Coronavirus updates: Pierce County reports 44 new cases, 2 deaths; county accepting PPE donations
This page includes coronavirus developments around Washington state for Tuesday, April 7.
PIERCE COUNTY ACCEPTING PPE DONATIONS FROM COMMUNITY
Updated 6 p.m.
Pierce County tweeted Tuesday afternoon it is accepting personal protective equipment donations from community members this week.
Donations received will be distributed to first responders, health care staff and essential workers.
Donation sites in Tacoma and Bonney Lake are open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.
Items accepted include disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, medical face shields, medical gloves, medical safety goggles, N95 masks, surgical gowns, surgical masks, Tyvek suits and handmade face covers.
Non-PPE donations, used PPE, food, drinks, perishable items and money will not be accepted.
STATE REPORTS 298 NEW CASES, 22 DEATHS
Updated 3:45 p.m.
The Washington State Department of Health reported 298 new COVID-19 cases and 22 additional deaths Tuesday.
Statewide totals are up to 8,682 cases and 394 deaths, up from 8,384 cases and 372 deaths Monday.
King County continues to be the hardest hit, with 3,460 cases and 226 deaths, while Snohomish County has 1,596 cases and 59 deaths and Pierce County has 760 cases and 14 deaths.
Of the state’s 39 counties, 37 have reported cases, with Benton (179), Clark (161), Island (143), King (3,460), Kitsap (118), Pierce (760), Skagit (165), Snohomish (1,596), Spokane (209), Whatcom (222) and Yakima (377) all reporting more than 100 cases.
Sixteen counties have reported at least one virus-related death.
There are 915 cases that have not been assigned to a county.
Nearly 88,000 people in Washington had been tested as of April 3, with positive cases at 8.6%.
PIERCE COUNTY REPORTS 44 NEW CASES, 2 DEATHS
Updated 3:15 p.m.
Pierce County reported 44 new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, bringing its total cases to 760.
The county also reported two deaths — a Spanaway man in his 40s and a Tacoma woman in her 70s with underlying health conditions — bringing that total to 14.
It was the third death reported in Tacoma in the past week, and is the second death reported in Spanaway. Bonney Lake (one), Central Pierce County (two), Edgewood/Milton/Fife (one), Key Peninsula (one), Lakewood (three) and Puyallup (one) have also previously reported deaths.
Tuesday’s case count also corrects a duplicate case.
Daily case totals can change as the county receives new information about cases or finds duplicate data. The health department has released a statement on delays in data posting. As of Sunday, 8,870 tests of Pierce County residents had been reported.
Tuesday’s geographical totals are listed below with Monday’s numbers in parenthesis:
▪ Bonney Lake: 22 (20)
▪ Central Pierce County: 46 (42)
▪ East Pierce County: 21 (no change)
▪ Edgwood/Fife/Milton: 35 (33)
▪ Frederickson: 19 (18)
▪ Gig Harbor area: 26 (41)
▪ Graham: 26 (23)
▪ JBLM: No longer reported
▪ Key Peninsula: 6 (5)
▪ Lake Tapps/Sumner area: 17 (no change)
▪ Lakewood: 62 (59)
▪ Parkland: 33 (32)
▪ Puyallup: 36 (35)
▪ South Hill: 46 (41)
▪ South Pierce County: 14 (11)
▪ Southwest Pierce County: 6 (7)
▪ Spanaway: 24 (23)
▪ Tacoma: 283 (266)
▪ University Place: 24 (23)
Daily reports include cases received by 11:59 p.m. the previous day.
PIERCE COUNTY’S FIRST TEMPORARY CARE SITE FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS TO OPEN IN TACOMA
Updated 2:30 p.m.
A temporary care site for people who have tested positive or have been exposed to COVID-19 will begin operating this week.
The Holiday Inn at South 84th Street and Hosmer Street in Tacoma will open its doors to COVID-19 patients Wednesday, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department wrote in a blog post Monday.
Pierce County officials have a tour of the facility posted to YouTube.
A fence has been constructed around the hotel property, which is located south of the Tacoma Mall, and borders Interstate 5 and local businesses.
The site will be staffed by medical professionals, and will give patients a place to go for isolation or quarantine while easing the burden on health care systems.
“This could include people, for example, who live with an elderly parent or a child who has asthma,” TPCHD director of health Dr. Anthony Chen said Monday. “ … Maybe they have roommates who they don’t want to inconvenience.”
