Coronavirus updates: Inslee stands ground on stay-at-home order
This page includes coronavirus developments around Washington state for Thursday, April 23.
Pierce County reports 27 new cases
Updated at 4 p.m.
Pierce County on Thursday reported 27 new COVID-19 cases and four new deaths, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
One case also was reassigned to another county, putting the county’s total now at 1,262 cases and 44 deaths.
The new deaths include a Puyallup man in his 90s; a Central Pierce County woman in her 80s; a Lakewood man in his 60s; and a Spanaway man in his 50s. All had underlying health conditions.
Previous day’s totals are subject to change as case investigations unfold or cases are reassigned to other areas. On some days, the individual counts do not add up to the day’s official total. The health department only reports cases in geographic areas with populations greater than 20,000 people.
The county has not been reporting test result numbers or rates, previously citing delays with the state data reporting system.
Thursday’s geographical totals are listed below with Wednesday’s totals in parentheses:
▪ Bonney Lake: 33 (no change)
▪ Central Pierce County: 97 (96)
▪ East Pierce County: 36 (no change)
▪ Edgewood/Fife/Milton: 68 (67)
▪ Frederickson: 44 (43)
▪ Gig Harbor area: 50 (no change)
▪ Graham: 41 (39)
▪ JBLM: No longer reported
▪ Key Peninsula: 7 (no change)
▪ Lake Tapps/Sumner area: 34 (no change)
▪ Lakewood: 114 (110)
▪ Parkland: 59 (no change)
▪ Puyallup: 60 (no change)
▪ South Hill: 70 (69)
▪ South Pierce County: 25 (23)
▪ Southwest Pierce County: 16 (15)
▪ Spanaway: 40 (39)
▪ Tacoma: 424 (412)
▪ University Place: 41 (no change)
▪ Unknown: 3 (no change)
Daily reports include cases received by 11:59 p.m. the previous day.
Sea-Tac Airport seeing just 2,500 daily passengers
Updated at 4 p.m.
If you want a sense of the scope of just how many people are staying home to stop the spread of the coronavirus, look no farther than the latest air-traffic figures from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
In an update provided Thursday on its website, the airport shared its travel data for March, showing that while air cargo had seen a boost, passenger traffic was down 56 percent for that month.
Early indications are that April figures will be even more dramatic, with the airport reporting that unofficial figures from the first half of this month showing passenger travel down as much as 95 percent.
“The airport is serving only 2,500 departing passengers per day when we would normally see over 50,000 this time of year,” the airport noted in its post.
Additionally, 321 international departures were canceled in March.
Along with the dramatic decline in air travel, airport businesses have provided the state’s Employment Security Department with a stream of layoff notices.
According to the airport, more than 300 businesses with more than 19,000 workers had been active at Sea-Tac. Now, more than two-thirds of the dining and retail tenants at the airport are shut down.
Pierce County announces allocations to homeless shelters
Updated at 4 p.m.
Pierce County has released first-round recipients of $1.6 million to help vulnerable populations during the coronavirus pandemic.
To date, the Human Services Department has allocated just over $1 million largely to help homeless service providers provide basic necessities to those experiencing homelessness.
Here is the breakdown:
Catholic Community Services: $459,240
The Rescue Mission: $198,875
Homeward Bound: New Hope: $150,000
Helping Hand House: $100,835
Altheimer Memorial Church: $24,300
The Coffee Oasis: $13,860
St. Vincent DePaul: $5,100
The state provided Pierce County $1.6 million in coronavirus relief funds. Emergency shelter expansions were a priority for the funding, Pierce County spokesperson Kari Moore said. Agencies with emergency shelters were given their full requested amount.
Denny Hunthausen, the executive director for Catholic Community Services, said the $459,240 will help pay staff and cover the costs of social distancing in shelters.
Franklin County commissioners rescind resolution
Updated at 12:45 p.m.
In a split decision, the Franklin County commissioners rescinded their resolution allowing businesses to reopen.
On Tuesday, the three-member board had unanimously voted to “end recognition” of Gov. Jay Inslee’s stay-at home order issued to slow the spread of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
While the commissioners took action intending to defend people out of work, Commissioner Brad Peck said at the meeting the execution of the effort wasn’t perfect.
