On May 1, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee extended Washington’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through the end of May to minimize the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). He also shared his Safe Start Washington plan to safely resume recreational, social and business activities in phases. Each phase will last a minimum of three weeks and movement to the next phase will depend on different data sources to assess the impact of the disease in communities.

Maintaining a stable food supply is a critical public health issue in the battle against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Around the state, food banks are reporting an increased demand for food due to record-breaking unemployment and lack of financial resources. To compound the problem, donations to food banks are down 70 percent, and food bank volunteers, who tend to be older adults, are not able to help process donations. The good news is, there are people who have stepped up to help, and you can too!

Senior centers and fitness classes are closed to ensure participants, staff, and program leaders stay home and stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although physical distancing is important, it is also important to help people maintain social connections. This is especially true for older adults who are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and complications from the virus.

Spokane Transit Authority (STA) announced operational changes to comply with Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. In an effort to maintain transportation options for the public to perform essential activities, and comply with social distancing recommendations, STA will be making a few changes.

On March 23, Governor Inslee issued a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order that will last for a minimum of two weeks. The order requires everyone in Washington state to stay at home, except while performing the following activities:

• Doing an essential activity such as shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.
• Getting takeout food (including food deliveries).
• Going to work at an essential business.
• Going outside for walks and exercise, as long as social distancing of 6 feet is maintained.
• Understanding what it means to “stay at home.”

As you prepare to stay home more, to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), you may have noticed shortages at the grocery stores. People are stocking up on food, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, gloves and, for some reason, toilet paper. Grocers say these shortages are mainly due to consumer overstocking, not a disrupted supply chain. The problem with overstocking is that while we may get more than enough things for our own family, we aren’t leaving necessary supplies for others, including first responders, health care workers, and our most vulnerable neighbors. 

On March 16, state and federal government officials took strong steps to try to protect the public’s health and slow down the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Governor Inslee announced an emergency proclamation that requires the immediate two-week closure of all restaurants, bars, and entertainment and recreational facilities in Washington, as well as additional limits on large gatherings. The order will be in place through March 31 and could be extended longer. President Trump also issued recommendations for Americans, titled ”15 Days to Slow the Spread.” The guidance strongly encourages social distancing, including avoiding social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people. This is good advice, from the highest level, for people who are still considering gatherings or meeting with others.

As more and more communities are impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all of us should consider creating a household plan to help protect our individual and family’s health. State and local health officials are working together to identify, evaluate, and monitor potential and confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington. Locally, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is meeting regularly with local leaders and government officials to take measures to protect the public’s health. Individuals also can play a role in this effort by creating and implementing their own household plan using the following checklists: