UPDATE:
Third Wave of Surging, Uncontrolled COVID-19 Infections
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On Sunday, November 15, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee announced another set of restrictions in response to the surging infection rate of coronavirus threatening Washingtonians and putting our healthcare system capacity in danger. It should be alarming to all of us that 20% of the infections thus far in Seattle happened in the last three weeks. Seattle-King County Public Health recently reported 638 new cases in a single day. Hospitalizations rates have also increased by 50% and the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 is higher than it’s ever been, per Seattle-King County Public Health’s Doctor Jeff Duchin.
Governor Inslee and First Lady Trudi Inslee and public health officials urge all of us to skip in-person gatherings with our families as the holiday season begins and celebrate, instead, virtually with members outside of our households. Small, in-person gatherings over the holiday season could lead to a larger spike of infections throughout the winter.
My family is following the urging from public health and celebrating in safer ways at home. It’s important that we remember this is just for now, and not forever.
On Friday, November 20, Governor Inslee also announced a $135-million relief fund to help businesses and families through this latest round of economic restrictions. The funds will be available as direct grants to businesses, relief loans to businesses, rental assistance, and utility relief. More information will be available via the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Here in Seattle, I am working closely with Mayor Durkan to identify additional relief funds that the City of Seattle can leverage to support our small businesses and their workers through these renewed economic restrictions. Stay tuned for more on this local effort!
What you need to know about current statewide restrictions due to COVID-19?
Governor Inslee’s Statewide Restrictions, Effective November 16 and remain in effect until Monday, December 14
| Setting | Restrictions | | Indoor Social Gatherings | Prohibited with people outside your household unless you quarantine for 14 days prior OR 7-day quarantine and a negative COVID-19 test. Small, in-person gatherings are one of the biggest drivers of COVID19. | | Restaurants, Bars, and Groceries | Closed for indoor service but outdoor dining and to-go service permitted following current guidelines, table size limited to groups of five (5) for outdoor dining. Grocery stores and personal services are limited to 25% of occupancy. | | Religious Services | Limited to 25% occupancy or no more than 200 people, whichever is fewer. No choir, band or ensemble performances; however, soloists are permitted. No congregational singing. Face coverings required at all times. Weddings and funeral ceremonies are permitted with limited attendance, but receptions of any size are prohibited indoors. | | Fitness Facilities and Gyms, Entertainment facilities | Closed for indoor operations. Outdoor activities are permitted and limited to five (5) people. Bowling alleys, museums, zoos, aquariums, and movie theaters will be closed for indoor services. |
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WA Notify – Washington State Department of Health has a new smartphone tool to help you know if you’ve been exposed to COVID19. It’s available for both iPhones and Androids. By using Bluetooth technology, you will get an alert if you’ve been potentially exposed to COVID19. This alert system works best when more people have it on their phones and it keeps your personal information private and anonymous.
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Stay healthy, stay informed
Small Business Supports
Supports and Resources for Immigrants & Impacted Workers
In addition to resources supported by the City of Seattle via Fresh Bucks, rental assistance, utility assistance, and other forms of relief, below are additional resources for those in need.
- Rental assistance via King County - they are still accepting applications for their rental assistance program through Friday, December 4.
- Washington State COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is still accepting applications. The deadline to apply is December 6, 2020
- Eviction moratorium extension & public utility relief: Governor Inslee has extended the eviction moratorium through the end of 2020 and prohibited energy, water, or landline companies from disconnecting households. Read his proclamations here.
- Utility assistance, nutrition support, child care, and more
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Council President M. Lorena González
Seattle City Council, Position 9 (Citywide)
Chair – Governance & Education
Vice-Chair – Public Safety & Human Services
Email: Lorena.Gonzalez@seattle.gov
Phone: (206) 684-8809
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