Patients will be screened before they are admitted, and must meet several requirements:
▪ The patient has had known exposure to a positive or suspected COVID-19 infection
▪ The patient is unable to self-isolate or self-quarantine
▪ The patient is able to independently perform all daily living activities
▪ The patient is deemed stable for discharge home
Paul Sandhu with Tacoma South Hospitality LLC, who owns the property, volunteered it for use.
“We recognized that our facility could serve as a medical center due to having substantial meeting space, a restaurant with a full commercial kitchen and 124 guest rooms,” Sandhu said in a release.“The sheer scale and size of our hotel fulfills many needs under one roof that a temporary care center requires.”
Two more temporary care sites are expected to open in Pierce County, but sites have not been confirmed. Nearly 100 properties have been considered.
INSLEE SAYS ‘THERE IS REASON TO BE SOMEWHAT ENCOURAGED,’ OUTLINES SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF
Updated 2:15 p.m.
Gov. Jay Inslee addressed Washington residents Tuesday afternoon to give an update on the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
Inslee opened by thanking residents for their social distancing efforts, noting that the measures the state has taken during the outbreak are starting to show positive results.
“There is reason to be somewhat encouraged right now,” he said.
Based on improvements in the state’s effort to flatten the curve, it returned 400 ventilators and 300 beds to the national stockpile over the weekend.
Inslee said he hoped the states being hit harder would find these usual, while also urging Washington residents to continue the social distancing efforts that have helped the state get this far. He cautioned that progress made could be wiped out if these efforts are eased too early.
Inslee then addressed the state’s economic plan, detailing the following three steps the state is taking to aid small businesses during the outbreak, saying more aggressive steps will follow:
▪ The Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant: The grants will provide up to $10,000 for small businesses with 10 or fewer employees, and can be used to pay for rent, utility bills, supplies, inventory or other operating expenses. Qualifying businesses can apply online.
▪ Business resiliency assistance through the state Department of Commerce: The department is partnering with the Tacoma Urban League, the Seattle Chinatown International District and others to get information translated so financial assistance is available to all.
▪ Small Business Administration forgivable loans: The SBA is working with banks to provide forgivable loans. More information is available at sba.gov.
“These are immediate options to help small businesses weather the storm,” Inslee later tweeted. “But we know there is more work to do.
“We will continue to find ways to support our workers, businesses and economy while keeping Washingtonians safe.”
ALLSTATE PROVIDING MORE THAN $600 MILLION TO AUTO INSURANCE CUSTOMERS, OFFERING ID PROTECTION
Updated 12:30 p.m.
Allstate is providing financial assistance to its auto insurance customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as offering free identity protection to all Americans, the company announced in a release Monday.
“Allstate has been helping customers overcome catastrophes for 89 years since our purpose is to make sure they are in good hands,” Allstate chair, president and CEO Tom Wilson said in the release. “This crisis is pervasive. Given an unprecedented decline in driving, customers will receive a Shelter-in-Place Payback of more than $600 million over the next two months. This is fair because less driving means fewer accidents. We are also providing free identity protection for the rest of the year to all U.S. residents who sign up, since our lives have become more digital.”
Here are more specifics on what is being offered:
▪ Shelter-in-Place Payback: Most Allstate, Esurance and Encompass personal auto insurance customers will receive 15% of their monthly premium in April and May, totaling more than $600 million, through a credit to their bank account, credit card or Allstate account. The fastest way to receive the credit is through the Allstate app.
▪ Free identity protection: Allstate is making its Allstate Identity Protection product free for the rest of the year without an opt-out requirement to help protect people from identity theft and financial fraud during the pandemic. U.S. residents who sign up in April or May will receive free protection through Dec. 31 regardless of whether or not they are existing Allstate customers.
▪ Payment relief: Allstate customers can call the company to learn about delaying payments without penalty during the pandemic. The Social Payment Plan gives customers with auto or homeowners insurance the option to delay two consecutive premium payments.
▪ Extended auto insurance coverage: Allstate is expanding its insurance coverage for customers who use their vehicles to deliver food, medicine and goods for commercial purposes during the pandemic. Standard personal auto policies do not typically include this coverage.
FISHING, HUNTING BANS EXTENDED IN WASHINGTON
Updated 11:30 a.m.
Washington state extended its closure of fishing and hunting seasons Monday due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Closures are now in place through May 4.
“We talked with multiple county health officials throughout the state and asked them what their advice would be and they’re telling us that, right now, this is what’s best for our communities,” the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission said in a statement.
