I’ve been hearing from many of you about the Washington state requirement to cover your face, which recently went into effect. Many of you are supportive and taking this new order in stride – thank you! There also seems to be some confusion about the new rules so I wanted to take a moment and share some information.

Under the new rules, everyone must wear a face cover when you are indoors in public spaces, as well as outdoors if you are unable to keep a safe distance from others. This means you wear them in stores when you go shopping, or to a restaurant, or a business. Businesses are now required to ensure their customers or clients are wearing face covers, so please don’t take offense if you are asked to don a mask when you enter their establishment. You do not need to wear one when you’re driving in your car alone, or if you’re walking down the street and there’s no one else in sight. There are also exemptions. Some people may have health conditions that make wearing a face cover challenging. Small children also are exempt. You can find details on the state’s coronavirus webpage.

Covering our faces, keeping our distance, and continuing to practice good hygiene remain the best tools at our disposal for limiting the spread of this deadly virus, which is still very active in our community. As they say, “wearing is caring.” Let’s keep caring about each other. Thank you.

Library expands curbside service to Evergreen Branch

The Everett Public Library announced exciting news this week: curbside service is now available at the Evergreen Branch library! Library card holders can call or visit epls.org to request materials. Once you get the notification that your materials are ready, head to the Evergreen Branch library Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up. Curbside service will be a socially distant, contactless service and staff ask that you please wear a face cover and stay in your vehicle or at least six feet from others.  The Main Library also has curbside service available Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 
Everett Fire helping with COVID-19 research

The Everett Fire Department (EFD), with support from the Everett Firefighters, IAFF Local 46, is partnering with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to study the occurrence of COVID-19 antibodies amongst EFD employees. This study is part of a larger project that is specifically designed to study the occurrence of COVID-19 antibodies in the first responder community. Forty-eight firefighters from the department, most of whom worked two or more shifts at Fire Station 5 between the dates of Feb. 1 and March 23, were invited to voluntarily participate in this study. Fire Station 5 was picked due to the significant numbers of COVID-19 positive patients that were evaluated by crews from this station during the targeted study period.  Learn more.

 
Getting to Safe Guide available in more languages

We’ve translated the Getting to Safe Guide in even more languages, thanks to help from our friends at the Snohomish Health District and Snohomish County. New this week: Ukrainian! The guide is also available in English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Vietnamese and Korean. Businesses will find checklists, resources, downloadable templates and more to help prepare for operations during Safe Start Washington’s phased approach to reopening. Check it out and download a copy at everettforeverett.com/safeopening.

New face covering requirements now in effect

Face coverings are now required statewide in all public spaces in Washington because they are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, especially when combined with 6 feet of physical distance and frequent hand washing. Governor Inslee’s new face cover requirements went into effect Wednesday and prohibit businesses from serving customers or visitors who aren’t wearing face coverings. The new requirements are intended to counteract the recent surge in COVID-19 cases statewide. Small children and people with certain medical or health conditions or disabilities are exempt from wearing a face covering. Business can provide reasonable accommodations to those who are exempt such as curbside pickup, delivery or virtual meetings. Learn more. 

 
COVID-19 case counts continue to rise in Snohomish County

New COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Snohomish County, especially among younger people, with 200 new cases reported over between July 3 and 6. The rolling two-week case rate is up to 53 cases per 100,000 residents - well over double the rate from when the county was approved to move to phase two. Young people who become ill may spread the illness to others who are more vulnerable to severe complications, and some young people can become seriously ill, too. Local hospital capacity remains adequate, but increased rates of infection could lead to increased hospitalizations. Learn more by watching the July 7 Snohomish County COVID-19 update.

Daily data and "Safe Start" snapshot available for Snohomish County

The Snohomish Health District continues to post daily (weekday) updates of total confirmed COVID-19 cases, total probable cases, and a breakdown of cases by city. They’ve also added a new feature to their case counts page: a weekly snapshot of COVID-19 activity using metrics aligned with requirements from the state's Safe Start plan. In the snapshot, you’ll find case rates per 100,000 in a 14-day period, percentage of positive COVID-19 tests, percentage of cases responding to daily monitoring and number of outbreaks involving two or more cases in a 14-day period. View the Health District case count page on their website to learn more and view the data available. 

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 number of new COVID-19 cases reported in Snohomish County by date.

NEW CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN SNOHOMISH COUNTY BY DATE

Join the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19

The U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are urging everyone to do their part to stay healthy, and help keep others healthy, by following a few simple guidelines that will help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Follow federal, state and local guidelines
• Take extra precautions if you are at higher risk for severe illness
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Stay six feet away from others when you can, and wear a face covering in public

It will take each and every one of us doing our part to stop the spread of illness. Although not everyone is at equal risk for a severe case of COVID-19, everyone risks being infected with the and then spreading it to others. 

Get answers to your face cover questions

As you know, Washingtonians must wear face coverings in all public spaces, and may be refused service at businesses if they don’t wear one. The state Department of Health and the state Joint Information Center are continuing to provide updated information, FAQs and resources about the state’s face covering requirements so you can stay up to date and informed. The state’s coronavirus response website outlines requirements for employers, guides for businesses, details on who may be exempt and answers to common questions. Visit coronarvirus.wa.gov/masks and doh.wa.gov/masks to learn more.

 
Talk to someone

If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress during this difficult time, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Washington Listens is a support program and phone line to help people manage elevated levels of stress due to the pandemic. People who call the Washington Listens support line will speak with a support specialist and get connected to community resources in their area. The program is anonymous and available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are also available on walistens.org.

Join the Washington Mask Challenge
The Lieutenant Governor’s office partnered with the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and Serve Washington to organize a statewide homemade mask-making initiative to encourage the community to make, wear and donate cloth masks. Many organizations across the state need cloth face covers right now, including nursing homes, homelessness service organizations, food banks, grocery stores, restaurants, and more - you can help! Learn how to make and donate face covers at wamaskchallenge.org.