An update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

This week Governor Inslee announced a ban on events with more than 250 people in attendance and closed all private and public schools in Washington State from March 17 through April 24, 2020.

We now have 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, in Pierce County and, thankfully, no deaths. I have been closely monitoring the situation and am pleased with the hard work and dedication of our Pierce County staff and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in continuing to serve our community.

It's important to remember steps you can take to protect yourself and your families. Continue to monitor the Health Department website often for up to date and accurate information (see link below).
https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/human-coronavirus

Make sure you get plenty of rest.
Wash your hands frequently. Rubs your hands together for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap.
Cover your sneezes and coughs.
Clean surfaces that are touched frequently.
Stay home if you are sick.

There are also things you can do to help others. If you are eligible to donate blood please do so, as giving blood is completely safe and donating saves lives. The link below will provide more information and can be used to schedule your donation.
https://www.bloodworksnw.org/about/news/coronavirus

While this situation is serious, I know that we will get through this together by remaining calm, being informed, and being prepared.

If you have any questions related to COVID-19, please call 253-798-6500.

Information for Pierce County businesses

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County are launching a series of regular conference calls to discuss the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. The calls will cover what is known to date about existing and emerging assistance to companies and employees impacted by COVID-19.

Please plan to join the first call and bring your questions. You can participate by conference call or through a webinar.

The call will include reports from:

Bruce Dammeier, Pierce County Executive
Jody Ferguson, Director, Pierce County Emergency Management
Gary Wescott, Pierce County Economic Development Department

When: 11:00 AM, Monday, March 16, 2020 Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: The COVID-19 Pierce County Conference Call

Telephone:
+1 669 900 6833 or +1 929 205 6099 (USA)
ID: 928 408 790
Or, iPhone one-tap:
US: +16699006833,,928408790# or +19292056099,,928408790#

International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adjnUSsGnK

Webinar:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/928408790
Webinar ID: 928 408 790

The Chamber and EDB will be hosting these calls at 11:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for as long as necessary. One exception will be Wednesday, March 18^th when the call will be at 10:30am and will feature Congressman Derek Kilmer outlining federal programs funded with the new stimulus package just passed. Watch for a separate invite to that e-meeting in the near future.

For information on the best sources of information to date: www.edbtacomapierce.org/COVID-19

Sincerely,

.