Governor Jay Inslee released a statement late Sunday night that further expands protections against COVID-19. Below is Gov. Inslee's statement.
"Given the explosion of COVID-19 in our state and globally, I will sign a statewide emergency proclamation (Monday) to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities.
"Restaurants will be allowed to provide take-out and delivery services but no in-person dining will be permitted.
"The ban will not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies. Other retail outlets will have reduced occupancy.
"Additionally, all gatherings with over 50 participants are prohibited and all gatherings under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met.
"These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the virus. I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges.
"Tonight, after consultations with me and with the Department of Health, King County announced that they will be taking these actions immediately. King County has been the hotbed of this outbreak and has the largest population center in the state. I have spoken to Executive Dow Constantine and I applaud their decision to act quickly."
Gaelon Spradley, as CEO of the Valley View Health Center, I'm anxious to talk to you about your response to a potential local coronavirus outbreak. But first let's talk about Valley View. How many Valley View Health Centers are there and where are they located?
We have 13 clinics located in three counties. We serve Lewis County, Thurston County, and Pacific County.
Valley View is a nonprofit, federally qualified health center. What does that mean? And who do you serve?
Valley View is a nonprofit provider of health services, medical, dental and behavioral health. Our focus is serving rural communities and also low income and special needs individuals. Federally qualified health centers may also focus on other underserved groups, such as new citizens, immigrants or the homeless.
We qualify for federal healthcare subsidies. In the past communities have depended on doctors in private practice. These practices are disappearing in small towns and we are trying to fill that void.
The Winlock City Council is looking for volunteers to help the City of Winlock and other volunteer organizations. Winlock has seen volunteers disappear these past few years and the council would like your help in bringing Winlock back. Volunteers are needed for Winlock, whether it's the Winlock Park Board, the Lions Club, or the Winlock Improvement Network, your help is needed.
SOUTH BEND - Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed a State of Emergency for all counties throughout the state as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). All schools in Washington were closed effective yesterday until April 27. Sunday night, Gov. Inslee added more protections against COVID-19. (See story page 1). As of Monday morning in the USA, 30 million students are staying home because 33 states have been forced to close schools.
Washington was touched by a brief artic front over last weekend. On Saturday snow actually accumulated in higher elevations. Hopefully it is the last gasp of winter weather.
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