Vashon Situation Report - 102 August 26, 2020

Current Virus Statistics:

Vashon Island COVID-19 Case Count as of 8/25/20 (most recent data):  1,802 COVID-19 tests reported, 34 additional tests since last Situation Report on Wednesday  14 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 0 new cases since last Situation Report on Wednesday  Date of last positive test: August 20  1 person had been hospitalized. Date of last hospitalization: April 10  0 Vashon deaths

King County COVID-19 Case Count as of 8/25/20 (most recent data):  18,877 confirmed positive cases, 199 new since last Situation Report on Wednesday  712 deaths, 4 new since last Situation Report on Wednesday

Washington State COVID-19 Case Count as of 8/24/20:  71,012 confirmed positive cases, 693 new since last Situation Report on Wednesday  1,876 deaths, 13 new since last Situation Report on Wednesday

NOTE: Federal law prohibits Public Health - Seattle & King County from releasing the names of patients (HIPAA Act). For consistency of day-to-day data reporting for Vashon, the EOC uses only the Zip code data from the Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) dashboard.

Health Tip of the Day:  Experts point out that testing is a very important tactic to identify people who could spread COVID, but the best thing of all is to prevent contagion in the first place. "Vashon is doing pretty well. We have had some cases but that is to be expected," said Dr. Jim Bristow, leader of the Vashon Medical Reserve Corps testing program. "What we want the Vashon community to do is prevent community transmission of the virus. That means washing hands, wearing face coverings, and getting tested early if you develop any viral symptoms. I know this routine is getting old, but it's what's needed to keep us all safe!" Call 844 469-4554 to be screened for testing.  Unfortunately, the EOC has received a number of reports of people not wearing masks and not wearing them properly (needs to cover nose and mouth) – even blatant disregard of the law (weddings and other group events exceeding the directive guidelines). It's especially a problem in this season with so many mainland visitors coming to the island. To meet that challenge, the VashonBePrepared Community Engagement Team has put up large banners like the one shown here to greet arriving visitors and also around the Island at strategic high traffic locations. If you suspect violations of the Governor’s orders, you can call the King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information Line at 206-296-1608 M-F 8:30am-4:30pm or email [email protected]. You also can fill out an online reporting form at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/report-safe-start-violation.

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New Developments since Last Report:  FEMA has approved a new, limited time, Lost Wages Grant for Washington State. Under the Lost Wages Assistance program funding will allow Washington to provide $300 per week -- on top of their regular unemployment benefit. Unlike the old $600 unemployment boost, the grant covers only three weeks of unemployment filings. Also, the previously widely reported $400 boost cited in the President’s executive order assumed the state would provide $100 of local funding, which Washington State says it cannot afford. https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20200824/fema-announces-lost-wages-grant- washington (8/26/20)  Washington State Employment Security Department has a program for employers to offset unemployment benefits charges. The offset might reduce employer unemployment taxes in 2021 if they are on that program rather than the reimbursement unemployment method.. The offset applies to unemployment benefits that ESD paid in the first two quarters of 2020 to employees who were temporarily laid off as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19; and have since returned to work. https://esd.wa.gov/employer-taxes/offset (8/26/20)  The Washington State Employment Security Department job-search waiver is currently set to expire 09/01/2020. If it is not extended again, you will need to conduct and report job-search activities for Sept. 6-12, 2020. ESD has published a job-search log sample and a list of job-search requirements for unemployed workers, but has not yet published anything specific for the self- employed. Visit: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/job-search-requirements (8/26/20)  A new study published in Nature has found that older men are up to twice as likely to become severely sick and to die from the coronavirus as women of the same age. The findings suggest that men, particularly those over 60, may be more reliant on a once one becomes available. “Natural infection is clearly failing” to spark adequate immune responses in men, said Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale. The findings underscore the need for companies pursing to parse 8

their data by gender and may influence decisions about dosing, said Dr. Marcus Altfeld, an immunologist at the Heinrich Pette Institute and at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2700-3 (8/26/20)  A report by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Oxford found that the current guidance for safe social distancing may not be enough to stop the spread of COVID-19. The researchers say other factors, such as ventilation, crowd size, exposure time and whether face coverings are worn, need to be considered, as well. Some evidence suggests that the coronavirus may travel more than 6 feet through activities like coughing and shouting, the researchers wrote. In the highest-risk situations, such as indoors with poor ventilation, large crowds, prolonged contact time and no face coverings, distancing beyond 6 feet should be considered. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/6-feet-may-not-always-be-enough-distance-protect- covid-n1238083 (8/26/20)

