{"id":269,"date":"2020-07-17T17:39:54","date_gmt":"2020-07-18T01:39:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?p=269"},"modified":"2020-07-17T17:39:54","modified_gmt":"2020-07-18T01:39:54","slug":"7-17-many-friday-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/2020\/07\/17\/7-17-many-friday-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"7\/17: Many Friday Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_5488\"><!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-269-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3\">https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\">Podcast: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?powerpress_pinw=269-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3\">Download<\/a> (Duration: 19:49 &#8212; 9.1MB)<\/p><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_subscribe_links\">Subscribe: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/feed\/podcast\/\" class=\"powerpress_link_subscribe powerpress_link_subscribe_rss\" title=\"Subscribe via RSS\" rel=\"nofollow\">RSS<\/a><\/p><p>It&#8217;s Friday!\u00a0\u00a0 No interview today, but numerous important updates.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h1 id=\"state\">STATE<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Starting on Monday, July 20th, all indoor and outdoor live entertainment, including live music at restaurants or drive-in concerts <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/wagovernor\/inslee-announces-steps-to-address-covid-19-spread-7bf1dbabb52f\" href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/wagovernor\/inslee-announces-steps-to-address-covid-19-spread-7bf1dbabb52f\" rel=\"nofollow\">will be prohibited across the state<\/a> due to the state experiencing the highest single-day case increases, and the highest 7-day average case count, since the pandemic began in January.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">All social gatherings for individuals in phase 3 counties will be limited to 10 people, down from the previous allowance of 50.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">All social gatherings for individuals in phase 2 counties (which includes Pierce and King Counties) and all phase 1 counties, will continue to be limited to 5 people per week.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Examples of social gatherings include book clubs, barbecues, picnics, parties of any kind, baby showers, social clubs, garage sales, and gatherings on beaches and in parks.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Exceptions include spiritual services, weddings, and funerals.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The governor warned that the increased restrictions \u201cmay be a forerunner to additional rollbacks,\u201d and he stated that \u201cwe cannot rule out the potential for another stay-home order this year, and perhaps not in the too distant future.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">A lawsuit challenging the legality of Gov. Inslee&#8217;s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic was <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.governor.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/024_OrderDenying.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.governor.wa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/024_OrderDenying.pdf?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=govdelivery\" rel=\"nofollow\">thrown out in the federal Court this week<\/a>.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The judge ruled that the governor&#8217;s emergency power granted by the Legislature \u201cclearly encompasses an outbreak of a pandemic disease.\u201d<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The judge also ruled the Department of Labor &amp; Industries lawfully exercised its authority in developing rules that enforce the governor&#8217;s emergency proclamations.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Washington&#8217;s insurance commissioner has <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.wa.gov\/news\/kreidler-extends-emergency-order-telehealth-coverage-another-30-days?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.wa.gov\/news\/kreidler-extends-emergency-order-telehealth-coverage-another-30-days?utm_content=&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_name=&amp;utm_source=govdelivery&amp;utm_term=\" rel=\"nofollow\">extended an emergency order<\/a> until August 16th that directs all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes in light of the pandemic.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Insurers must continue coverage for telehealth, continue to cover all medically necessary diagnostic testing for flu, coronavirus, and other viral respiratory illnesses without coinsurance or deductible, and treat drive-up COVID-19 testing sites in the same regard as provider office visits with no copay, coinsurance or deductible.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Health insurers must also waive or expedite prior authorization requirements for home healthcare or long-term care facility services<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The State Employment Security Department commissioner <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/esd.wa.gov\/newsroom\/FPUC-set-to-expire\" href=\"https:\/\/esd.wa.gov\/newsroom\/FPUC-set-to-expire\" rel=\"nofollow\">is noting<\/a> that the additional $600 per week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Program benefits <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/esd.wa.gov\/newsroom\/FPUC-set-to-expire\" href=\"https:\/\/esd.wa.gov\/newsroom\/FPUC-set-to-expire\" rel=\"nofollow\">will stop after July 25th<\/a> unless Congress renews the program.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Washingtonians who were eligible for unemployment benefits between April 4th and July 25th of this year are still eligible for back payments of the federal funds for all weeks for which they were eligible, even if still seeking claims resolution.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">State employment agencies administer the benefits but do not have a say in whether these benefits are extended.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">WorkSource offices around Washington are offering online workshops, training opportunities and virtual one-on-one help with a variety of job-search tasks like writing resumes and cover letters, job application assistance, and interview preparation.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">More info is available at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/WorkSourceWA.com\" href=\"https:\/\/WorkSourceWA.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">WorkSourceWA.com<\/a>, where job opportunities are also listed.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">The <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/EcologyWA\/status\/1283455690959286273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1283458127862525952%7Ctwgr%5E&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkuow.org%2Fstories%2Fupdates-continuing-covid-19-pandemic-in-washington-state\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/EcologyWA\/status\/1283455690959286273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1283458127862525952%7Ctwgr%5E&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fkuow.org%2Fstories%2Fupdates-continuing-covid-19-pandemic-in-washington-state\" rel=\"nofollow\">Washington Department of Ecology<\/a> is reminding residents that gloves, masks, and so-called flushable wipes should be kept out of toilets and disposed of in household trash to alleviate strain on sewer systems, pumps, pipes, and septic systems across the state.