This fund is managed by Pacific County Immigrant Support. It is supported and funded by the All In WA COVID-19 Relief Fund and donations to Pacific County Immigrant Support.
​One-time direct payments will be made:
• $500 for Households with children under 18
• $250 for Households without children under 18
MIXED STATUS HOUSEHOLDS: As of 12/21/20 all households with adults of mixed legal immigration status are eligible for the new federal stimulus payments – as well as the original 2020 payments. These families need at least one adult member with a Social Security Number and can claim the original stimulus payment when they file their 2020 tax return.
To apply for the relief fund, you must:
• Be a Pacific County resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Experienced hardship due to the pandemic
• You and other household members are not eligible to receive federal stimulus funds or unemployment insurance
Your information will not be shared with any other entities.
You can apply by:
Calling (360) 783-6003 between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM
Print Application, complete and mail it to:
Pacific County Immigrant Support
PO Box 156
Long Beach WA 98631
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FEBRUARY 7, 2021
​

News Release
For immediate release: December 16, 2020    (20-251)
Media contact: Ginny Streeter, Communications, 360-810-1628
Public inquiries: State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline, 1-800-525-0127

A new back-to-school plan: State releases updated guidance around in-person learning

​OLYMPIA –
Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released updated metrics to help local leaders and school officials make decisions about in-person learning and the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the school environment.
Changes to the metrics include revisions to the COVID-19 incidence rates to consider when making decisions about who to prioritize for in-person learning.  We’ve also included further clarification that local leaders also should consider test positivity and trends in cases and hospitalizations to inform decisions about expansion of in-person learning
“The changes to our school metrics are based on emerging research and data gathered by state and national health education officials and the early experiences of schools in Washington state and the nation,” said Deputy Secretary of Health for COVID-19 Response Lacy Fehrenbach. “The changes recognize with robust health and safety measures in place, transmission in the school setting appears to be limited.”
“Today we are taking a step forward in getting school children back in the classroom,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “The science has shown, and our school officials have proven that with diligent focus on health and safety measures, it is possible to bring children back to the classroom while also protecting our students, staff and community from further transmission of COVID-19.”
In addition to the updated metrics, DOH announced an increased focus on the health and safety measures that are required by law for the provision of any in-person learning in private or public K-12 schools. Some of those measures include:

• Protect staff and students at higher risk for severe COVID-19 while ensuring access to learning.
• Group students (required in elementary, recommended for middle and high school students).
• Practice physical distancing of 6 feet among students and staff.
• Promote frequent hand washing or sanitizing.
• Promote and ensure face covering use among students and staff.
• Increased cleaning and disinfection.
• Improve ventilation.
• Screening students and staff for symptoms and signs of COVID-19

Testing and contact tracing are key capacities that need to be in place to rapidly respond when there are cases among the school population to curtail transmission. DOH is also releasing guidance on COVID-19 testing in the K-12 school populations. This guidance helps local school and health leaders decide on who, how, and when to test/screen K-12 students and staff.
The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection. 
###

For immediate release: December 14, 2020    (20-247)
Media contact: Public Information Desk, 360-236-3529
Public inquiries: State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline, 1-800-525-0127
Washington state to host webinars on safety, development of COVID-19 vaccinesExperts to answer most common questions ahead of vaccine availability
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health today announced that we, in partnership with The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Latino Center for Health, will host two online panel discussions to answer frequently asked questions about vaccines in the era of COVID-19. The webinars will feature trusted medical experts from around Washington state, such as virologist Dr. Larry Corey, M.D., who has been integral to Fred Hutch’s COVID-19 vaccine research and Phase III trials, along with physicians who administer vaccines every day.
“Thanks to dedicated scientists around the world including here in Washington, we have our first COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer. “These presentations are one of the many ways we can help Washingtonians get scientifically accurate information so they can make well-informed decisions about the vaccine.”
The 60-minute webinars, one presented in English and one in Spanish, will take place at the following times:
English Language Event
Making Sense of Vaccines During COVID-19
December 15, 5:00 p.m.
Partner: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Panelists:
Dr. Larry Corey
Dr. Ben Danielson
Dr. Gretchen LaSalle
Moderator:  Louis Shackelford
Registration: Link here
Spanish Language Event
Vacunas contra el COVID: Verdades, mitos y preguntas
December 17, 6:30 p.m.
Partner: Latino Center for Health
Panelists:
Leo Morales, MD, PhD
Matías Valenzuela, PhD
Julian Perez, MD
Santiago Neme, MD, MPH
Moderator:  Pablo Gaviria
Registration: Link here
Washington residents can register for each webinar in advance and submit their vaccine questions. For those unable to attend, a link to a recording of the webinar will be emailed to those who registered.
In partnership with the federal government, the department will begin distributing COVID-19 vaccine this week. The department is currently working with local health jurisdictions and tribal entities along with vaccination clinics, additional vendors and many others to begin making the vaccine accessible to Washingtonians.
Washington residents can read the latest version of Washington’s distribution plan here, along with the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and safety measures.
The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection. 

