Seattle/King County Public Health Says:
Wear A Mask!

On Monday, May 11, Seattle/King County Public Health Officer Jeff Duchin issued a directive compelling all King County residents (yes, this includes Seattle residents) to wear face coverings/face masks when they are in indoor and outdoor public spaces as a public health practice.
 
Washington State is a national model for bending the curve, but without widespread COVID-19 testing and a vaccine, wearing a face covering/face mask is going to be one of the best ways we can protect ourselves and protect others as we move towards re-opening our state and economy.
 
This new directive does exempt certain individuals, including people who have medically-based reasons why wearing a mask could pose a potential risk to their health, children under the age of two, and any individual who is deaf and uses facial and mouth movements as part of communication. As a public health practice, this directive will not be enforced by local law enforcement.
 
Here are examples of places you must wear a mask if you are not exempted:

• Any establishment (indoor or outdoor) that sells food and beverage products
  • Grocery stores, restaurants, food banks, farmers’ markets
• Public transit
  • Buses, light rail, water taxi, and other forms of public transportation
• Commercial retail stores that support essential sectors
  • Examples: hardware and home improvement stores, office supply stores, pet supply stores
• Retail stores
  • Cannabis retail stores, liquor stores 

• Refugee Artisan Initiative
• Tom Bihn: buy a mask, give a mask
• Splash Fabric
• Mac Fashion House

Seattle Restaurants United: Take a Break With Us

Seattle Restaurants United and my office have collaborated to make it easier and safer for delivery workers to get your meals from restaurants to your door.

Delivery drivers picking up orders made at participating restaurants can now access restaurant restroom facilities for personal hygiene - like hand washing and bathroom breaks - as they help keep us fed and the economy running. Thank you to the restaurants who are stepping up to fulfill these workers’ needs and to the delivery drivers who help us get fed while we continue to social distance.

Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month

Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage month is celebrated every May. It started in 1977 as a ten day span to recognize Asian Pacific Americans and in 1990 expanded to the entire month of May.
 
#TeamLorena is celebrating by watching Asian Americans, a PBS mini series about Asian Americans that covers histories, identities, challenges and contributions experienced by Asian Pacific Americans; enjoying take out from Chinatown/International District; and exploring the digital content from the Wing Luke Museum.
 
Speaking of Wing Luke, did you know that Wing Luke was the first person of color elected to Seattle City Council in 1962 and the first APA elected to public office in the PNW? I am grateful for these firsts because of the opportunities they open for all of us.

Food Assistance

The Seattle Human Services Department and the Office of Sustainability and Environment are working to help provide resources and information for individuals and families wishing to access food and nutritional support. You can learn more here. Their interactive maps are updated daily so you can find food banks, meals, and pick-up options in your neighborhood.