The 2020 legislative session adjourned last Thursday. While it was certainly divisive at times, we ended on a note of bipartisanship, unanimously approving a bill to appropriate $175 million from the state’s rainy-day fund to assist with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) response efforts. Governor Inslee signed that bill into law yesterday.

The Coronavirus has done a lot of damage, both to people’s health and to the economy. But I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, we’re going to overcome this. That’s what we do as Americans. I’ve been heartened to see the cooperation between state and local government agencies over the past several weeks. It’s all hands on deck at the moment, and everyone’s working hard to keep Washingtonians safe, healthy and financially stable.

If there’s anything you need, or if there are any needs in our community you’re seeing that are not yet being met, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me day or night. My phone number is (360) 786-7902, and my email address is Drew.MacEwen@leg.wa.gov. I also wanted to provide you with links to critical information, resources and guidance on COVID-19. If you are looking for information that isn’t listed below, please get in touch with me.

It is an honor to serve you. We will get through this together, one day at a time.

Sincerely,
Drew

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• What You Need to Know About COVID-19.
  • Symptoms
  • If You Are Sick
  • If You Are at Higher Risk
  • How It Spreads
  • How To Protect Yourself
  • Protect Your Family
  • Protect Your Home
  • Frequently Asked Questions
• Resources for the Community.
  • Travel
  • Guidance for School Settings
  • Resources for Businesses and Employers
  • Resources for Community – and Faith-Based Leaders
• COVID-19 Cases in the U.S.
• Latest Updates
• Information for Healthcare Professionals

Recent announcements and news releases from the Governor’s Office and Department of Health:

• Inslee announces relief for businesses, workers, renters and more in response to COVID-19 outbreak | March 18, 2020
• Inslee signs bill package to support state effort combating the COVID-19 outbreak | March 17, 2020
• Inslee announces statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and expanded social gathering limits | March 16, 2020
• Inslee statement on statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and limits on size of gatherings expanded | March 15, 2020
• Leave some for your neighbors: Don’t buy more than you need | March 14, 2020
• State waives costs for COVID-19 testing | March 14, 2020
• Inslee announces statewide school closures, expansion of limits on large gatherings | March 13, 2020

Information for parents from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance & Resources
• Guidance for Long-term School Closures as of March 13, 2020
• School Closure FAQ
• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in K–12 Schools: A Parent Guide

Information for employers and employees

Governor’s Office | Partial list of resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19:

• COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers
  • Financial assistance.
  • Export assistance.
  • Employer and worker assistance.
  • Insurance assistance.

Employment Security Department:

• For workers and businesses affected by COVID-19
• COVID-19 | Scenarios & Benefits Available

U.S. Small Business Administration:

• Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
  • Guidance for Businesses and Employers
  • SBA Products and Resources
  • Government Contracting
  • Local Assistance

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Department of Labor:

• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

Department of Financial Institutions:

• Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
  • Accessing Your Financial Institution.
  • Unemployment Help.
  • Trouble Paying Credit Cards.
  • Trouble Paying Your Mortgage.
  • Trouble Paying Rent.
  • Student Loans Deferment.
  • Short Term and Emergency Loans.
  • Paying Utilities.
  • Insurance Issues.
  • Avoiding Scams.
  • At Home Financial Education Resources for Students.
  • Additional Resources.

Department of Labor & Industries:

• Workers’ Compensation Coverage and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions
  • Can COVID-19 ever be allowed as a work-related condition?
  • When to file a claim.
  • When will a claim likely be denied?
  • How can I file a COVID-19 claim?
  • Filing a worker’s compensation claim: Exposure vs. contraction of COVID-19
  • Quarantine.
  • Covered treatment and post-exposure care.
  • Additional information on COVID-19.

Office of the Insurance Commissioner:

• Coronavirus
  • Health insurance.
  • For insurers and medical providers.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Other types of insurance

Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | Frequently Asked Questions
  • Food Safety.
  • Access to Food.
  • Pet Safety.
  • Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
• Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Program Guidance on Human Pandemic Response
  • Automatic State Flexibilities.
  • Additional USDA Authorities.
  • Partnering to Ensure Access to Food.
  • USDA Information.
  • Federal Resources.
• FNS Actions to Respond to COVID-19
  • Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
  • FNS Pandemic Guidance.
  • Additional Resources.
  • What’s New.

Veterans

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

• Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  • What is VA doing?
  • What should Veterans do?
  • How to protect yourself
  • VA COVID-19 Cases

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs:

• COVID-19 updates for family members and representatives of residents

Global Perspective

Johns Hopkins University & Medicine:

• Coronavirus Resource Center

If you are looking for information that’s not listed above, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

It is an honor to serve you.