Washington State Department of Health
Nov 10 · 3 min read

When Susan was diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Spring, she was a healthy woman in her late 30s with no underlying health conditions. Six months later, she’s still experiencing symptoms. Stories like hers are part of the landscape shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Susan’s symptoms began in mid-March, when she developed a low-grade fever. When she didn’t feel better within a week, she made a virtual appointment with a local clinic. The provider diagnosed a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics. Her fever went away for a few days and she felt better.
Five days later Susan’s fever returned. Soon she was having trouble breathing. “My voice was crackly, my chest hurt when breathing,” she said. However, she didn’t feel tired or weak. She then developed a significant, crushing pain in her chest. “It felt like an elephant sitting on my chest.”
Susan called a health care provider, but they weren’t seeing patients with COVID-19 symptoms. She found a clinic offering virtual appointments and they prescribed albuterol, an asthma medicine.
By April 1, Susan was getting worse. She was finally tested for COVID-19. During the eight-day wait for test results she said she felt like “it was the end of my days.” Not getting any better, she went to a local emergency room and was isolated. Susan wasn’t given a COVID-19 test in the ER because one was pending with another provider. They sent her home and advised her again to take the albuterol. Her test came back positive a few days later.
The COVID-19 diagnosis and persistent symptoms left Susan feeling constant anxiety. “I was panicking day in and day out because of my husband and kids, wondering how COVID will affect them, knowing that some of them have underlying health conditions,” she said.
Susan’s husband and three young children contracted COVID-19 in March, just after her symptoms appeared. All had a fever, sore throat, and muscle and body aches, but they recovered by the end of the month. Susan’s low-grade fever lasted 45 days, well into April.
Despite her concern for her family, Susan’s children and husband have regained their health and are doing well. Not so for Susan. She still struggles to breathe. An x-ray of her lungs five months after her diagnosis showed that her lungs are clear. She was referred to a pulmonologist for further follow-up.
“What if I get a cold or flu now?” she said. “Could I be more susceptible to something like that since I still have lingering COVID effects? Knowing that there’s still something going on with my breathing makes me wonder.”
Susan also received a variety of reactions from people during her illness. Some friends and acquaintances think the pandemic is a political hoax. While most have been respectful, others have disregarded the seriousness of her illness.
It’s thoughts like these that prompted Susan to share her story. Her hope is that those who doubt the seriousness of this disease will see things from a different perspective and follow the masking, social distancing, and other public health guidelines to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. It can impact anyone, young or old, whether you have underlying health conditions or not.
COVID-19: Stories from the FieldOur COVID-19: Stories from the Field series highlights the efforts of public health professionals and public servants who serve and collaborate to support a healthy Washington during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More informationStay tuned to our blog for more information on how you can help stop the spread of COVID-19. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.
Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact our the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday — Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday — Sunday. Language assistance is available.
Please note that this call center cannot access COVID-19 testing results. For testing inquiries or results, please contact your health care provider.

