1/15: Friday 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.
  • Many resources are available for adults and youth experiencing distress, as well as those caring for anyone experiencing emotional distress.
    • The “Washington Listens” support line for managing stress and getting referrals for behavioral health services is 1-833-681-0211.
    • The Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 800-273-8255 for English, o en espanol: ocho ochenta y ocho, seis veintiocho, noventa y cuatro, cincuenta y cuatro 1-888-628-9454
    • 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. If you text FRONTLINE to 741741, you’ll be connected with a crisis counselor trained to help frontline workers in the fight against COVID.
    • 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

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department reported 272 new COVID 19 cases today and 181 cases yesterday,
    • Of the 29 COVID-related deaths in Pierce County so far this week, one included a man in his 50s with no underlying health conditions.
    • The County’s average cases per day over the last 2 weeks is 284, and with a 6-day lag to account for data accuracy, the case rate per 100,000 people is 441.

TACOMA

  • Tacoma PUblic Schools kindergarten students return for face-to-face instruction starting Tuesday, Jan. 19 in cohorts of up to 15 students. More information is available at tacomaschools.org.
  • The city is opening a temporary 25-hr warming center for people experiencing homelessness at Norpoint Center in Northeast Tacoma in the next 10 days.
    • The center will serve no more than 25 women and couples 18 years and older at the Center at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave NE
    • The center is expected to close by the end of February
    • Adults interested in volunteering can email alanna@valeovocation.org.
    • Donations of clothing, hygiene products, blankets, coats, gloves, hats, are all welcome.
  • The City of Tacoma will present a virtual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan 18 at 8pm.
    • The event will be broadcast on TV Tacoma and streamed live on tvtacoma.com and Facebook, with rebroadcasts throughout the month on TV Tacoma.
    • The theme of year’s celebration is “Collective Voices/Collective Hope,“ will highlight the present and the future of Dr. King’s impacts on our community, and will feature local performers, speakers, and volunteers.
  • The City is also seeking to fill 6 positions on the Human Rights Commission, which investigates and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or disability.
    • Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by Sunday, January 31, 2021.
    • Applications can found online at https://cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication, and for assistance with alternate formats applicants can call (253) 591-5505.

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free COVID-19 testing sites in our region, including at Multicare, Franciscan, and Kaiser facilities; at Community Healthcare and SeaMar Community Health Centers; at Cheney Stadium, and more.
    • For King County locations visit KingCounty.gov.
    • For Pierce County locations, visit TPCHD.org/covidtest.
      • Saturday, Jan 16: Tacoma Community College and the State Emission Inspection Station in Lakewood.
      • Sunday, Jan 17: Sprinker Recreation Center and State Emission Inspection Station in Lakewood.
      • Tuesday, Jan 19: Washington State Fairgrounds-Blue Lot in Puyallup, State Emission Inspection Station
      • Wednesday, Jan 20: Pacific Lutheran University and the Lakewood Inspection Station
    • No ID is required, tests are free and open to anyone, and most testing runs 10am-3pm, except the Lakewood station goes till 5:30), but check TPCHD.org for specifics
    • Results are available in 3-7 days