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h1 id=\"pierce_county\">PIERCE COUNTY<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/coronavirus\/article244302042.html#storylink=cpy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/coronavirus\/article244302042.html#storylink=cpy\" rel=\"nofollow\">is reporting<\/a> that the county has a 14-day case rate of nearly 95 per 100,000, whereas the state health department target is 24 or fewer cases per 100,000.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The average daily number of confirmed cases since the Fourth of July is 61.1, whereas health department targets dictate that fewer than 16 would suggest the pandemic is under control.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The county&#8217;s health director <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-continuing-covid-19-pandemic-in-washington-state\" href=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-continuing-covid-19-pandemic-in-washington-state\" rel=\"nofollow\">now states<\/a> that Pierce County is considering <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-continuing-covid-19-pandemic-in-washington-state\" href=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-continuing-covid-19-pandemic-in-washington-state\" rel=\"nofollow\">moving backward to Phase 1 or 1.5<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The health department urges anyone in high-risk categories to be tested \u2013 even if they do not have symptoms.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">At-risk communities include Alaska Native, American Indian, Black, Latino, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander individuals, who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 in our state.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Mobile testing stations are being sent to rural areas of Pierce County and communities where traveling to existing permanent testing locations is difficult.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Organizations that want to have a mobile testing station utilize their facilities for community testing should call 253-798-6595 or email PCEOC@piercecountywa.gov<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Pierce County is assisting residents with up to 2 months of rent paid directly to one&#8217;s landlord, as far back as April for those who still owe.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Visit <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.piercecountywa.gov\/hs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.piercecountywa.gov\/hs\" rel=\"nofollow\">piercecountwa.gov\/HS<\/a>, the Pierce County Human Services&#8217; webpage, for the <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2VUu7gf\" href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2VUu7gf\" rel=\"nofollow\">online application<\/a>, or call 253-798-4500.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Veterans in Pierce County are eligible for up to 6 months of rental and mortgage assistance, car payments, and other financial support to pay for back payments, utilities and other bills.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">More info is available at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/piercecountywa.gov\/veterans\" href=\"https:\/\/piercecountywa.gov\/veterans\" rel=\"nofollow\">piercecountywa.gov\/veterans<\/a> or by calling 253-798-7449<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Ballots have been mailed for the August 4th Primary Election.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Voters in the same household may get their ballots on different days, but all ballots should arrive by Wednesday, July 22nd.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Those who don&#8217;t receive their ballots may call the 253-798-VOTE (253-798-8683) for assistance.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">It&#8217;s free to return ballots using United States Postal Service mail &#8211; just place your ballot in your mail box for pickup by July 31, 2020.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Ballot drop box locations and more info is available at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/piercecountyelections.org\" href=\"https:\/\/piercecountyelections.org\" rel=\"nofollow\">piercecountyelections.org<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The deadline to vote is 8 p.m. on August 4, 2020.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">Pierce County\u2019s Environmental Educators are offering creative outlets for kids every Thursday from 10:30-11:00 a.m. on Zoom. See the schedule at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.piercecountywa.gov\/enviroed\" href=\"https:\/\/www.piercecountywa.gov\/enviroed\" rel=\"nofollow\">piercecountywa.gov\/EnviroEd<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h1 id=\"tacoma_jblm\">TACOMA &amp; JBLM<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Children and Youth on Tacoma&#8217;s East Side are invited to participate in summer learning activities for the chance to win prizes like stickers, bubbles, keychains, bike helmets, art kits, backpacks, and gift cards.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\"><a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/208918927002674\/?notif_t=event_calendar_create&amp;notif_id=1595011093155261\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/208918927002674\/?notif_t=event_calendar_create&amp;notif_id=1595011093155261\" rel=\"nofollow\">Pick up activity kits<\/a> from KBTC at the Family Investment Center at 1724 E 44th St on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12-2pm<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Salishan Association is also seeking middle and high school-aged youth to participate in the Salishan Youth Leadership Committee through August 6th.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Meetings take place via zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-1:30pm<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Call 253-302-0136 or email rmcafee@safest.org for more information<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\"><a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/coronavirus\/article244302042.html#storylink=cpy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/coronavirus\/article244302042.html#storylink=cpy\" rel=\"nofollow\">Joint-Base Lewis-McChord is reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases<\/a> in the last month<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Madigan Army Medical Center&#8217;s chief officer stated that increased testing is only accounting for a small percentage of case increases.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">He added that if service members completely complied with preventive measures, such as wearing face coverings and socially distancing, they could significantly reduce the spread of the disease.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">JBLM&#8217;s COVID-19 data is not publicly available, per a federal Department of Defense order in April.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_5489\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-269-2\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3?_=2\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3\">https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\">Podcast: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?powerpress_pinw=269-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"KTQA-DB-20200717.mp3\">Download<\/a> (Duration: 19:49 &#8212; 9.1MB)<\/p><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_subscribe_links\">Subscribe: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/feed\/podcast\/\" class=\"powerpress_link_subscribe powerpress_link_subscribe_rss\" title=\"Subscribe via RSS\" rel=\"nofollow\">RSS<\/a><\/p><p>It&#8217;s Friday!\u00a0\u00a0 No interview today, but numerous important updates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=269"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":270,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions\/270"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}