Fish and Wildlife initially closed recreational fishing March 27, finding some boat ramps and shorelines were still crowded. After re-evaluating Monday, the extension decision was made.
The lowland lakes trout season opener, which was scheduled for April 25, will be postponed.
The decision to postpone the hunting season mainly hinged on travel requirements — travelers could potentially spread the virus to new areas when stopping for gas, food or at rest stops.
The spring bear and turkey seasons are expected to open May 4 when the closure lifts. The spring bear season will continue until May 31 or June 15 depending on location, and the turkey season would have 28 days remaining following the current lift date, plus the possibility of a fall season.
Refunds for licenses and permits are available if requested before opening day.
MULTICARE PUBLISHES #HOPEGROWSHERE COLORING BOOK
Updated 11:30 a.m.
As part of its #HopeGrowsHere project — which is a “community initiative that helps spread hope, positivity and a sense of community, all from your home” — MultiCare has published a printable coloring book that community members can color and display in their windows.
The book is 17 pages long, including a title page, and has some pages that can be colored and strung together to form a banner.
“We encourage people staying home to show their community support by decorating their front windows with flower art and words of encouragement and thankfulness that remind us we are all in this together,” the title page reads.
“You might consider encouraging the many caregivers on the front lines of this pandemic. The hope is that when our neighbors are out, they can see your contribution and be inspired to create their own.
“We also encourage the use of sidewalk chalk to add beauty and uplifting messages along our walkways. Don’t forget to take a photo of your art and post it to social media using the hashtag #HopeGrowsHere.”
MURRAY ANNOUNCES ONLINE HUB FOR FEDERAL RESOURCES, INFORMATION
Updated 11 a.m.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray released a set of resources Tuesday to inform Washington residents about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), what it means for them, and how they can access aid and assistance.
“As a voice for our state, I’ve been focused on ensuring the CARES Act prioritizes families, workers, students and schools, small businesses, tribes and more that have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic and response — and now that the law is in effect, the next step is making sure Washingtonians have the information they need to get the federal relief and support they’re entitled to,” Murray said in a statement.
“However, there’s much more to do — including making sure this law is implemented properly, that there is sufficient oversight and that Congress continues taking the steps necessary to help our nation get through this crisis — and I will keep fighting to make sure the needs of Washingtonians stay top of mind while we work to slow the spread of the virus.”
The resources include information on:
▪ Direct payments and unemployment
▪ Nutrition assistance and support
▪ Investments in K-12 and higher education
▪ Expanded relief for federal student loan borrowers
FIFE HAS PRINTABLE GUIDE TO TRAILS FOR SOCIALLY DISTANCING OUTDOORS
Updated 10:15 a.m.
While some outdoor spaces are closed, the City of Fife is offering its residents a printable guide to trails in the city that can be accessed while practicing appropriate social distancing.
“Getting outdoors might save your sanity,” the city tweeted Tuesday. “Playgrounds, basketball courts and the skate park are closed, but lucky us, we’ve got open spaces with room to help you keep safe with social distancing.”
Most of the city’s trails are paved and offer opportunities for walking, running or biking.
The guide offers detailed information on Levee Pond Park and Trail, Sheffield Trail, FedEx Trail, Brookville Gardens Park, Dacca Sports Complex and 5 Acre Park.
VETERANS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TEMPORARILY EXPANDED
Updated 10:15 a.m.
Pierce County’s Veterans Assistance Programs have temporarily expanded service to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the county’s website.
Veterans who are at risk of eviction or who are late on bills are encouraged to call 253-798-7449 to find out what emergency assistance may be available to them and their families.
The county’s Veterans Assistance Programs typically provides emergency assistance with food, rent and utilities to qualified veterans and their families, as well as some limited assistance with medical and other services based on emergency need.
FDA RELAXES BLOOD DONATION RULES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Updated 10:00 a.m.
With the need for blood donations at an all-time high — the Red Cross estimated last month there had been a decrease of about 86,000 donations due to COVID-19 concerns — the FDA has relaxed several restrictions in an attempt to boost donations.
Restrictions on gay donors and donors who have recently had a tattoo or piercing have been eased to to help reduce blood shortages.
Donations by those groups can now be made following three months of abstinence or three months following a tattoo or piercing.
“Risk factors change over time with new research and scientific advances including testing, and we will implement the FDA recommendations,” Cascade Regional Blood Services quality assurance director Tara Crosby said in an email to The News Tribune.
Pierce County AIDS Foundation executive director Erick Seelbach expressed concern that the new restriction still carries a historical stigma.
“The initial policy was created in 1983 at a time when less was known about HIV,” he said. “Because of the early history of HIV being labeled a ‘gay disease,’ gay men were banned from donating blood. Such bans don’t treat people equally based on their individual behaviors. Two people could engage in the exact same types of behavior, but one could be banned based on group membership while the other one is allowed to donate.”
Seelbach believes time restrictions should be lifted entirely.
“Donated blood is put through a rigorous process to test for blood-borne diseases,” he said. “PCAF believes that categorical bans based on membership in a certain group should be lifted, and that such policies need to be based on science.
“Anything we can do to decrease stigma related to HIV and to gay men will help us end the HIV epidemic and increase the LGBTQ community’s equality.”
It is unclear whether the three-month restriction will return to 12 months when the pandemic fades.
Crosby said precautions continue to be taken for anyone looking to donate blood during the pandemic. Staff are asking potential donors about recent travel, possible symptoms or if they have had contact with someone with a positive COVID-19 result in the past two weeks.
“Our reception areas, donor floor, and canteens are set up to ensure a physical separation of 6 feet,” Crosby said. “There are times when our staff needs to be within 6 feet of a donor and during those times our staff are wearing face shields. Face shields protect against droplets and help keep and staff and donors protected.
”They also have been sanitizing all surfaces that donors come into contact with after they leave. Please come donate if you are healthy and eligible. The need for blood does not decrease, and we will need continued donations through the summer months.”
YOU CAN BEER CRAWL DURING THE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER — SORT OF
Updated 9:45 a.m.
While most days may seem like National Beer Day right now, Tuesday actually is, and many craft beer establishments in the greater Tacoma area are still offering pickup so you can celebrate from the comfort of your own home.
Travel Tacoma reminded locals of the holiday Monday evening, encouraging them to support local business by partaking in the ongoing South Sound Craft Crawl.
“Many South Sound establishments are offering curbside pick-up and other options,” the tweet reads. “Be sure to check their websites or social media for specifics.”
The South Sound Craft Crawl offers “a taste of more than 100 locally made beers and ciders,” its website reads. “From Tacoma to Olympia, you can tap into more than 50 artisanal breweries and cideries.”
Here’s how it works, according to the site: “Our handy South Sound Craft Crawl map makes tasting and touring easy to navigate. And with your passport in hand, you collect stamps at each location you visit. The stamps add up, you win prizes.”
Seven stamps earns a beer koozie (in eight available colors) and 20 stamps earns a bottle opener.
INSLEE, NONPROFITS LAUNCH FUND FOR FOOD BANKS
Updated 9:30 a.m.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee joined nonprofits and local philanthropy organizations Tuesday to launch a statewide food relief fund named WA Food Fund.
With high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, supplies at the state’s food banks have dropped dramatically, with an estimated 1.6 million people depending on those supplies this week. That’s double the usual number in need, according to a release.
“Washingtonians are generous neighbors who rise to the occasion, and this is a moment for individuals to make a difference,” Inslee said in the release. “By coming together and contributing to this fund, we can meet this demand across the state and help our neighbors and their families put a meal on the table.”
WA Food Fund is being managed by Philanthropy Northwest and will “combine business and philanthropic dollars with individual fundraising to have the most effect.”
“We call on all those who are able to contribute — whether that’s $5, $10 or more — to do so because that’s enough to provide one meal to a person in need,” Philanthropy Northwest CEO Kiran Ahuja said in the release. “Combining small contributions across the state with those from corporations and foundations will help more Washingtonians get through this crisis.”
Donations will be directed to Food Lifeline, Northwest Harvest and Second Harvest, which deliver to food banks statewide.
The release says “estimated have donations in Washington down 70 percent, decline disproportionately impacting communities already struggling.”
“I’m confident Washingtonians will find it in their hearts to help those who are out of work and may be forced every day to pass up a meal or two,” Second Harvest CEO Jason Clark said in the release. “These are our friends, our family and our neighbors — and just a few dollars can give them some comfort and relief.”
Donations to the WA Food Fund can be made online.
THE FISHER SCONE WAGON IS OPEN NEAR THE FAIR
Updated 9 a.m.
There’s no spring fair in Puyallup this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and all other Washington State Fair events are canceled through at least May 3, but you can still taste a fair favorite in the meantime.