Progress on Community Support Operations:  Emergency Operations Center (EOC): It has been 168 days (24 weeks) since our EOC was activated on March 12. We continue at the Maintenance & Monitoring level. Our current operational priorities are health, food and shelter, although work continues for economic recovery through our Chamber of Commerce partnership.  Community Engagement Team: As described earlier in this report, the Community Engagement Team has released the raccoons and they are frolicking around town and at both ferries. The 4 by 6 foot giant banners feature Vashon's original masked residents, raccoons. The banners promote keeping Vashon COVID safe and urge everyone, especially visitors, to mask up in order to keep Vashon COVID safe.  Vashon Medical Reserve Corps: The MRC COVID-19 testing operation continues to average around 55 tests per week, over half of the tests being given to Vashon residents in any given week. Testing is also being done by the two island clinics as well as off island providers such as Kaiser, Multicare, SCAN and others. Meantime, word has been going around about MRC capabilities and experience in the practicalities of dealing with the pandemic. MRC physician volunteers have been asked by the Chamber of Commerce to provide informal guidance to local businesses through the testing program phone number: (844) 469-4554. In addition, MRC has provided advice and training to Vashon Community Care and Camp Sealth. MRC was even asked this week to share lessons learned to aid the Seattle Symphony as the organization seeks to bring some musicians and stagehands back to work in very controlled COVID-safe circumstances.  Finance/FEMA: FEMA has just extended the eligibility period for the pandemic emergency declaration. The cutoff date of September 21 has now been indefinitely extended, probably for as much as six months. That means the potential to recoup more of our community's pandemic emergency response expenses eventually, although the timeline for grants is very long. This extension signals that FEMA agrees with our EOC assessment that this already lengthy emergency response will continue for some time.  Finance/Fundraising: VashonBePrepared has decided to wait for Round 2 of a new grant opportunity from Puget Sound Energy Foundation. A number of island nonprofits are working on applications for Round 1, which closes on Monday, August 31. Waiting for the Round 2 deadline at the beginning of October will give other local nonprofits a clear shot at filling their needs. The demands for emergency response support from the Vashon COVID Relief Fund will likely peak later in the year so the October timing makes sense in that regard as well.

Previously Posted Important Items: Note: An archive of older Important Developments can be found at https://vashonbeprepared.org/en- us/News/SitReps.

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 4 Paws Veterinary Clinic has reopened after closing as a precaution due to an employee’s secondary exposure to a COVID positive person. The employee and the spouse who works at 4 Paws have both tested negative and the clinic has resumed normal operations. (8/24/20)  Dr. Chris Murray, the chair of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington said computer models predict that the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic in the United States could spike to as high as 6,000 people a day by December in the worst- case scenario. Currently, about 1,000 people are dying daily from the coronavirus in the US. In a new model released Friday, researchers at IHME predicted the number of daily deaths will decrease slowly in September -- then rise to nearly 2,000 a day by the start of December. Murray told CNN if we don't do anything at all, the daily death toll in the US would be much higher than the 2,000 deaths a day by December. The new IHME forecast projects 310,000 deaths by December -- 15,000 more than the previous forecast two weeks ago. While coronavirus infections are dropping in some areas, the death rate is not. If mask use increased in the US to 95%, the number of deaths could drop by almost 70,000, Murray added. https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/22/health/us-coronavirus-saturday/index.html (8/24/20)  The Red Cross is offering free emergency preparedness training for youth through The Pillowcase Project. The project’s free virtual training is for students in grades 3-5 (ages 8-11). Presentations will teach kids how to stay safe during a home fire and earthquake, and to use coping skills to manage stress during emergencies. To sign up for a presentation, visit: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossNW (8/24/20)  Governor Inslee reminds Washingtonians this is our last chance to complete the 2020 census and make an impact for the next 10 years. The census is how funding is distributed for things like some types of pandemic relief, schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation. Census results help determine the amount and type of community support that is needed. Your census forms need to be completed by September 30th, Visit 2020Census.gov to complete the census or call 844- 330-2020. (8/24/20)  Washington Employment Security Department says it will seek approval to pay out the very limited $300 Lost Wages Assistance benefit through the Federal Emergency Management Administration (no word on whether the state will fund the additional $100). The funds will only be available for three weeks and only to those who can certify that they are unemployed or partially employed because of COVID. All of this may change if Congress passes an extension of benefits. In other words, there is nothing you can do and don't bank on it yet. See https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/employment-security- department-will-apply-for-lost-wages-assistance-unemployment-funds (8/21/20)  Washington Employment Security Department reports that Vashon unemployment claims are down slightly from the prior week – 618 claims this week vs 682 the week prior. Even though claims are down, they still represent 12.74% of the Vashon workforce. As the following graph shows, there was almost no unemployment before the pandemic but it is now well over 600, although down about half from the peak. If you need help filing for unemployment, the Chamber of Commerce Ask the Expert person will consult with you on options. Email [email protected]: or call (206) 200-3236. (8/21/20)  The job-search requirement for unemployment benefits is currently waived until Sept. 1, 2020, but it would be a good idea to start looking now. For assistance from another Vashon Chamber of Commerce Ask the Expert, text Torena O'Rorke at (509) 460-6444 to set up an appointment to explore career development and job opportunities. (8/21/20)  In a job interview prospective employers cannot ask certain types of questions that are restricted by law. Most employers do know that it is against the law to discriminate against an individual because of age (40 or older), religion, race, nationality, gender, disability, or skin color, but some ask anyway. In a Forbes article they review how to handle these illegal questions at https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2020/08/18/covid-has-employers-asking-illegal-interview- questions-here-is-what-to-say/#4eec4b0d3c99 (8/21/20)  The King County Small Business Assistance Grant program reopened today. Businesses will have two weeks to apply. These grants are for businesses that have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic and are located in unincorporated parts of King County, such as Vashon. The updated 8

