One of the consequences of COVID-19 is the closure of schools. Unfortunately, many students depend on school breakfast and lunch for part of their meals. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act has authorized a temporary assistance program for households with children affected by school closures during the public health emergency that was declared on January 27, 2020.
The Washington Department of Social and Health Services and the Washington Office of Superintendent and Public Instruction will issue P-EBT benefits to current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households and non-SNAP households, which include children eligible for free and reduced-price school meals, through the State's SNAP EBT card system.
Washington estimates that it will issue $91.9 million to 230,391 students in SNAP households and $99.3 million to 248,763 students in non-SNAP households for school closures extending from March 13, 2020, through June 19, 2020, a total of 70 days.
While releasing guidance for the 2020-2021 school year in Washington, Superintendent Chris Reykdal said he expects schools to reopen for in-person instruction in the fall. Thursday, Reykdal released guidance for reopening schools after months of coronavirus closures. The guidance includes a mask requirement for all students and staff in K-12 settings.
Gov. Jay Inslee Thursday issued a proclamation outlining the state's plan to possibly re-open schools in the fall for the 2020-2021 school year. The plan follows the state's Safe Start phased approach to reopening on a county-by-county basis.
On Saturday, June 13, Winlock and Toledo Class of 2020 graduates had their car parades where graduates drove through their communities.
In Toledo, graduates started at the high school and drove around the residential and business district to show off their decorated vehicles. Some students rode in the back of trucks or in convertibles and there was even a golf cart and semi in the mix. A handful of people braved the rainy weather to congratulate the seniors.
The official Winlock Egg Days was canceled, but the community stepped up to have an unofficial Egg Day parade along with egg salad sandwiches. There are plans to have a street dance in the evening by The Club Tavern. The residents of Winlock love their Egg Day celebration and it would take a lot to stop them from enjoying the day.
Pacific County Health Department announced last week that a 10th COVID-19 case was discovered. This individual, a resident of Willapa Harbor Health and Rehabilitation, tested positive when the county started testing all residents of care facilities.
"Right now there is a state health directive around getting nursing homes and assisted living with memory care attached tested," said Pacific County Health Department Services Program Manager Stephanie Michael. "We know that there is a high incidence of mortality once there is an outbreak in one of these facilities. This is part of our mobile strike team which has the ability to go out to a congregate living facility or a congregate work facility and complete that testing in a timely manner. That way we can detect any positive cases and therefore get them into quarantine and isolation situations to limit the spread."
Last Friday afternoon, June 12, many residents and visitors gathered at the skatepark in the 8th Street Park in Raymond. People were signing up to participate in a Silent March starting at 1:00 p.m. This event's goal was to spread awareness of racism and other problems spreading throughout the United States.
The March route took walkers along Hwy 101 to the courthouse in South Bend. The local police departments approved the route and even escorted the marchers along Hwy 101 to help keep them safe from traffic. All participants were encouraged to be respectful of traffic, to wear masks and try to keep social distancing rules in mind.
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