We’re all in this fight together; important information and resources on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

March 20, 2020

During this incredibly challenging time for our state, country and world, it is incumbent on all of us to support one another and work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This virus has done a lot of damage, both to people’s health and financial well-being, but I have no doubt we’re going to defeat this unseen enemy and come back stronger than ever.

Seeing the cooperation between federal, state, and local government agencies over the past several weeks has been heartening. And when Congressman Newhouse, Sen. Brown, Rep. Klippert, and I met with PNNL scientists earlier this week, it was great to learn they are working around the clock to fight COVID-19.

But nothing has moved me more than seeing our heroes in the medical field work 24/7 to take care of the sick and vulnerable, and restore people back to health. We are extremely blessed to have so many people with servant hearts and attitudes helping those in need.

Speaking of needs, I received an email yesterday from Michele Roth, Executive Director for the American Red Cross in Central and Southeastern Washington. She informed me that 4,500 Red Cross blood drives have been cancelled across the country, so they’re facing a significant shortage of blood donations.

“Although COVID-19 has consumed most of the country’s attention, we still have cancer patients, babies born with Sickle Cell Disease, and accident victims who will need and are counting on blood donations,” she wrote. “Every two seconds, someone needs blood and there is no substitute. Blood cannot be manufactured and does have a shelf life, so we are doing all we can to communicate the need to keep the supply up during these uncertain times.”

If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Finally, I wanted to provide you with links to critical information, resources and guidance on COVID-19 that I hope will be helpful to you and your family over the next several weeks. If there is information you’re looking for that is not listed below, please get in touch with me at (360) 786-7986 or Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov.

We’re going to get through this together, 8th District. Please be safe, stay strong, support one another, and help bring calm to our community by not spreading unsubstantiated rumors that seek to spread fear.

It is an honor to serve each and every one of you.

Sincerely,
Matt

General information

Washington state’s official COVID-19 site:

General guidance from the Department of Health:

  • Novel Coronavirus Fact Sheet
    • Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
    • Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

Department of Health:

  • Call center | 1-800-525-0127
  • 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.
  • 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)
    • Symptoms and Testing.
    • Resources and Recommendations.
    • Current Situation in Washington – What’s the current risk?
    • 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington.

Health Care Authority:

Updates from the Governor’s Office:

Teach with TVW:

Contact information for local health departments and districts

Department of Health:

Recent announcements and news releases

Recent announcements and news releases from the Governor’s Office and Department of Health:

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) | K-12 schools

OSPI:

Universities and colleges

Washington State Council of Presidents:

Washington State Community and Technical Colleges:

Independent Colleges of Washington:

Employers and employees

Governor’s Office | Partial list of resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19 coronavirus:

Employment Security Department:

U.S. Small Business Administration:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Department of Labor:

Department of Revenue:

Department of Financial Institutions:

  • Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
    • Accessing Your Financial Institution.
    • Unemployment Help.
    • Trouble Paying Credit Cards.
    • Trouble Paying Your Mortgage.
    • Trouble Paying Rent.
    • Student Loans Deferment.
    • Short Term and Emergency Loans.
    • Paying Utilities.
    • Insurance Issues.
    • Avoiding Scams.
    • At Home Financial Education Resources for Students.
    • Additional Resources.

Department of Labor & Industries:

Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave:

Office of the Insurance Commissioner:

  • Coronavirus
    • Health insurance.
    • For insurers and medical providers.
    • Travel insurance.
    • Other types of insurance

Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

Military & Veterans

U.S. Department of Defense:

Washington Military Department:

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs:

Other federal agencies

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:

If you are looking for information that isn’t listed above, please get in touch with me at (360) 786-7986 or Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov.

It is an honor to serve you.