requirements mean more businesses are potentially eligible for grant money than during the first round. The new deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 4. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/LocalBusinessHelp (8/21/20)  Camp Sealth Outdoor Connections will offer programs to support youth, teens, and families who are impacted by COVID-19 and school closures. The programs provide opportunities for children from pre-K through grade 12, to get outdoors for exercise and free play, supplement educational needs with the ability to interact with peers and gain social skills, and to fill a need for childcare for parents who need to work. Programs start Sept 14th. Visit https://campfireseattle.org/outdoor- connections/ (8/21/20)  Vashon Island School District has produced a short video to welcome students back to school. Additionally, next week they will hosting a series of Reopening Family Q & A meetings as part of their community engagement plan. There are four Zoom meetings scheduled on August 24 and 26, For times and Zoom logins visit https://www.vashonsd.org/cms/lib/WA01919522/Centricity/Domain/547/VISD%20August%2014th%20 Community%20Update.pdf (8/21/20)  The governments of Canada, United States and Mexico have agreed to extend the border closure to all non-essential travel for at least another month until September 21. This is the fifth time that the governments have extended the border restrictions since they were first introduced in March when countries began to issue travel bans to limit Covid-19 cases. (8/21/20)  Data from the Washington Disease Reporting System (WDRS) reports that as of August 4 new cases are plateauing overall across the state. The data shows in both eastern and western Washington that Re is hovering around 1 – meaning that every person who’s infected infects one more person. They estimate that in western WA the Re was 0.97, down from the estimate of 1.12 in the last report. In eastern WA the best estimate Re is 0.98, up from the estimate of 0.78 in the last report. For King County the Re is 1.1, just above the target. The study said “While a number of trends are moving in the right direction, Washington is not out of the woods. It is imperative that we remain compliant with masking and distancing policies that have likely helped get us out of the uncontrolled outbreak situation”. https://covid.idmod.org/data/WA_Situation_Report_13_COVID- 19_transmission_across_Washington_State.pdf (8/21/20)  Gov. Inslee published new Phase 2 guidance for Museums, Agritourism and certain outdoor recreation. (8/21/20) o Museums are permitted to operate with total capacity limited to 25 percent. Individual rooms shall be monitored periodically to ensure they are not above 25 percent capacity, and all exhibits that allow touching surfaces must be signed with “No Touching” or employ touchless alternatives. https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19%20Phase%202%20and%203%20Muse ums%20Guidance.pdf? o Agritourism, such as U-Pick farms must ensure proper physical distancing of a minimum of six feet, one-way traffic in the fields, as well as appropriate signage to ensure washing of fruits/vegetables before consumption & use. https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19%20Phase%202%20Agritourism%20Gui dance.pdf? o Outdoor recreation guidance includes staffed outdoor tennis facilities public and private and other paddle sports, guided fishing, and all other activities substantially similar in operation. For the full guidance visit https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19Phase1and2OutdoorRecreationGuidance .pdf?  Gov. issued a proclamation requiring agricultural worker testing. The proclamation now requires agricultural employers to test their workforce broadly when health officials identify an outbreak that passes certain thresholds. "Agricultural workers are some of the hardest-working people of our state. Their labor is integral to Washington’s economy, and they bring to our table the many nutritious foods that Washington has to offer," Inslee said. "We call upon all agricultural employers to join us in proactively safeguarding against workplace outbreaks. When employers are unable to do so on their own, local health jurisdictions and state Department of Health will be ready to 8

