May 8 COVID-19 update

Happy Mother’s Day!

This is going to be a very different kind of Mother’s Day this year. Many of us won’t be able to celebrate our mothers in the way we historically have. My mother passed away a few years ago, but I will miss celebrating with my wonderful stepmom and visiting my mother-in-law. Although we may not be able to be close to our moms this year, I know we are all sending them our virtual hugs and love as we take a moment to honor the mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-law, and all of the wonderful women who shape our lives, share their wisdom, and work so hard to keep their families safe.

We’re experiencing a most unusual and challenging few months, so I hope you will all find a way share care and gratitude for the moms in your life – and also yourself. I know I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my sweet daughter in the warm spring sun.

Be safe and be well.

Everett CARES Grant Program update

The deadline for Everett CARES small business grant applications is 5 p.m. on Monday, May 11. The program will provide $500,000 in grants to support Everett small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses can learn more and apply at everettwa.gov/everettcares.

Applications for the Everett CARES public service grants open soon for services and programs directly responding to impacts of COVID-19. Funding priorities will focus on housing and food programs serving the hardest hit community members, including under-served populations. Everett nonprofits are invited to a webinar on May 11 at 2 p.m. to learn about the use of funds, eligible activities and programs, and next steps for when applications open

Everett Transit increasing service

Effective Monday, May 11, Everett Transit will operate on an enhanced Saturday schedule Monday-Friday and a standard Saturday schedule on Saturdays. Additionally, Route 70 will offer three trips in the morning and three trips in the evening. To help limit the spread of COVID-19, Everett Transit is currently fare free and asks Fixed Route riders to board through the back door unless an ADA ramp is needed. They also strongly urge riders to wear a face cover.

View the full schedule and sign up for rider alerts to stay informed about future Everett Transit service changes.

Storytime with the Everett Public Library

Little ones can still enjoy their favorite stories and story tellers while staying home and healthy with the Everett Public Library’s virtual story times. Follow the Library’s Facebook page to hear new stories and sing songs with some of your favorite story tellers including librarians, Everett police officers and, coming soon, Everett firefighters! Catch up on past Storytimes and stay tuned for new ones.

Update to the state’s risk-assessment dashboard

Governor Jay Inslee and the state Department of Health released an update to the COVID-19 Risk-Assessment Dashboard, showing progress in testing capacity and availability, case and contact investigations and risk to vulnerable populations. The dashboard helps gauge when and how to best lift Stay Home, Stay Healthy restrictions in Washington. View the data guiding the state’s ongoing recovery planning at coronavirus.wa.gov.

COVID-19 vaccine candidate to begin phase two trial

Earlier this week, the FDA approved a COVID-19 vaccine candidate to begin phase two of trials. The Moderna vaccine is one of many COVID-19 vaccines in development and the first to begin phase one testing in March. Trials with 600 participants will begin soon and phase three trials could begin as early as this summer. For more information, read the full news release.

Funding for behavioral health expands services

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) secured more than $4 million in federal funding to respond to increased behavioral health service needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new funding will assist in expanding crisis counseling support and treatment for substance use disorder. The HCA will also roll out a program called Washington Listens to help reach people who are affected by the stress of the outbreak. Learn more.

COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County

Visit the Snohomish Health District's website for up-to-date information on COVID-19, including updated case count information like the chart below that illustrates the cumulative case count for Snohomish County.

COVID-19 case county graph for Snohomish County

Free Wi-Fi hot spots available

The Washington State Broadband Office is launching approximately 600 Wi-Fi hot spots throughout Washington to provide free Wi-Fi to the community and help keep people connected during the pandemic. Most sites will be parking lots, but some will offer indoor public access during business hours. Everyone using the sites must practice social distancing and hygiene precautions, including staying in your vehicle or at least 6 feet from others and wearing a face cover. 140 of the new drive-in hot spots are already operational throughout the state, in addition to hundreds of existing library hot spots. Learn more and find a map of hot spot locations at driveinwifi.wa.gov.

Business and Workers weekly newsletter

In this week’s edition: learn about the governor’s Safe Start recovery plan and guidance for reopening Washington’s economy, find new resources and information on the unemployment benefits process from the Employment Security Department, and get an update on outreach by the Joint Information Center Business Economic Resiliency Team including new “The Impact: Road to Recovery” episodes on TVW. Read this week's newsletter.

Emergency Management collecting and distributing face covers

A big thank you to everyone making and donating face covers to help keep our community healthy. Everett Emergency Management is collecting face cover donations and distributing them (while supplies last) at drive-thru locations throughout the month of May. Walk-ups are also welcome and all face cover donations are greatly appreciated.

Mondays (except Memorial Day), 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Thornton A. Sullivan Park, 11405 Silver Lake Rd.
Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. at Kasch Park, 8811 Airport Rd.
Fridays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Forest Park, 802 E Mukilteo Blvd.

Learn more about making, donating and caring for face covers at everettwa.gov/facecovers.

Recreate responsibly

Spring is here and the outdoors are calling! Stay safe and healthy out there in the sunshine by recreating responsibly. COVID-19 still threatens our community and it will take each and every one of us doing our part to keep us all safe and healthy. Learn the dos and don’ts of enjoying the outdoors during the pandemic and remember to stay at least 6 feet from others, wash/sanitize your hands often, wear a face cover and stay home if you are sick.

Give blood

If you are healthy and can donate blood, Bloodworks Northwest has a pop-up donor center coming to the Angel of the Winds Arena Thursdays through Saturdays, May 14-30, in partnership with the Everett Silvertips and Seattle Storm. Donating blood is an essential and encouraged activity and ensures our area hospitals have the lifesaving blood they need. Bloodworks Northwest provides 95% of the blood to hospitals in our region. Donations are by appointment only – call 425-740-2909 or schedule an appointment online.