FOR BUSINESSES & NON-PROFITS

Pacific County CARES Grant Assistance for Small Business & Non Profit Organizations Affected by COVID-19
Up to $10,000 grants to for small business and nonprofits in Pacific County.  Please note this is the 2nd round of CARES Grants from Pacific County.  Those who applied the first time and who submitted a COMPLETE application do not have to re-apply. Full details:  https://co.pacific.wa.us/covid-19/cares/index.html
 
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund: For Health Care Providers
The Provider Relief Fund supports healthcare providers in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPPCHE), the federal government has allocated $175 billion in payments to be distributed through the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). Qualified providers of health care, services, and support may receive Provider Relief Fund payments for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue due to COVID-19. Separately, the COVID-19 Uninsured Program reimburses providers for testing and treating uninsured individuals with COVID-19.
These distributions do not need to be repaid to the US government, assuming providers comply with the terms and conditions. Full details: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-providers/index.html#how-to-apply
 
Washington Youth Development Nonprofit Relief Fund
The Washington State Dept of Commerce is partnering with School’s Out Washington to implement the Washington Youth Development Nonprofit Relieve Fund.  This one time investment will provide 9.3 million to youth development programs/organizations that have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and which support young people who are furthest from educational justice.  Applicants must be Washington-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations or be fiscally sponsored by a 501 (c)(3). Applicants must have provided youth development services to youth (ages 5 to 24) prior to March 2020; and are currently providing or plan to provide services to youth through in-person, virtual, or direct support through December 2020.  Applicants must be experiencing a negative fiscal impact as a result of COVID-19. Full details:  https://youthdevrelief.schoolsoutwashington.org/
 
Washington Arts Commission CAREs Act Funding
The Washington State Department of Commerce and the Washington Arts Commission have partnered to provided federal CARES Act funding to art and cultural organizations impacted by COVID-19. Grants are available up to $10,000 each, no funding match is required.
-Applications will be accepted between September 28, 2020 and October 23, 2020
-Funds must be expended by December 31, 2020
Full Details: https://www.arts.wa.gov/cares-act-grants/

​FOR INDIVIDUALS

Eviction Rental Assistance (ERAP)
Rental Assistance to help pay up to 3 months of rent. Must have missed one rent payment since March 1st and be under 50% of the Area Median Income to qualify. All funds must be spent by the end of December. More info: rentassistance@co.pacific.wa.us
 
Emergency Solutions Grant COVID (ESD-CV)
Additional funds expected in October to provide emergency shelter, rental assistance, utility assistance, application fees, eviction prevention. More information to come soon.

By Rubina Kapil on September 16, 2020

Starting a new school year is an exciting time but can also be a stressful one. Preparing for a new grade level, joining a new classroom and making new friends can cause feelings of anxiety and fear. This year adds COVID-19 to the mix, as children and youth face challenges such as physical distancing in schools and virtual learning.
That’s why it is important that as a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you are prepared to support the youth around you as they begin the next school year.

Use these tips from the Youth Mental Health First Aid Curriculum to help young people take care of their mental health when going back to school.

1. Ask how they’re doing. Youth may hesitate to initiate a conversation about their worries and concerns. Check in with them and encourage them to share how they feel. When having this conversation, it’s important to listen nonjudgmentally so the young person understands they can talk freely about their problems and feelings.
2. Give reassurance. Provide emotional support and understanding, empathize with how the young person feels and voice hope. Remind them that you and those around you are taking steps to be prepared and safe.
3. Provide practical help. Helping with daily tasks can help a young person feel more prepared and secure. This can include helping to pack their bag the night before school, preparing lunches together, and talking through the next day’s schedule.
4. Develop a routine. Try to establish a school-day routine to help your child adjust to waking up early and going to bed on time. If you’re teaching, in a virtual or physical classroom, help your students establish a daily routine as well so they know what to expect.
5. Be a role model. If, despite the many unknowns, you appear calm and confident about the upcoming school year, your kids will too. Use these self-care strategies to take care of your own mental health so you can be the best role model for the youth around you.

For more information on how to support young people, please visit these resources:

1. Five Ways to Manage Your Back-to-School Mental Health
2. Tips to Help Children and Youth Take Care of Their Mental Health During COVID-19
3. Talking to Your Kids About COVID-19

​If you are worried that your child may be experiencing overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression, consider reaching out to a primary care physician or mental health professional for additional information and support.
Learn more about how you can #BeTheDifference with Youth Mental Health First Aid.

COVID-19 Update, September 28, 2020

Good afternoon! The state Department of Health (http://www.doh.wa.gov/) wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19 as well as guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers.

Winter is coming
COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person in crowded indoor spaces—especially if we hang out for a long period of time and talk. We have learned this summer that small outdoor gatherings are much safer than indoor gatherings.