intervene.” https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/proc_20-57.1.pdf? (8/21/20)  COVID-19 experts warn that the coming flu season could combine with the pandemic to significantly increase the danger to the public. The World Health Organization’s technical lead for COVID-19 says, “It is really, really important that when a vaccine becomes available for flu, that people do take that vaccine.” Keeping the number of flu cases low will decrease the need for quarantining and testing for COVID-19, since symptoms may appear similar. Fewer cases of flu, and hence fewer serious illnesses, will assist in keeping hospital capacity available for COVID-19 patients. Flu strikes many millions and in some years has killed more than 60,000 people in the US. The flu vaccine is another tool to help keep individuals and communities healthy. https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/18/health/flu- vaccine-important-coronavirus-wellness/index.html (8/19/20)  Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more than 100,000 Washington residents have enrolled in Apple Health (Medicaid), Washington’s insurance program for individuals with lower incomes. About 1.9 million Washington residents are now enrolled in the program, which offers comprehensive physical and behavioral health care coverage. To check your eligibility if you have no insurance or your insurance coverage has changed due to the pandemic, see https://hca.wa.gov/health-care-services- supports/apple-health-medicaid-coverage/eligibility. https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/more-100000-washington-residents-added-apple-health-medicaid- past-four-months (8/19/20)  There has been another report of a large wedding reception in apparent violation of the COVID safety directives. This time the event was held at a location in the main part of Vashon town with live entertainment and a large group going unmasked, not practicing social distancing. Wedding receptions are currently prohibited in the State of Washington and ceremonies are limited to 30 people with distancing between households. Those contacting the EOC about the recent incidents have wanted to know how they can report these kinds of problems. As advised in a post last week on this topic, the EOC has no authority to enforce compliance and the King County Sheriffs are not enforcing the guidelines. If you suspect violations of the Governor’s orders, you can call the King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information Line at 206-296-1608 M-F 8:30am-4:30pm or email [email protected]. You also can fill out an online reporting form at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/report-safe-start-violation. Read the Governor’s directive at: https://tinyurl.com/WeddingDirective. (8/19/20)  4 Paws Veterinary Clinic has voluntarily closed through at least Sunday, August 23rd in response to a possible indirect, second-hand possible exposure to COVID-19. The husband of a 4 Paws employee had a brief encounter at work in Bremerton with someone who had COVID-19 but didn’t reveal it. The 4 Paws employee worked at the clinic all day Monday and Tuesday morning, but immediately went home to quarantine as soon as she found out about the potential exposure. While the likelihood of exposure to her husband, the 4 Paws employee, other employees, or clients is very low, 4 Paws sent out an email to its clients detailing the incident and will continue communication about its reopening plans based on the health of those with possible exposure. (8/19/20)  Fire season has begun in the western US, with wildfires raging in California and starting to spread in eastern Washington. Prepare for the possibility of smoke in our area, which may make symptoms of COVID-19 worse. Creating a clean air space in your home is extra important this year, as options to go elsewhere are limited. For information about air filtration options and other tips, see King County Public Health’s Wildfire Preparedness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: https://publichealthinsider.com/2020/06/16/wildfire-smoke-preparedness-during-the-covid-19-pandemic (8/19/20)  Vashon Island School District will facilitate learning at home with technology improvements. This fall every student in grades 6-12 will receive a district-issued Chromebook. Chromebooks will be distributed at a drive-up event at each school on a date and schedule that will be announced. School district families that do not have internet access may request a cellular hotspot from the district. This technology support is made possible by Vashon voters’ support of the Spring 2020 Technology Levy. Visit

