This week our nation passed the heartbreaking milestone of over 500,000 lives lost to COVID-19. Nearly 5,000 of those lives were Washington state residents. My heart goes out to every family who has lost someone they love. It’s a grim reminder that although infection rates are going down, we are still living with a very serious virus. As hard as this is, we can - and will - get through this. It continues to be of utmost importance for us to be vigilant with our physical distancing, masking and good hygiene practices. Recent months have shown that working together as a region, we are making a dent in the rate of infection, hospitalizations and deaths. These efforts, along with the rollout of vaccines and improved access to testing are helping us gain the upper hand in this pandemic. Thank you for all the work you are each doing to protect yourselves and our community.    

#InItTogether

Everett Fire has joined efforts with other Snohomish County fire agencies and partners as part of the Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce to help administer vaccines. Under the Snohomish Health District’s coordination, they’ve administered COVID-19 vaccines at several senior living facilities. Chief DeMarco joined his vaccination team to help with this vital mission.

March 2021 is Everett Restaurant Month

The City of Everett is launching Everett Restaurant Month to celebrate Everett’s amazing culinary scene with great deals like three-course meals for just $30 per person and more. The restaurant industry could use some support and we all could use a little something to spice up our routines. So get your appetite and stretchy pants ready – March is going to be delicious!

Rethink Housing forum on building housing

Community members are invited to the third and final Rethink Housing forum: building housing on Thursday, March 4 at 4 p.m. Join us and keynote speakers from for-profit and nonprofit housing developers, legislators and housing providers. Learn about how households gain wealth and stability, how gaps in housing supply at all price points happen, the impact of COVID-19 on housing production and what can be done to address the issues. Learn more at everettwa.gov/rethinkhousing.

 
2021 State of the City

In case you missed it, Mayor Cassie Franklin delivered her 2021 State of Everett address at Economic Alliance Snohomish County's virtual event on Jan. 28. In her address, the mayor shared her vision for Everett, discussed ways the City will continue to support businesses and the community as we recover from the pandemic, and outlined her 2021 priorities: COVID recovery, good governance, housing for all, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Watch the full address or read the transcript. 

Follow the City of Everett to stay up to date

Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery

Earlier this month, the Puget Sound Region (Snohomish, King and Pierce counties) entered the second phase of the state's Roadmap to Recovery plan, which allows for more activities such as dining in at restaurants, and even bowling and ice skating. Every week the state Department of Health analyzes data and progress across four key metrics to determine each region's phase for the following week. Due to progress the state has made in COVID-19 case rates, the Roadmap to Recovery is currently paused and regions will not move backward or forward in the reopening plan for at least two weeks. The pause will be used to develop phase three of the reopening plan.

Governor Inslee signed $2.2 billion COVID relief bill

Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1368  earlier this month, which allocates $2.2 billion in federal funding given to states in response to the ongoing COVID emergency. The bill provides millions of dollars in relief funding for schools, public health efforts, rental and utility assistance, small businesses, childcare, food programs and income assistance. 

Snohomish County COVID-19 vaccination update

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

Paycheck Protection Program loan applications open for small businesses and nonprofits

U.S. Small Business Administration opened a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application period on Feb. 24 exclusively for small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees for a 2-week period. This is part of an initiative by the Biden-Harris Administration to improve the PPP program  which also includes: allowing sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals receive more support through PPP; eliminating some exclusionary restrictions that prevented small business owners from obtaining relief; and ensuring access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents.

Borrowers can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program by downloading the First Draw PPP loan application or Second Draw PPP loan application and working with a participating PPP lender through the SBA Lender Match tool.

 
Advice to help young adults through COVID-19 challenges

The stresses brought on by the pandemic have been felt by just about everyone, and young adults are dealing with those challenges too (and then some). Entering adulthood is usually an exciting time with graduations, entering the workforce, being in a relationship or starting a family, but many young adults have experienced these milestones in less-than-traditional ways due to the pandemic, or may have had to put them on hold all together. Add that to the health, social and financial challenges of COVID-19 and it can be a lot to handle. The state Department of Health has prepared guides  for parents and mentors who want to help.

 
Heating and power assistance available

The Snohomish County Energy Assistance Program (EAP) has reopened, until further notice, for scheduling phone appointments for March and April 2021. The program offers eligible households assistance with paying their heat bill. People can call the EAP phone line at 425-388-3880, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., to schedule a phone interview. Eligibility requirements apply and COVID assistance is also possible.

 
New vaccine resource hub

The state Department of Health launched a COVID-19 vaccine resource hub to provide community members with up-to-date and reliable information about the COVID-19 vaccine in Washington. Visit covidvaccinewa.org to find a wide range of resources about the vaccine, including the latest information about vaccine distribution, locations and safety. There are also free, expert-led webinars about the vaccine, online tools to see when you are eligible, FAQs and more!

Know that you’re not alone and help is out there

If you feel depressed or anxious right now, know that you are not alone. Millions of people in Washington are feeling it too. It helps to understand depression and anxiety, including the symptoms, how to cope and when to get help, so you can take care of yourself and the people you love. Understanding both depression and anxiety can help you take steps to feel better. See the recent blog post  from the state Department of Health for more on identifying depression and anxiety, and small steps that can make a difference.

 
Watch out for COVID vaccination scams

People are eager to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but it is very important to check reliable sources for information on how to get your vaccine, such as  the Snohomish Health District, the Washington State Department of Health and your health care provider. Remember that you should not be asked to pay out of pocket to reserve a COVID vaccine or make an appointment. Snohomish County and the Health District put together some great reminders to help you learn how to spot (and avoid) vaccination scams:

Share how COVID-19 has changed your use of public transit

Community Transit wants to know what you think about riding transit during COVID-19 so they can learn how COVID-19 may have changed your use of public transportation. The survey is brief, anonymous and open until March 7. You could win one of five $100 gift cards for your participation! Your feedback will help Community Transit meet public transportation needs, improve transportation options, and improve communications with the communities they serve. Take the survey.

Stay smart after you're vaccinated

The Snohomish Health District wants to remind folks who have already received the vaccine about how they can stay safe and healthy. The COVID vaccine is safe and effective, but no vaccine offers 100% protection, and it will take time to vaccinate enough people for widespread immunity. Even if you’ve gotten both doses, it’s important to keep up the same preventive measures we’ve been relying on throughout this pandemic. Don’t let your guard down yet and remember to keep practicing your three Ws: wear your mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.