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Jon Manley: Coronavirus updates: Inslee discusses mental health resources for Washingtonians; Tacoma shelters face new challenges

News Tribune - 9/18/2020

Sep. 18--The Washington state Department of Health on Thursday reported 386 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths.

Pierce County reported 28 cases Thursday and one new death. Pierce County has a total of 162 deaths likely caused by COVID-19 as of Thursday, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

Statewide totals from the illness caused by the coronavirus are at 81,198 cases and 2,031 deaths, up from 80,812 cases and 2,020 deaths Wednesday. Washington's population is estimated at about 7.6 million, according to U.S. Census figures from July 2019.

Twenty-four people with confirmed COVID-19 cases were admitted to Washington state hospitals on Aug. 29, the most recent date with complete data. Late March had two days with 88 people admitted, the highest numbers to date during the pandemic.

On Sept. 6, the most recent date with complete data, 4,708 specimens were collected statewide, with 3.2% testing positive. The average positive test rate for the seven days prior was 3.4%. More than 1.69 million tests have been conducted in Washington.

The test numbers reflect only polymerase chain reaction tests, which are administered while the virus is presumably still active in the body.

King County continues to have the highest numbers in Washington, with 21,148 cases and 750 deaths. Yakima County is second, with 11,213 cases and 255 deaths. Pierce is third with cases at 7,425.

All counties in Washington have cases. Eleven counties have case counts of fewer than 100.

Inslee talks about mental health resources for Washingtonians during disasters

Gov. Jay Inslee and mental health experts talked Thursday about the importance of Washingtonians seeking help when they need it and looking out for one another during disasters.

"The ongoing pandemic, the historic protests for change, the wildfires, the bad air quality, the loss of our loved ones -- people are fighting for their lives, their livelihoods and their homes," Inslee said during the virtual press conference. "It's a lot to take in, and that's tough."

He said it's normal not to feel OK and that it's important to look for signs and symptoms in ourselves and others that it's time to ask for help.

The state Department of Health says more than 3 million Washingtonians will likely have "clinically significant behavioral health symptoms during this time," he said. About 7.6 million people live in Washington, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Census.

People experiencing stress can call the Washington Listens support line at 833-681-0211.

Tacoma homeless shelter has new role in COVID-19 pandemic: Helping to educate kids

Tacoma Rescue Mission executive director Duke Paulson said homeless service providers have had a challenging few months of trying to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak, shelter folks while practicing social distancing and ensure meals are prepared and "to-go."

"There's so many crises right now. There's ones on the horizon that aren't even thought of. We're always reacting to something," he said.

Paulson didn't realize until a few weeks prior to school starting that the Adams Street Family Campus would become an ad hoc school. Traditionally, the emergency shelter has focused on providing immediate needs like food, shelter and reducing the barriers that cause homelessness.

The shelter estimates between 60 to 70 school-aged children are residing at the campus.

Washington state COVID-19 guidance for weddings and funerals has been updated

Gov. Jay Inslee updated guidance for weddings and funerals in phase two and phase three counties Wednesday under the state's Safe Start plan.

The guidance says receptions can resume with restrictions.

Both receptions and ceremonies are limited to 30 people or 25 percent of a venue's occupancy. The smaller os those two numbers applies.

Tables are limited to five people, and indoors they must seated by household.

Masks and social distancing are required.

"The host of the wedding service or funeral is strongly encouraged to keep a log of attendees, and to retain that log for at least two weeks," the guidance says. "If an outbreak occurs, this information may be critical for contact tracing to help save lives."

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