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https://www.vashonsd.org/cms/lib/WA01919522/Centricity/Domain/547/K12%20Alerts%20message%2 01-1%20program.pdf (8/17/20)  Mental health resources are available to help Vashon residents. Vashon Youth and Family Services encourages folks of all ages to call for counseling if needed, at 206-463-5511. They offer counseling via phone, Zoom, or outdoors with social distancing. Also, a VashonBePrepared volunteer unit also offers a mental health resource through its Medical Reserve Corps Community Care Team Help Line at 206-701-0694. The Help Line is staffed from 8:00am to 8:00pm every day, for referrals to spiritual support as well as mental health counseling. (8/17/20)  CDC published clarifications on some recent guidance regarding quarantine, isolation, and the possibility of reinfection. Previously, the CDC said individuals infected with COVID can “continue to test positive for up to 3 months after diagnosis and not be infectious.” On Friday, the CDC clarified that this does not mean that individuals are immune to reinfection for 3 months. If you have tested positive, continue with safety protocol of wearing face covering, social distancing, and proper hygiene, after quarantine/isolation, to reduce the potential for reinfection. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/duration-isolation.html (8/17/20)  Vashon Island School District (VISD) board members last night voted to approve a reopening plan that includes 24 academic and other requirements that must be met. The details for implementing each requirement, which are still under development, will be documented in more detail over the next few weeks in order to get schools and families ready for the new school year. Distance Learning 2.0 improvements to VISD’s distance learning model stemmed from family survey responses as well as guidance from the VISD Reopening Team. The aim was to improve the distance learning program that had to be put together on very short notice in the spring when the pandemic hit. You can read the Distance Learning 2.0 Guide at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngsZUk2ofSFdZcjo829ofaHSdT8Yo-pWVg8AqKL9m78/edit (8/14/20)  The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a new study shows we are headed for a mental health crisis, a significant consequence of the pandemic. The new CDC survey found that more than 40% of respondents are struggling with mental health issues -- the result of stress from the threat of the disease and also the measures designed to prevent its spread. Respondents to the study identified anxiety, depression, mental trauma and substance abuse. Eleven percent reported they had seriously considered suicide in the last 30 days. For more information: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/13/health/mental-health-coronavirus-pandemic-cdc-study- wellness/index.html (8/14/20)  The Vashon expert that has been helping workers get unemployment benefits reports that 14% of island workers -- 684 people -- are currently still out of work. At the peak, about 1,000 people were on unemployment in a given week -- a number that fluctuates as workers pick up temporary or intermittent work and fall in and out of the unemployment benefits rolls. Over time, since the pandemic began, more than 1,400 people have at some point filed for unemployment benefits. If you need help filing for unemployment, the Chamber of Commerce Ask the Expert person will consult with you on options. Email [email protected] or call (206) 200-3236. To date, since the pandemic began, she has done more than 700 consultations with workers. (8/14/20)  The Vashon Chamber of Commerce has completed its third survey of impacts on island businesses since the pandemic hit. About 40% of the responding businesses reported they have lost more than half their normal revenue and many said they had lost all revenue. The same percentage expected to have difficulty paying their bills in August or beyond. More than one-fourth of businesses have furloughed or laid off employees and an equal number said they had reduced hours for employees. Many of the businesses reported that they have been offering alternative services in light of the pandemic, with about one-fourth saying they had started selling online. More than 85% of the responding businesses reported that they have been complying with requirements for masks and six- foot separation for both employees and customers. (8/14/20)  King County Library System – Vashon will offer free books for youths (from baby to grade 12), in Spanish and English, at Picnics To Go on Wednesday 8/19. On Friday 8/21 librarians will be driving behind the food bank's delivery school bus to hand out books. Also at Picnics To Go Vashon Library 8

"Take and Make" craft kits will be available daily, with video instructions also available online, as part of a virtual classroom they're creating with Vashon-specific content. Future plans for the Library include an online preschool and baby story times in September. (8/14/20)  King County Library System – Vashon has announced a relaunch of their Welcoming Center for immigrants and refugees. Along with ESL and citizenship support, there will be a forum for connecting to resources and assistance. Staff who are monitoring the site are fluent in Spanish, Chinese, and Somali. https://kcls.org/welcoming-center/ (8/14/20)  King County Library System and Seattle Public Library have partnered to provide Job Search assistance. Get free bilingual one-on-one help with your job and unemployment questions by phone, online or text messaging. They can assist with basic technology skills, get you started with unemployment, help you learn new skills or apply for your next job. Visit http://1.kcls.org/YourNextJob (8/14/20)  A new Immigrant Relief Fund was announced by Gov. Inslee, to provide $40 million to assist Washington residents who are unable to access federal stimulus programs due to their immigration status because of the public charge issue. “We have to ensure that no one in our state is left behind as we fight this pandemic,” Inslee said. “COVID-19 doesn’t care what your immigration status is. We must support every family affected by the virus, especially those who lack the necessary means to quarantine or isolate and prevent further spread. This is the right thing for the well-being of individuals, the health of their colleagues and the safety of our communities.” https://www.governor.wa.gov/news- media/inslee-announces-relief-funds-help-immigrants-and-agricultural-workers (8/14/20)  Gov. Inslee announced a new stimulus program called Food Production Paid Leave Program which will provide a $3 million fund to cover paid leave for certain food production workers who remain home when ill. The program will go into effect on 8/18/20. https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee- issues-proclamation-washington-covid-19-food-production-paid-leave-program (8/14/20)  American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association reports there has been a 90% increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in children in the US over the past four weeks. The new report said there were 179,990 new COVID-19 cases among US children between July 9 and August 6. "It's not fair to say that this virus is completely benign in children," said Dr. Sean O'Leary, vice chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. It still appears that severe symptoms are rare among children with Covid-19 infections. However, at least 86 children have died as a result of the disease since May, according to the report. O'Leary said multiple factors have led to an increase in the number of coronavirus infections in children in the past couple of weeks, including increased testing, increased movement among children and a rise in infection among the general population. https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP%20and%20CHA%20- %20Children%20and%20COVID-19%20State%20Data%20Report%207.30.20%20FINAL.pdf (8/12/20)  The greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network (SCAN) offers free home-based, self- collected testing for COVID-19. The research program includes outreach to underserved communities and protesters, and recognizes the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 is having on Black communities and other people of color. New SCAN participants are invited to enroll via the website. Enrollment is limited, it opens at 2 pm daily and continues until they have reached their daily testing capacity. Visit https://scanpublichealth.org/ (8/12/20)  COVID testing on Vashon is performed weekdays by MRC at the O Space parking lot. Testing is done only by appointment and requires a doctor’s order, unscheduled drive ups are not allowed. If you do not have a doctor and need testing or an appointment for testing call (844) 469-4554 Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm. Testing is still available the same-day for free. VashonBePrepared is covering costs for those without insurance. (8/127/20)  At Vashon Library’s Curbside Pick-up you can pick up holds and surprise bags of books or movies selected by staff for age and genre. Pick-up hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 1-7pm, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10:30am-4:30pm. Book drop will be open Tuesdays through Saturday 12:15 to 5:15pm. For more information call 206-463-2069. (8/12/20)  Gov. Inslee has provided $18 million to fill service gaps in broadband internet service in underserved communities. The first step is to assess variations in broadband access and internet speeds. The 8