“It brings us to a point today where it’s appropriate for the board to consider rescinding that resolution passed on Tuesday,” he said during a special meeting Thursday. “Further actions will be done in more careful contemplation with our legal counsel.”
Peck was joined by Commissioner Bob Koch in rolling back their stance. Commissioner Clint Didier, who didn’t say anything at the public meeting, voted against rescinding.
The vote followed an hour-long closed-door executive session with County Prosecutor Shawn Sant, other county attorneys and Sheriff Jim Raymond.
Inslee’s office and Attorney General Bob Ferguson issued a joint statement this week condemning Franklin and Snohomish counties decisions to allow non-essential businesses to reopen. The county resolution only applied to businesses outside the incorporated areas of Pasco, Connell and Kahlotus.
After the commissioners approved the handwritten resolution, the governor’s chief of staff David Postman told reporters it could legally jeopardize businesses and risk people’s health.
Washington UTC approves changes to Energy Assistance Fund
Updated at 11:15 a.m.
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) today approved temporary changes to Cascade Natural Gas’s Washington Energy Assistance Fund (WEAF) to provide aid to customers who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residential natural gas customers having trouble paying their bills will be able to apply for hardship grants of up to $400 from current WEAF funds, and the existing cap of $500 per program year per household has been lifted.
Additionally, the low-income verification requirement to qualify for Cascade’s WEAF program has been relaxed so that customers experiencing a sudden loss of income can receive aid quickly.
“I applaud Cascade for its commitment to helping its customers who may be facing difficulty during these unusual times,” said UTC Chair Dave Danner. “This program will help get bill assistance out as soon as possible to people who need it.”
WEAF funds are administered by local community action agencies. Customers who need to apply for the hardship grant should reach out to the agency in their area. Customers can also call Cascade at 1-888-522-1130 to discuss bill payment options.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cascade had already voluntarily suspended disconnections for nonpayment.
Inslee defends stay-at-home order
Updated at 8:35 a.m.
With resistance becoming more vocal to his stay-at-home order and partial closure of businesses, Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday said the decisions he has made are “designed to protect the health of Washingtonians” from the new coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the state.
“So our office will not be guided by irrational forces that would really gamble with our health. And if we placed that bet and lost, we would be giving up the hard-won gains that we’ve already made,” Inslee said.
Last month, the governor ordered all “non-essential businesses” to shut down and for residents to stay home, unless they are deemed “essential” workers. In a speech Tuesday evening, Inslee said the state won’t be able to lift many of the restrictions by the current end of the order — which is May 4 — but said he was hopeful that elective surgeries, outdoor recreation, and private-sector construction could resume soon.
But as Inslee answered questions Wednesday, the top Republican in the state House said the governor was in danger of losing his “mandate of the people,” a GOP candidate for governor sued Inslee in federal court over restrictions on religious activity, one county defied his order by declaring that businesses could re-open, and sheriffs in at least two counties said they wouldn’t enforce Inslee’s proclamations.
On Wednesday, House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox of Yelm expressed disappointment in the speech that Inslee delivered Tuesday.
The governor outlined a roadmap for a “safe return to public life” from the pandemic, but he did not say when the stay-at-home order and partial business closures will end.
“He refuses to be specific about anything,” Wilcox said in an interview Wednesday. “I’m just so concerned that we’re going to experience the worst health result and the worst economic result because he’s going to lose the mandate of the people.”
Also on Wednesday, GOP gubernatorial candidate Joshua Freed filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that Inslee’s March 23 proclamation violates several clauses of the First Amendment, including free speech and the right to assemble.
Part of the proclamation stated: “All people in Washington state shall immediately cease participating in all public and private gatherings and multi-person activities for social, spiritual and recreational purposes, regardless of the number of people involved,” with exceptions.
