2/16: Tuesday Briefing

By rebecca No comments

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STATE

  • The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission can provide resources for those struggling pay utility bills due to the pandemic.
  • The Washington Legislature has approved a bill that would waive some graduation requirements for individual students during a state of emergency, including the current coronavirus pandemic.
    • The measure, which is expected to be signed into law by the governor, allows school districts to apply through the State Board of Education to provide emergency waivers from testing requirements or credit requirements in cases of local, state or national emergencies that cause significant disruption to a student’s schooling.

VACCINE INFO

  • Washingtonians can find out if they are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines online at FindYourPhaseWA.org.
  • For general info on the vaccine, go to COVIDvaccineWA.org
  • Eligible King County residents can seek appointment online at kingcounty.gov/vaccine or call 206-263-9600
  • The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department has last night announced a vaccine event for eligible individuals.
    • Online registration opened at 9am this morning and slots quickly filled.
    • Pierce County residents can sign up for email notifications in advance of future COVID-19 community vaccine events by going to tpchd.org/notify.
    • Anyone wishing to volunteer in vaccination events can learn more at PierceCountyMRC.org
  • Individuals can also go to COVIDvaccineWA.org and find providers, clinics, and pharmacies that may be offering vaccine appointments.

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Dept reported 52 new COVID cases and 3 new deaths today.
  • The county’s 14-day case rate per 100,000 is 238.

TACOMA

  • The Tacoma City Council will hold its regular weekly meeting tonight at 5pm virtually.
    • It will be broadcast on TV Tacoma, and livestreamed on facebook and at TVTacoma.com.
    • Public comments relating to agenda items can be submitted via email to cityclerk@cityoftacoma.org before 4 p.m. or you can also speak during the meeting to share your public comment.
    • Links to participate via zoom are found on the city’s facebook page and at cityoftacoma.org
  • The City of Tacoma will host a virtual Black Business Empowerment Panel Discussion on Wednesday from 10am to noon
    • The virtual event will begin with a panel of local Black entrepreneurs from Little Sister Boutique, Locals Warehouse, Campfire Coffee, Only Oatmeal Cookies, Quickie Too, and ETC Tacoma
    • The panel discussion will be followed by a presentation and a Q&A session regarding the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program.
    • You can sign up for the virtual event at bbetacoma.eventbrite.com or call (253) 591-5621 for more information.
  • As the snow from this weekend’s storm begins to melt, residents might experience localized flooding issues. Individuals can call the city’s Environmental Services 24hr line at (253) 591-5585.
  • Metro Parks Tacoma is offering a variety of fitness programs including Yoga, MixxedFit, Zumba, Kids’ Fitness and more.
    • Classes begin March 8 and are held weekly via Zoom so you can join in from the comfort of your home. Register online at bit.ly/tacoma-fitness
  • The Children’s Museum of Tacoma is offering Virtual Play sessions

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, at the Lakewood State Emissions Testing Center, and more.
    • You can go to coronavirus.wa.gov and follow links for “Find Covid Testing Near Me” for specific locations.
    • In addition to permanent regular testing locations, The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept offers free mobile testing events.
    • On Wednesday, Feb 17: free covid tests will be offered at Anchor Church located at 2401 S. Orchard St
    • On Thursday, Feb 19: Church For All Nations at 111 112th St. E.
    • Fri, Feb 20: the health dept will be back at Anchor Church on Orchard St. and also at Charles Wright Academy
    • And on Saturday, Feb 21st: you can get free covid tests in Tacoma at the MDC Child Care Food Program on 945 Fawcett Ave.; in Eatonville at Salvation Army Camp Arnold; or in Bonney Lake at Bonney Lake High School
    • Testing runs 10am-3pm.
    • If you need later hours, the Lakewood State Emissions Inspection Station is open till 5:30pm
  • Some Walgreens pharmacies also now offer free drive-up rapid antigen testing for people Ages 3 and up, including the Walgreens at 38th & Pacific in Tacoma