state’s Department of Commerce asks residents to take a one-minute survey at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-statewide-broadband-act/ (8/10/20)  Mental health resources are available to help. Vashon Youth and Family Services encourages folks of all ages to call for counseling if needed, at 206-463-5511. They offer counseling via phone, Zoom, or outdoors with social distancing. A VashonBePrepared volunteer unit also offers a mental health resource. It's the Medical Reserve Corps Community Care Team Help Line at 206-701-0694. The Help Line is staffed from 8:00am to 8:00pm every day, for referrals to spiritual support as well as mental health counseling. (8/10/20)  King County Metro reminds all riders that wearing a face covering is required while waiting for or riding any transit service. Metro fares remain suspended through August, but most of Metro’s regional transit partners have reinstated fares. Service reductions are still in place on many routes, to check schedules visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/schedules-maps/reduced- schedule.aspx (8/10/20)  Seattle Department of Transportation has completed the Reconnect Survey regarding the closure of the West Seattle High Bridge and posted the results on their blog. The survey examined resident’s concerns, transportation needs, and openness to alternative forms of transportation. In blog post, SDOT also discusses West Seattle Low Bridge use policies and the cost-benefit analysis of High Bridge repairs. https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2020/08/06/west-seattle-community-task-force/ (8/10/20)  Updated Phase 2 indoor fitness guidance became effective today, August 10th. The updates require an increased area for exercise patrons to 300-square-feet, which requires distancing of just over 17 feet of space. The indoor fitness facility guidance closes showers, hot-tubs, saunas, steam rooms, tanning beds, squash courts, and racquetball courts. Locker room use will be limited to hand washing and restrooms only, or as required for use of the pool authorized under state Department of Health guidelines. Full guidance at https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19Phase2FitnessGuidelines.pdf? (8/10/20)  Safe Start guidance for Weddings and Funerals also went into effective today August 10th. These ceremonies now have an indoor capacity limited to 20-percent or 30 people, whichever is less. Six feet of social distancing must be maintained between households. Outdoor ceremonies are limited to 30 people with similar social distancing guidelines. All receptions are prohibited. https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19%20Weddings%20and%20Funerals%20Mem o.pdf? (8/10/20)  Get the EOC Situation Report directly when it is posted. Simply sign up for the Voice of Vashon Alerts using a new easier to use address. Signup sheet is at www.VoiceOfVashon.org/AlertSignup (8/10/20)  Governor. Inslee has announced a phased plan for reopening long-term care facilities to visitation. The care facility phases are not the same phases as the Safe Start county-by-county reopening plan. Effective next week, long-term care facilities that have gone 28 days without a positive test in the facility will be eligible to allow visitations. Among many other detailed requirements, facilities will be required to have on hand at least a 14 day supply of personal protective equipment as well as maintaining a consistent testing program for residents and staff. In the first phase, which is essentially all of the long-term care facilities at the moment, the plan would allow compassionate care visits, window visits, remote visits, and outdoor visits that are limited to two a day. Regardless of their reopening phase, facilities must continue to practice social distancing, universal masking, and other COVID-19 safety measures. For information on other phases visit https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-announces-guidance-for-long-term-care-facilities- fe43b2183495 (8/7/20)  Vashon Community Care Executive Director Wendy Kleppe described the Governor’s announcement as a first step, but said many details must be handled and the Governor's final proclamation will not be released until Monday, August 10th. So, visitation is still prohibited at VCC until everything is final and VCC has taken the required steps. "The Governor’s announcement contained many mandates and requirements that must be met by each building before visitors can be allowed,” Kleepe stated. While the announcement did talk through criteria for visitation, the new proclamation will not be final until 8

