Everett CARES program update

Everett CARES public service grant applications are now available. The program will provide approximately $500,000 in grant funds to agencies serving those affected by COVID-19, with priority given to agencies addressing basic needs such as access to food and housing security. Public service organizations can learn more, view eligibility requirements and apply by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 29 at everettwa.gov/everettcares.

Everett Transit fare free through June

To continue to help limit the spread of COVID-19, Everett Transit is will remain fare free through June 2020 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 covering to help keep staff and community members safe. View their current route schedules and sign up for rider alerts to stay informed about future Everett Transit service changes.

Thank you for donating

Everett Emergency Management has distributed more than 1,200 face covers thanks to the generous donations and excellent sewing skills of community members. Stop by the drive-thru sites to donate face covers or pick one up while supplies last. Walk-ups are also welcome and all face cover donations are greatly appreciated.

• Wednesday, May 20 and 27, 1-4 p.m. at Garfield Park, 2300 Walnut St.
• Friday, May 22 and 29, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Legion Memorial Park, 145 Alverson Blvd.

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

New guidance for medical and dental procedures

This week, Governor Inslee announced the state’s plan to resume all elective medical and dental procedures. The plan includes guidelines and requirements that practices must meet in order to begin performing elective procedures. Providers must also have appropriate PPE for workers, implement physical distancing and hygiene measures, screen patients and visitors for symptoms, and implement policies to protect workers.
 

Relief for Snohomish County businesses

County Executive Dave Somers last week proposed two new grant programs for Snohomish County businesses: one for small businesses and one for Paine Field Airport tenants and other aerospace businesses impacted by COVID-19. Pending County Council approval, grant programs would be part of the relief and recovery actions Snohomish County is taking to help businesses impacted by the pandemic. If approved, qualifying small businesses can apply for up to $25,000 in grant funds and qualifying Paine Field Airport tenants/aerospace businesses can apply for up to $1 million in grand funds. Learn more.

 
Community Transit wants to hear from you

Community Transit is seeking public input regarding transit use during the COVID-19 pandemic. They launched a new survey to learn more about how riders and the community view transit since the pandemic and what their priorities are in the future, as well as get feedback on the updated service measures they've implemented for customer safety. The survey is open to all Community Transit riders and community members. Fill out the survey by May 29 and learn more about Community Transit’s response to COVID-19. 

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.

Preparing your business for reopening

UnitedHealth Group and Microsoft have teamed up to launch Protectwell™, an app to support businesses planning for returning to the workplace and safely bringing employees back to work. The app provides employers with a simple tool to screen employees for COVID-19 symptoms and includes guidelines and resources to support a safe work environment. Employees can determine whether they are safe to go to work, co-workers can know their colleagues have been screened, and employers can have a plan in place so they are ready to safely do business when restrictions are lifted. Learn more.
 

Get the facts

There’s a lot of information and resources circulating online these days, including a lot of misinformation. Cornoravirus.wa.gov is a great resource to help you get the facts you need to keep yourself and your loved ones informed and healthy. Find frequently asked questions, information about recent scams, and reliable resources and links to additional information to help your break through rumors and misinformation.

 
Resources for mental and emotional well-being

COVID-19 has impacted many people in many different ways, including mentally and emotionally. Many may be experiencing stress from losing a job, caring for a sick loved one or having to manage working from home while homeschooling children. Others may feel isolated and alone. If you’re experiencing distress during this difficult time, it’s normal, you are not alone and help is out there. It’s okay to seek out and ask for help and Washington State’s new mental and emotional well-being web page is a great place to start. 

Wear a face cover

The CDC and Snohomish Health District recommend wearing a face cover while in public, especially when physical distancing is difficult like at the store or pharmacy. They are more about protecting others around you than protecting yourself, and they don't take the place of physical distancing. Face covers help slow the spread of COVID-19 by preventing the spread from people who are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic. Learn more about them and how to make your own from the CDC's website.

Be kind

Being kind is good for you and the community. It can boost your mental health, reduce stress and put a smile on your face - we could all use a little bit of that these days. Research shows that kindness has a positive impact on protecting and improving mental health. How do you add more kindness to your life? Be kind to yourself, volunteer, do something for a good cause, reach out to a friend or neighbor, listen, show an act of kindness like holding a door for someone or saying thank you. There are millions of ways to be kind and even the smallest acts can make the biggest difference. Check out the UK Mental Health Foundation’s Kindness Matters Guide to get started.

 
Stay home, stay healthy, save lives.

A new statewide report from the Institute of Disease Modeling shows COVID-19 transmissions continue in western Washington and are increasing in eastern Washington. The report is one of many data sources the state is using to assess COVID-19 risk levels and inform the state’s Safe Start plan. It’s critical that everyone continues to follow public health guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 and save lives: stay home, except for essential activities; don’t gather with people outside your immediate household; keep a safe distance from others (at least 6 feet); wash/sanitize your hands often; cover your face when you’re in public. Visit cornoravirus.wa.gov to learn more.