The Fair tweeted Tuesday morning the Fisher Scone Wagon will be open until 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Gold Lot near Meridian St. S and 9th Ave. S.E. The wagon is usually there each week on Tuesdays.
DEADLINE FOR COVID-19 STABILIZATION LOANS IN TACOMA IS TUESDAY
Updated 8:45 a.m.
The deadline for Tacoma small businesses to apply for stabilization loans during the COVID-19 pandemic is 5 p.m. Tuesday.
“Due to the negative economic impact COVID-19 and mandatory shutdowns are having on small businesses, the City of Tacoma will be offering small loans that require no repayment for a year,” the Make It Tacoma website says. “Loan payments will be deferred for 12 months after loan closing. This means that if your business is approved for a loan and we close in April 2020, you will not have to make any monthly payments until April 2021. During that time, interest will accrue on the loan.”
Qualifying small businesses — which have 10 or fewer employees and a physical address (home-based businesses are not eligible) in Tacoma — can apply to borrow up to $15,000.
More information on the terms of the loan, eligibility requirements and an application are available on the city’s website.
STIMULUS CHECKS ARE COMING SOON. HERE ARE ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Updated 8:30 a.m.
Stimulus checks could be arriving for Washington state taxpayers as early as this week.
While most will receive financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic — single individuals who showed an income of less than $75,000 on their 2018 tax return (or 2019 return if already filed) will receive $1,200, married couples who filed jointly and made less than $150,000 will receive $2,400, and taxpayers will receive an additional $500 for each child claimed as a dependent — some questions about qualifications still linger.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about income status, which children qualify as dependents, social security recipients, green cards and visas, and how to proceed if you have no taxable income.
LATEST UW MODEL SHOWS PROGRESS IN STATE’S FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19
Updated 8 a.m.
Updated models from the University of Washington suggest Washington state has already hit its peaks for hospital resource usage and deaths per day during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The models, which have been updated almost daily since the end of March, show drastic improvement since the state implemented Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order.
Tuesday morning, the models said Washington likely hit its peak resource use Thursday, needing an estimated 972 of 4,907 available hospital beds, 185 of 341 available ICU beds and 157 ventilators without shortages, though official data for days days after March 29 have not been reported.
The model also said Washington likely hit its peak death toll for one day back on March 27.
It predicts the state will reach a total of 632 COVID-19-related deaths by May 10 if current social distancing practices remain in place.
Monday’s statewide COVID-19 totals included 8,384 cases, 372 deaths, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
UW’s latest projections starkly contrast when the models were first published and projected 1,429 COVID-19-related deaths in the state by July 1.
The nationwide models still predict both hospital bed and ICU bed shortages and nearly 82,000 deaths by the end of June.
TACOMA OFFERING LOCAL BUSINESSES ‘FOOD PICK-UP PRIORITY’ ZONES
Updated 8 a.m.
Beginning Tuesday, the City of Tacoma is offering local businesses that are relying on takeout and delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic temporary loading zone signs at no cost to help organize customers.
“This program was created in an effort to support the evolving needs of the community and particularly food service businesses through this unprecedented time,” a city news release says.
Restaurants will be able to request signs to designate areas where customers can pick up their food orders. Sign requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and will continue to be distributed until Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at-home order is lifted, and possibly through a “period of economic recovery.”
The city is also offering to establish temporary ADA parking spots beginning Tuesday for those who have a placard, but are having trouble finding parking near work.
The city suspended on-street paid parking and ticketing in March, and has seen higher-than-normal usage in some areas, the release said.
Loading zone and ADA signs can be requested by calling 253-591-5371 or filling out a form online.
WIAA CANCELS SPRING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Updated 8 a.m.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association announced Monday evening, after some confusion, that it would cancel all “regular season contests and practices as well as all postseason tournaments and championship events” for the spring following Gov. Jay Inslee’s order to suspend in-person classes for the rest of the school year.
“The decision was undoubtedly a difficult one for Gov. Inslee,” WIAA wrote in a release. “Tower, it was done so to keep the students and families of Washington safe. The WIAA Executive Board and the WIAA staff feel for those students around the state that have had their seasons or careers cut short. This terrible disease has not only prevented students from creating lifelong memories through competition, it has limited the valuable lessons gained through participation in education-based athletics and activities.
“The WIAA will continue to work with member schools around the state of Washington to navigate this unprecedented time. We have already seen some outstanding examples of athletic directors and coaches making the best of their situations and we know that work will continue.”
This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 8:00 AM.