Monday. As Long Term Care Providers we all have been privy to a lengthy document outlining the stringent criteria and regulations around what 're-opening' means. There are several criteria that MUST be met at each phase for each building before we can allow visitation." (8/7/20)  Vashon's artists get national coverage for COVID-19 performance art that makes a point. Three Vashon performance art projects have been featured in Newsweek and on the widely read BoingBoing.com blog. (https://boingboing.net/2020/08/06/island-community-uses-quirky.html) The projects include the big red coat at the ferry dock encouraging mask use, the van with its own oversized mask leading the EOC delegation in the July 4th Pop-Up Parade, and the giant nose and swab uptown spreading the word about on-island testing. Both articles expanded on the VashonBePrepared and EOC Team efforts and linked to the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/16/health/coronavirus-vashon- washington.html?referringSource=articleShare) article about the Vashon Medical Reserve Corps’ island testing program. Red coat artist Mik Kuhlman talked about worries that island visitors might bring COVID-19 and spoil the island’s low infection rate record: ""We're not in normal times, we're in a pandemic. And we're not asking you to not enjoy our beaches, but if you're going to come in and shop, if you're going to come into any of our places, be aware that there is a possibility that you're bringing the virus with you," Masked van artist Michelle Bates said: "We are all very concerned about safety for our community and for everyone around the globe, and realized quickly that pieces like this could not only get the word out to locals who stumbled on them, but that their images would be a way to share the word about masking and safety and concern for those around you to a wider audience, through the joy and magic of art." (8/7/20)  More details have been published on Governor Inslee’s recommendations for resuming in-person instruction in public and private K-12 schools for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. Similar to the state’s county-by-county phased approach to reopening, the plan allows local health departments and school districts to decide if and how they will allow students back in the classroom. . Plan Summary: https://medium.com/wagovernor/inslee-announces-education- recommendations-for-2020-2021-school-year-4d510fe16f4 . Decision Tree: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/DecisionTree- K12schools.pdf . Full list of counties and their risk status: https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/Cases%20per%20100K%20over%2014%20days %20by%20county%20August%204.pdf (8/7/20)  The EOC Unemployed Worker Branch conducted 653 consultation sessions to date to help islanders file unemployment applications to the state Employment Security Department (ESD). To access this free assistance for obtaining unemployment benefits, email [email protected] or call (206) 200-3236. (8/7//20)  A CDC study found that 15 individuals from Arizona and New Mexico were hospitalized for methanol poisoning in May and June after ingesting hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol to be effective, but it should not contain methanol, which can be toxic to humans. The FDA is closely monitoring hand sanitizers, and it has generated a list of unsafe products and issued numerous orders to stop production and recall unsafe products. The current list includes 115 products, added between July 2 and August 3, including more than 100 that contain methanol or were produced at facilities that made other products contaminated with methanol. Methanol can be absorbed through the skin, but methanol poisoning via this route of exposure is relatively rare. Unsafe product list at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda- updates-hand-sanitizers-consumers-should-not-use#products (8/7/20)  Gov. Inslee today announced a framework for opening Washington schools based on pandemic risk level in each county. Risk being defined as number of new cases per 100,000 over a two week period. King County, including Vashon, joins most Washington counties in the high risk group. For the high risk counties, the Governor and the state’s top education and health officials recommended remote or distance learning, saying classroom learnings would be unsafe given the rate of community spread. All after school and extracurricular sports and activities are recommended to be cancelled. Any group or in-person learning is still subject to the health requirements previously announced. Inslee also has

