12/29: Tuesday Briefing

By rebecca No comments

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PERENNIAL RESOURCES

  • State-level updates on COVID-19 can be found online in multiple languages at coronavirus.wa.gov.
  • Dialing 311 will get you to the City of Tacoma’s non-emergency information line.
  • The state’s Coronavirus Q&A line is staffed 7 days a week, 6am-10pm, at 1-800-525-0127. For interpreters in other languages, press # when they answer and say your language.
  • You can also text the coronavirus Q&A line at 211-211 in any language.
  • Dialing 211 will connect you to community resources statewide through United Way, and you can also visit wa211.org online.
  • A number of mental wellness support phone lines and text services are available
  • The “Washington Listens” support line for managing stress is 1-833-681-0211.
  • The Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 800-273-8255
  • The Crisis Text Line provides confidential text access from anywhere in the U.S. to a trained crisis counselor when you Text HEAL to 741741
  • Teens can call or text the Teen Link number at 866-833-6546
  • And individuals struggling with substance use or addiction can call or text the WA Recovery Help Line at 366-789-1511

STATE

  • Washington State Health Care Authority notes that anyone who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or any medical issue, but doesn’t have health insurance, can apply for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) through WAHealthPlanFinder.org to see if they qualify for free or low-cost health coverage.

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department reported 370 new COVID 19 cases today, and 101 cases yesterday but notes that Holiday-related delays resulted in fluctuating case counts.
    • There were 148 cases on Sunday, 156 cases on Saturday, and 374 cases on Christmas Day.
    • The County’s average cases per day over the last 2 weeks is 275, and with a 6-day lag to account for data accuracy, the case rate per 100,000 people is 499.
  • In the last week, an average of more than 750 people a day from phase 1A received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
  • These initial recipients are limited to people who work in healthcare settings at high risk of exposure to COVID-19, first responders who treat patients with COVID-19, and older adults who live in congregate care settings like nursing homes.
  • About 8,000 people who work in Pierce County or reside in a local LTC have received their first dose of vaccine.
  • Nourish Pierce County food banks will be closed this Friday for the New Years Day holiday, and then during the week of January 4th-9th to give volunteers, the National Guard, and staff a holiday respite.
    • Customers will be given additional servings of food the week prior to this closure to ensure they have plenty of food for themselves and their families.
    • To find a list of food banks near you, along with hours, visit nourishPC.org/need-food, or call (253) 383-3164.

TACOMA

  • Due to the holidays, the regular Tuesday Tacoma City Council meeting is cancelled.
    • The next city council meeting is expected to occur next Tuesday, January 5 at 5pm.
  • Even with the moratorium on residential evictions extended through March of 2021, Tacoma Pro Bono is offering rent resolution assistance in accordance with state guidelines for landlord-tenant resolutions.
    • If you are a Tacoma or Pierce County resident behind on rent, you can email HJP@tacomaprobono.org to get started with free legal services.

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free COVID-19 testing sites in our region:
    • For King County locations visit KingCounty.gov.
    • For Pierce County locations, visit TPCHD.org/covidtest.
    • This week’s mobile testing events include the following:
    • Wednesday, Dec 30: Pierce College in Puyallup, Centro Latino in Hilltop, Prairie Ridge Community Center in Bonney Lake, and the Lakewood State Emission Inspection Station
    • There will be no mobile testing on Thursday or Friday this week, but the department will be back this weekend offering free testing on Saturday, Jan 2nd at the Fraternal Order of Eagles building in Orting and at Journey Church in Tacoma.
    • No ID is required, tests are free and open to anyone, and most testing runs 10am-3pm, but check TPCHD.org for specifics
    • Results are available in 3-7 days
    • Bonus: Some COVID test sites are also doing free adult flu shots too!
  • A new program even arranges for a test to be delivered to you if you have mobility issues or trouble getting to a test site.
  • Cheney Stadium is partnering with Discovery Health to offer COVID-19 testing Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Feb. 28.