Here is a summary of what was added or changed in the Safe Start Guide requirements and guidelines;
Requirements for customers and visitors to wear face coverings and related best practices;
Clarification for employees wearing face coverings and what working alone means;
Requirements for reporting potential spread of COVID-19 in the workplace to local health jurisdictions;
Reinforces using DOH requirements and guidance on symptoms for agency screening processes with link update;
Clarifies criteria on when someone with symptoms can return to work;
Expands consultation resources when determining leave use related to screening and presenting symptoms; and
Updated links to include new authorizing sources, resources, or material updates
On Monday, March 23, Governor Inslee issued a proclamation telling all Washington state residents to “stay home, stay healthy.” All social, spiritual, and recreational gatherings are prohibited, and all non-essential businesses are ordered to close, starting at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, March 25. Read the governor’s proclamation here.
The governor’s proclamation exempts essential critical infrastructure workers. You can see the list of sectors and workers who are considered essential here.
COVID 19 Resources
The novel corona virus has brought sudden, massive changes to the life here in Washington state, and to the public employees who serve our communities every day. Agencies are asking more employees to work from home, and most colleges have moved to online-only classes. While the situation is changing quickly, WPEA will continue to provide the most updated information we can here at our website. If you have specific questions, please contact your steward or staff representative or dial 360-943-1121.
Office of Financial Management Governor Jay Inslee and the Office of Financial Management have expanded leave options and issued new guidance for state employees. You can read the guidance from OFM here, see what kind of leave options are available here, or visit OFM’s full list of resources here.
Employment Security The Employment Security Department has issued emergency rules that make it easier to qualify for Unemployment Insurance if you are laid off or working a reduced schedule due during the COVID 19 crisis. Look at their fact sheet and new rules here.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) has put many citizens in a place of uncertainty --Benefits.gov is here to help! In order to help families and individuals find the resources they need, Benefits.gov has released a new article, "Finding the Right Help during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) Outbreak". In the article, you will find helpful information on government benefits such as unemployment resources and healthcare coverage as well as resources for businesses and families. For the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus outbreak, visit Coronavirus.gov to learn more about how to protect and prepare yourself and your community.
Sunrise Dental Bulletin - This Sunrise Emergency Dental Network is currently available, and we will attempt to ease pressures on NW hospital emergency rooms. Thus allowing for a restored focus on the ER & Hospitals treatment of covid-19 related patient afflictions and the preservation of PPE’s. Please check out their bulletin and list of location by clicking here.
In response to the very real and immediate need Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is taking action. The LLS COVID-19 Patient Financial Aid Program will begin immediately to provide $250 to eligible patients struggling with the economic hardship presented by the pandemic. Most information here.
As Coronavirus continues to plague us, we at Bright Now! Dental are on a mission to make sure those who have a dental emergency have a dental office to go to. Our goal is to help our hospitals to be free of dental emergencies so their time can be spent with those people who are suffering from Coronavirus – or other serious illness. Our hospitals are near or at capacity, and we want to do our part to support the healthcare teams and the people who need the ER during this current health crisis.
IF YOU HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY, WE ARE HERE TO HELP! DO NOT GO TO ER OR URGENT CARE!
Many of our dental offices are open for emergencies. No matter who it is – patient of record or not – we will take care of you!
Bright Now! has also started TELEDENTISTRY! Just like the medical side offers support via phone/video-chat, we are now offering that for dentistry. This is a new and innovative platform designed for anyone who is experiencing a dental concern. It is as simple as 1, 2, 3… For more information click here or visit: www.smilebrands.com/teledentistry
In support of the COVID-19 pandemic, 360 Hotels are providing Emergency Lodging Services at a discounted rate to any First Responders or any Essential Personnel wanting to stay away from family for safety reasons or guests struggling at this time to find fair costs for accommodations.