This year my daughter Panda will start middle school. Going back to school is such a different experience in the COVID world. On Wednesday we joined other kids and parents in the drive-thru registration at her school; masked teachers waved and greeted us, we got her schedule and picked up her books and materials that Panda will need to learn remotely. And though this is not the typical experience starting a new school usually is, Panda was just as excited. She dressed up in a special outfit for our drive to her new school. The moment we got home, she set up and organized her little study area. Then she Facetimed her friends to compare schedules and see what classes they will have together.
 
I am sorry for the school traditions that our young ones are missing out on, and I worry how this experience is affecting them. Yet, I am grateful for the resilience and adaptability I am seeing in my daughter, her friends, other parents, our teachers and school administrators. There is nothing easy about school this year – we are all doing our best to keep our kids focused and on a positive learning path. I am truly proud of the strength of our community, our willingness to work together to get through these hard times, and our support of one another. Panda is going to have a wonderful sixth grade year. It will not be an experience like my own sixth grade year, but I am grateful she and her classmates have the support of this amazing community around them.

Q&A with Cassie

Join Mayor Cassie Franklin on Sept. 3 on Facebook Live with special guest Dan Leach, Chair of the City’s Fiscal Advisory Committee. They'll talk about the City's 2021 budget, walk you through the City’s financial outlook and answer your questions about the important decisions ahead. Community members can ask their 2021 budget questions in real time, or submit them before the event at everettwa.gov/askcassie.

Everett CARES grant program for small businesses

The application process for round two of the Everett CARES grant program is now open for small businesses in the city of Everett. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. The program will award grants of $10,000 to small businesses with 1-20 employees and $20,000 to businesses with 21-50 employees. Round two of the Everett CARES grant program is made possible by funding provided by the federal 2020 CARES Act through the Washington State Department of Commerce. More information about eligibility and the application process can be found at everettwa.gov/everettcares.

 
Learn to meditate with Everett Public Library and spiritual guide Sah D'Simone

Everett Public Library invites you to join a virtual program with Sah D’Simone on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. Sah D’Simone is a meditation teacher, transformational speaker, spiritual leader for a new generation, and bestselling author of “Spiritually Sassy: 8 Radical Steps to Activate Your Innate Superpowers.” Join this unique virtual program to let go of all that pandemic stress, transform your mind, open your heart, and help the world by uncovering and celebrating the authentic you!

The program is free, open to the public and will be streamed online. Register online or call 425-257-8000 to sign up. Copies of “Spiritually Sassy” are available for loan from the Everett Public Library.  

 
Districting Commission seeks input on proposed city council district map

Everett’s Districting Commission is hosting six virtual community meetings in September for community members to learn about, and provide input on, the proposed city council district map. The meetings will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Participants can join via the Microsoft Teams web app or by phone at 425-616-3920, conference ID 151 198 687#. The meetings will also be streamed for viewing on Everett Channel, YouTube and Facebook.

• Public meeting 1: Sept. 10, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Public meeting 2: Sept. 12, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
• Public meeting 3: Sept. 13, 6 - 8 p.m.
• Public meeting 4: Sept. 14, 3 - 5 p.m.
• Public meeting 5: Sept. 14, 6 - 8 p.m.
• Public meeting 6: Sept. 17, 5 - 7 p.m.

All six meetings will include the same presentation and format, offering community members opportunities to find a one to best fit their schedule. Click here to learn more and RSVP.

COVID-19 testing still advised for people with symptoms and close contacts

The Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) guidance around testing has not changed: if you have symptoms, you need to get tested. If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you need to get tested. Close contacts of confirmed cases also need to stay at home and away from others (quarantine) for 14 days after the last exposure, even if they test negative for COVID-19. It’s possible for people who test negative to still be incubating the virus and become contagious later. Learn more about the DOH’s guidance on COVID-19 testing.

 
New guidance allows indoor seating at breweries

The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board (WLCB) recently issued new guidelines for breweries to allow indoor seating. Breweries must meet certain conditions that allow them to be considered a restaurant versus a bar in order to allow indoor seating. Information about the new guidelines can be found on the WLCB's website.

 
Snohomish County COVID-19 update

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Snohomish Health District Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters shared good news of progress in their recent update on COVID-19 in Snohomish County. As of Aug. 22, the COVID-19 infection rate was 60.4 cases per 100,000 people, which is down from nearly triple digits a few weeks ago. This is encouraging news that the steps we’re taking as a community are working to slow the spread of this deadly virus, but they said there is still a long way to go before it is safe to resume many activities, including in-person instruction at schools. Watch the full update or read the transcript.

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

COVID-19 utility assistance available in more than 30 languages

COVID-19 utility assistance information is now available in more than 30 different languages from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. To view the translated information, visit the commission’s multilingual resource center. Community members in need of assistance can also speak with commission staff and an interpreter, free of charge, by calling 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) and asking for an interpreter.

 
Help is just a phone call away

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.

 
Lost Wages Assistance program

The Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program is a temporary emergency measure to provide an additional $300 per week to those who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are receiving unemployment benefits. The LWA was authorized through an Aug. 8 presidential memorandum. Washington’s Employment Security Department applied for the LWA program through Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and was approved on Monday, Aug. 24. Learn more about the LWA Program from the Washington State Employment Security Department and see if you qualify.

 
Managing stress and anxiety for young people

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is encouraging young people and their parents to prioritize wellness and practice healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety, and not turn to alcohol or other drugs. This pandemic is difficult and stressful, especially for young people. There are healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety that can increase one’s wellness, and practicing healthy coping skills can help shield someone from developing a substance use disorder. Resources and tips for young people and parents can be found at notamomentwasted.org and starttalkingnow.org.

Learn from others

In the state Department of Health’s recent blog, a recovered COVID-19 patient shared her story about what having COVID-19 was like and its repercussions. In short: it was brutal. What started with mild symptoms in a healthy 40-year-old mom of two, quickly turned into a trip to the ER. It took months to fully recover and her family got sick too, although their symptoms were more mild. She shared her story to let others know how “brutal” the illness can be, stating that “it is definitely something you don’t want to get.” Remember to mask up, keep a safe distance from others and take steps to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe and healthy.

 
Get moving when working from home

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the typical office job has changed drastically. Many are left without the office stairs to climb, the conference rooms across the hall, and the café down the street that made for a perfect coffee break stroll. UW Medicine has three easy ways you can stay active while working from home:

• Swap out your regular chair for a yoga ball, which will subtly encourage you to sit up straighter and work harder to stay balanced
• Make it a (fun) challenge. Set a realistic goal for yourself to do a certain number of exercises at home each day. If you hit your weekly goal, reward yourself with a treat of your choosing.
• Block out a few minutes each day to devote time to physical activity. Try taking a stroll around the block during your lunch break!

Remember those we have lost and support those who are struggling

Thousands in Snohomish County struggle with opioid use disorder, and too many are lost to overdose. Last year, more than 100 people in Snohomish County died of opioid overdoses. As of June this year, 86 people died in the county from opioid overdoses, with more than 60% of those deaths occurring between April and June - a time when many people struggled to adjust to the COVID-19 crisis. Join the virtual 4th annual “A Night to Remember, A Time to Act” event at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 31. The event takes place on International Overdose Awareness Day and is aimed at remembering loved ones, supporting those who are healing, providing people with information and resources, and working to reduce stigma around opioid-related deaths. More resources and information are available at snohomishoverdoseprevention.com.