The lawsuit, which names Inslee as a defendant in his capacity as governor, said Inslee’s proclamation “carves out broad exemptions for 162 types of secular commercial and recreational activities from this ban, including `cannabis retailers’…”
But according to Freed’s lawsuit, Inslee’s order “singled out to expressly prohibit any `spiritual gathering of two or more, regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors, whether it is on private property, or whether the participants employ social distancing, hygiene, and other efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
The lawsuit requests an injunction so that spiritual gatherings can be allowed with social distancing, as well as a judgment that Inslee’s proclamation is unconstitutional.
On Tuesday, the Franklin County commissioners voted to reopen all businesses, defying Inslee’s order that “non-essential” businesses remain closed. The three commissioners are Republicans.
In a Wednesday letter to the commissioners and the county administrator, Inslee’s general counsel Kathyrn Leathers said the board’s action violates state law.
“…the Governor directs you to immediately retract or rescind the resolution adopted on April 21, 2020 that declares the County to be ‘open for business’…” Leathers wrote.
Inslee and Ferguson release joint statement on some public officials disregard of “Stay Home, Stay Healthy”
Updated at 8:35 a.m.
Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson released a joint statement in response to some Washington state officials disregard for the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.
“It is disappointing when elected officials promote illegal activity that puts their community’s well-being at risk.
“People’s lives are deeply impacted by this crisis. We are working hard to turn the tide on COVID-19 and begin lifting restrictions. These decisions are guided by science. Our priority is keeping Washingtonians healthy.
“The Governor’s Office sent a letter to Franklin County commissioners this morning making clear their action on Tuesday does not change the fact that businesses and residents in their county must follow the state’s emergency orders to keep everyone healthy.
“We have discussed the statements made by the Snohomish County sheriff, and the Attorney General’s Office will be reaching out to Sheriff Fortney directly.
“In both Franklin and Snohomish counties, the prosecutors have informed our office they agree the state’s orders are legal. The Snohomish County sheriff and the Franklin County Commission are misleading business owners and individuals in their jurisdictions, putting people’s health at risk and potentially putting them on the wrong side of the law.
“These orders are legal, and they are working. Do not be misled by local officials who encourage you to risk your health and violate the law. Please continue to take care of yourself, your family and your neighbors.”
Alaska Airlines Foundation grants awarded to address critical community needs
Updated at 8:35 a.m.
The Alaska Airlines Foundation is awarding $315,000 to 23 nonprofits in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. These LIFT grants, the first round of 2020, are in response to urgent needs of food insecurity, shelter, remote educational support and other needs of families caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 has had a profound impact on individuals and the world around us – from jobs, to education, to paying rent and getting food on the table,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, chair of the Alaska Airlines Foundation Board of Directors. “We’re honored to support these nonprofit organizations, and their teams, at the forefront of helping individuals and families through crisis.”
As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Alaska Airlines Foundation has supported communities for more than 20 years.
“We call these LIFT grants, inspired by the principle of lift behind an airplane taking flight,” said Birkett Rakow. “Today, we think about that very literally, to enable opportunity, sustain, and lift one another to come through this crisis with immediate needs and for the long term.”
In Washington, cash grants were given to:
▪ Curiosity Never Closes: Curiosity at Home - Pacific Science Center
▪ WA Food Fund - Philanthropy Northwest
▪ United Way of King County - COVID-19 Relief Fund
Carroll: Seahawks must adapt, be ready for games in empty stadiums
Updated at 8:35 a.m.
Pete Carroll says, yes, it’s possible for the Seahawks and the NFL to play this coming season in empty stadiums in front of no fans.
He said he’s played in such an odd setting before. In 1971 and ‘72, as a defensive back for the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.
“I would say, back in my UoP days, we used to play in front of nobody, people do it. The game can still be played,” Carroll said, laughing from his suburban Seattle home on a Zoom call Tuesday previewing the Seahawks’ draft.
Seattle’s 68-year-old coach was adding levity to a situation he knows—and said—is as challenging as can be. Carroll believes games this fall in front of empty NFL stadiums because of the coronavirus pandemic is a distinct possibility, one for which the Seahawks will be ready.