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made $8.8 million available for high speed internet and other programs to assist with online learning. (8/5/20)  Anticipating today’s statement by the Governor, Vashon Island School District has already been planning steps to ensure they provide an improved online learning approach -- Distance Learning 2.0 – compared to the one rolled out on very short notice in March. More details on VISD plans will be announced over the next couple weeks. As a start, VISD will hold a Reopening Schools Family Q&A via Zoom on August 10th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Zoom program will be recorded and shared afterward for those who are unable to attend. To attend go to https://zoom.us/j/95407814012. (8/5/20)  If you lost your health insurance or had a reduction in income you may now qualify for the free Apple Health Insurance. King County Public Health is offering to assist people signing up for Health Insurance including Apple Health, Food Stamps and Orca Lift cards. Contact Miguel Urquiza directly at 206-491-3761 (cell) or 206-477-6965 or email [email protected]. Miguel speaks Spanish and had been helping Vashon residents on Island until the coronavirus. (8/5/20)  Also, on Vashon the Brown Agency offers free health insurance consultation and assistance for the Chamber of Commerce Ask the Expert program. Call 206.567.4600, or visit Washington Health Plans at www.wahealthplanfinder.org. (8/5/20)  The Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) announced it has resolved all claims included in the Operation 100% initiative. These include all individuals who had applied between March 8 and June 18 who had yet to receive payment and needed ESD to take action to resolve their claims. Additionally, ESD launched a new benefits data dashboard to report information about payments, the claimant population, status of claims processing and more. This dashboard, which will be updated weekly, will allow the public to stay up to speed on the status, progress and performance of benefits claims and processing as the pandemic continues. https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/dashboard (8/5/20)  The Washington State Department of Commerce is distributing approximately $100 million in state Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding through its existing network of homeless services grantees and organizations serving homeless youth to operate a new rent assistance program launched Aug. 1. The program will focus on preventing evictions by paying up to three months of past due, current and future rent to landlords for eligible participants. https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/homelessness/ (8/5/20)  Vashon Heritage Museum is offering a Zoom webinar titled Virginia V: Restoring a 100 year old Ship to Glory, presented by Greg Beardsley. Due to the pandemic the annual round-the-Island cruse will not be offered this year. The talk will cover the Steamship Virginia V., part of the Mosquito Fleet, from her launch to the years of fundraising and restoration work to bring her back to life. In 2021, the Virginia V will celebrate 100 years of service. Friday, August 7th at 1:00 PM via zoom webinar. Click HERE to register for the free webinar. (8/5/20)  Fire Chief Charlie Krimmert, Incident Commander of the island's pandemic response activation, reacted today to the series of new COVID-19 cases on the island. "In less than 30 days, we have added five cases. In just one month, we equaled the number of cases in the entire first four months of our activation, That's a very troubling trend." Chief Krimmert cautioned islanders that COVID-19 is all around us and this is no time to let down our guard. "Nobody wants family or neighbors to get sick, especially when it is so easy to take the steps to stay safe. We all know what to do by now. Keep your distance. Wash hands frequently. Wear a mask if you must go out." (8/3/20)  Pandemic spreading into rural areas, like Vashon. "To everybody who lives in a rural area, you are not immune or protected from this virus," Dr. , the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, said in a CNN interview. "What we are seeing today is different from March and April. It is extraordinarily widespread. It's into the rural as equal urban areas.” Birx stressed that Americans need to follow health recommendations, including wearing a mask and practicing social distancing. She said "If you're in multi-generational households, and there's an outbreak in your rural area or in your city, you need to really consider wearing a mask at home, assuming that you're positive, if you have individuals in your households with comorbidities." (8/3/20)

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 Gov. Inslee has announced that job search requirements for filing unemployment will remain suspended through Sept. 1. This means the soonest claimants will be required to actively seek work is Sept. 6. You can continue to answer “no” to the job search question on your weekly claim until the suspension is lifted. https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/20-30.6%20- %20COVID-19%20Job%20Search%20%28tmp%29.pdf? (8/3/20)  Additionally, Gov. Inslee has extended the moratorium on service disconnects and late fees through Sept. 1 for all energy, landline telephone and water utilities. If you need help with Food, Housing and Utilities Support, visit https://coronavirus.wa.gov/information-for/you-and-your-family (8/3/20)  Gov. Jay Inslee announced clarification to the recent rollback guidance for restaurants, taverns, breweries, wineries and distilleries. The changes include clarification about which establishments can offer indoor seating, temporary outdoor seating and counter-style seating. https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/Memo%20SafeStart%20Changes%207.28.pdf? (8/3/20)  Washington's Safe Start phased reopening plan guidance for overnight group summer camps have been released. For Phase 2 areas, which includes King County and Vashon, regular operation with individual campers is not permitted. Camp operations are limited to household cohort group camping. Members of a single household may occupy a sleeping cabin with a maximum of 10 people per household group. All meals must be eaten outdoors or provided as take out to be consumed in the household cabin. Full guidance at https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/COVID19%20Phase%202- 4%20Summer%20and%20Overnight%20Camp%20Guidance.pdf? (8/3/20)

Activation Status: Vashon Emergency Operations Center (Vashon EOC) is activated at Maintenance and Monitoring level, operating virtually in compliance with social distancing guidelines.

Vashon EOC Situation Awareness email: [email protected] Vashon EOC phone: 206-463-2405

Incident Name: COVID-19 Mission #: 20-0265 Date & Time: August 26, 2020; 17:00 Situation Report #: 102 Operational Period / Ending Date: Ongoing

EOC Position Michael Sperazza Incident Commander Chief Krimmert EOC Manager Rick Wallace

Next Situation Report: Date: August 28, 2020 Time: 17:00

End of Vashon EOC Situation Report

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