But we are about to get chilly. We need to start thinking about how we will see our friends and family, stay warm and dry, and protect ourselves from COVID-19.

Every bit of risk reduction matters. When our risk goes up in one way, like because the kids return to school, or we gather with some friends indoors, we need to do everything we can to reduce our risk in other ways.

• Get your flu shot. In the fall and winter we spend more time in crowded indoor places, and that’s why fall and winter are traditionally cold and flu season. With flu, at least we have a vaccination to help reduce our risk. Get your flu shot and take one thing off your worry list. There’s no vaccine for the common cold, but all that hand washing and physical distancing we are doing will help protect us from colds as well as from COVID-19.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Not sure if you have a cold or the flu or COVID-19? Don’t let cold and flu season discourage you from getting tested for COVID-19. If you have a new cough or fever or other COVID-19 symptoms, contact your health care provider and see how you can get tested for COVID-19. Oh, and if you are really unlucky, you can have flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Doesn’t that sound miserable? (Get your flu shot!)
• Stay outdoors as much as possible. Consider how you and a few of your friends can get together outdoors even in cold or rainy weather. Maybe you can meet at a park with a large covered area like a gazebo. Do you or your friends have a large porch or outdoor area you can protect with a tarp? Brainstorm outdoor activities you can do with a good raincoat and a thermos full of a hot beverage. Apple picking? Pumpkin patch? Watch the salmon spawn?
• Keep the air fresh and moving. When you do come inside with others who are not typically part of your household, open the windows and make sure you keep outdoor air coming inside and moving around. This helps dilute and disperse any virus that anyone may be exhaling. Wear cozy sweaters, wrap yourself in a blanket, and keep the air fresh.
• Keep your distance. As you think of areas to stay warm with a friend or two, be sure that these areas allow you to stay at least six feet away from people who are not a part of your household. How big is that gazebo at the park? How many people can you fit on your deck and still be six feet apart and out of the rain? How many people can reasonably sit six feet apart in your living room?
• Cover your face. If you are going to bring people into your home, insist on cloth face coverings as much as possible. There is ever increasing evidence that a combination of physical distancing and wearing cloth face coverings protects us and our loved ones.

Numbers. The latest numbers are on our webpage. As of 11:59 p.m. on September 26, 86,269 people in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, 7,455 people had to be hospitalized, and 2,100 people (or 2.4%) have died of the disease. More COVID-19 data can be found on the DOH website and in the state’s risk assessment dashboard.

Practice compassion. Keep the number of people you see in person very small. Don’t forget to call or text folks you haven’t been able to see to say hello and keep in touch! Social connection helps all of us stay happy and healthy!


​Don't forget your flu shot!
Lauren

 


Would you like to subscribe to this update? You can do so here.
Contact: Lauren Jenks, Department of Health Assistant Secretary, 360-259-0374
Department of Health call center: Call 1-800-525-0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday - Sunday.


Please check our website for the most up-to-date info on Washington’s response to COVID-19 at www.doh.wa.gov/coronavirus. 

A survivor’s tale

Washington State Department of Health

Aug 26 · 
Charlotte* doesn’t remember much of March. She doesn’t even remember getting the positive COVID-19 test. She remembers thinking maybe she was having allergies in the beginning of March, but by the end of that week she “got really sick really fast.”

When Charlotte started having trouble breathing, she was taken by ambulance to Swedish Hospital and put in isolation. When she arrived at the hospital, her breathing was so bad that she couldn’t even blow out a candle.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include things like body aches, fever and chills.

Charlotte lives in King County. She’s in her early 40s and has no underlying health conditions. Since she wasn’t considered to be at high risk for getting seriously ill with COVID-19, she wasn’t too concerned about getting it. That all changed quickly.

Shortly after Charlotte got sick, her husband and both her kids also got COVID-19. Like most people, her husband and kids had mild illness and recovered just fine in about two weeks. Mild illness can be pretty miserable though. Charlotte’s husband had a high fever and severe body aches which had him in bed for almost a week.

Along with her breathing troubles, Charlotte had a low-grade fever, diarrhea, lost her sense of taste and smell, and had body aches that she described as much, much worse than those you might get with the flu. Her recovery has had ups and downs, but the most severe symptoms lingered about a month. Months later, she is better, and working again, but still recovering. Even now, she finds herself completely exhausted by the end of her work day.