“Whatever has to happen. Everybody needs to be wide open and ready to adapt, and all of that—in all aspects of life right now,” Carroll said of the NFL’s 2020 season. “And certainly, as we go approach the season, we are going to have to be prepared. There is still a great opportunity to show the game to our fans, you know, through the other media sources.”
“But if that’s the way it is it will be a different experience. But it can happen. …
“If we are playing and there are no fans, I promise you I will do everything I can to pipe in the sound, and make it sound as loud as possible, and all that…
“We just have to be ready to adapt. We just don’t know. Whatever it is, we will take it on. Just battle it and figure it out.”
NFL team facilities remain closed and all minicamps and offseason training on sites have been canceled. That’s because states have closed all but essential businesses across the country in efforts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Leagues in professional and college sports around the country are waiting for states to re-open normal businesses before they can begin formulating plans for practices and perhaps games and seasons.
The league has said not one team facility will re-open until all 32 of them can be open, per each team’s state authorities.
Gov. Jay Inslee said this week “return to public life will occur in measured steps” in Washington. He called his return plan a dial turn rather than a flip of a switch. The plan does not indicate when Washington’s stay-at-home and partial business closures will end.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider said the NFL is trying to get through its unprecedented, all-remote draft Thursday-Saturday before teams and the league begin contemplating when it might be possible for training camps and what the 2020 season might look like. Training camps are scheduled to begin in late July.
“I think the primary focus is to get through this draft, and then to concentrate on what’s next, what the season would look like,” Schneider said.
Carroll said the team is operating on the assumption the season will begin as planned the weekend after Labor Day in early September. But, the coach added, “nobody really knows what’s going to happen.”
Pierce Transit to dispatch buses as Wi-Fi ‘hot spots’ for students amid school closures
Updated at 8:35 a.m.
Students in Pierce County having difficulty connecting to the internet during school closures have a new resource at their disposal.
Starting Thursday, Pierce Transit will dispatch buses to two locations in the county as part of a pilot program to provide free Wi-Fi hot spots.
“Students and their caregivers will park near the bus and connect to the bus’s Wi-Fi to interact with teachers, conduct assignment research, upload or download assignments or conduct other types of school work,” according to a press release from Pierce Transit.
Students will not enter the buses and also must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Pierce Transit buses have a Wi-Fi range of 100 feet.
Wi-Fi will be available 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The pilot program runs through May 3.
The buses will be located at:
▪ Lakewood Towne Center parking lot behind Target and Barnes & Noble
▪ Roy “Y” Park & Ride at state Route 507 and Pacific Avenue South in Spanaway
The locations were chosen by Pierce County Emergency Management based on need, according to Pierce Transit, within Clover Park and Bethel school districts.
Mill Creek man held on charge he threatened to kill Gov. Inslee and staff
Updated at 8:35 a.m.
The State Patrol has arrested a Snohomish County man who allegedly threatened to kill Gov. Jay Inslee and his staff members because of restrictions to combat the spread of the new coronavirus.
At about noon Tuesday, a threatening message was left on the voicemail of the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services, said Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis. The call was traced to Shawn C. Rowland, 32, who was arrested Tuesday evening at his residence in Mill Creek.
The voicemail stated: “You’re dead, Inslee, and any of your workers, employees and their accomplices,” according to Loftis.
Rowland told investigators that he was “upset with the governor for violating people’s constitutional rights,” Loftis said, adding: “His concerns were directed to the restrictions regarding COVID-19.” Loftis said he didn’t have further details.
As part of his strategy to slow the spread of the disease which has killed 692 Washington residents, Inslee last month ordered all “non-essential businesses” to shut down and for residents to stay home, unless they are deemed “essential” workers. The governor has extended the order through May 4.
The Patrol’s investigation found the same phone used to make the threat against Inslee and his staff members had been used in a Feb. 9 threat to the Virginia State Legislature, but the Virginia call did not refer to specific people, Loftis said. At that time, Virginia lawmakers were debating gun control bills.
Rowland was held Wednesday in the Snohomish County Jail. He appeared Tuesday night in Everett District Court on a charge of making threats against the Governor, a Class C felony which carries a punishment of up to five years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
This story was originally published April 23, 2020 at 8:48 AM.
