov
    • You can also print a replacement ballot there and return it using a drop-box.
    • If you haven’t yet mailed your ballot or turned it in to a drop-box or an elections center, election centers and ballot boxes are open till 8pm Tuesday. It is not advised that anyone mail their ballot at this late date.
    • In-person voter registration is also available at election centers.
    • Go to votewa.gov for information or call 253-798-VOTE, that’s 253-798-8683

TACOMA

  • Up to $750 is available for Tacoma small businesses to use toward their utility bill.
  • Consejo is providing Violence Reduction Case Management and Outreach to Youth in Tacoma’s Eastside and Hilltop Communities.
    • Call (253) 414-7461 for more info

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free COVID-19 testing sites in our region:
  • This week’s free pop-up testing events in Pierce County include:
    • Tuesday, 11/3: State Route 512 Park and Ride, Vassault Park, and Old Spanaway Elementary School
    • Wed, 11/4: Asia Pacific Cultural Center and the 72nd and Portland Park and Ride
    • Thu, 11/5: Greenwater Fire Department, Verlo Park, and the Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center
    • Fri, 11/6: Fort Steilacoom Park, E.B. Wilson at 1202 S. M St. in Tacoma
    • Sat, 11/7: Eatonville Middle School
    • No ID is required and tests are free and open to anyone.
  • Testing runs 10am-3pm.
  • Community Health Care, with locations in Tacoma, Spanaway, and Lakewood, is offering testing for COVID-19, even if you are not a Community Health Care patient.
    • Call (253) 722-2161 for a Tele-Health Screening Appointment