This is just a quick update. Things are changing fast — there were multiple announcements today with significant changes. Most of these are just the announcements themselves. If I find additional news, I’ll update the diary or add it as comments.
New Closures and Restrictions
An hour ago, Gov. Inslee announced (emphasis added):
Inslee statement on statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and limits on size of gatherings expanded
Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement tonight that further expands protections against COVID-19.
“Given the explosion of COVID-19 in our state and globally, I will sign a statewide emergency proclamation tomorrow to temporarily shut down restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities.
“Restaurants will be allowed to provide take-out and delivery services but no in-person dining will be permitted.
“The ban will not apply to grocery stores and pharmacies. Other retail outlets will have reduced occupancy.
“Additionally, all gatherings with over 50 participants are prohibited and all gatherings under 50 participants are prohibited unless previously announced criteria for public health and social distancing are met.
“These are very difficult decisions, but hours count here and very strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the virus. I know there will be significant economic impacts to all our communities and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges.
“Tonight, after consultations with me and with the Department of Health, King County announced that they will be taking these actions immediately. King County has been the hotbed of this outbreak and has the largest population center in the state. I have spoken to Executive Dow Constantine and I applaud their decision to act quickly. We will do a joint media announcement with more details tomorrow morning.”
Additional News
In King County, some stores are closing or changing hours — check before you head out. I was just at a Trader Joe’s in Seattle, and they have reduced their hours.
REI is temporarily closing all stores nationwide.
After a great deal of careful consideration, we are temporarily closing our 162 retail stores nationwide starting tomorrow, March 16, until March 27. I believe that is the right thing for our community. In fact, I believe it is our duty—to do all we can to help keep one another safe in this unprecedented moment.
That also means all employees from these stores will be paid during this temporary closure. And, even with our stores closed, we will be working hard to do everything we can to continue to serve our customers. All orders through REI.com will get free shipping while our stores are closed.
WA waives costs for COVID-19 testing
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) are making sure residents don’t face financial barriers to COVID-19 testing when they need it. Insurance Commissioner Kreidler issued an emergency order to state-regulated health plans on March 5 to:
- Cover testing (including any lab fees) and the related visit for COVID-19 without copays or deductibles.
- Suspend any prior authorization requirement for treatment or testing of COVID-19.
- Allow enrollees to be treated by another provider within a reasonable distance at no additional cost if there are not enough in-network providers.
The copay and deductible waiver also applies to all high-deductible health plans with qualifying health savings accounts (HSAs), according to guidance from the Internal Revenue Service. This emergency order is in effect from March 5 through May 4, 2020.
Washington residents may still be charged for tests or services for other conditions that may occur during the visit. For example, if a resident is tested for other respiratory illnesses as well as COVID-19, they may pay a fee for the other tests. Going to the emergency room for COVID-19 testing may also result in a fee for the visit.
State-regulated health plans are overseen by the OIC and include individual health plans, small employer health plans, and some large employer plans.
The OIC does not regulate self-funded employer plans, Medicaid, Medicare, or health plans for federal employees, members of the military, or veterans. Nevertheless, some of these plans have chosen to waive copays and deductibles for COVID-19 to align with the emergency order. If you are unsure what type of health plan you have, contact your employer's human resources office.
If you get a bill from your insurer for COVID-19 testing or the office visit, file a complaint with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner by visiting insurance.wa.gov.
King County Metro Update on Transit Infection Control
At King County Metro, we’re dedicated to providing safe, equitable, and sustainable transit to our region. That’s why we’ve moved quickly and responsibly to respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19), guided by the directives of Public Health – Seattle & King County.
Because your safety is our first priority, I wanted you to know about the systems that are in place, the protocols we’ve recently upgraded, and our planning and preparation looking forward. We take very seriously our role in helping protect our community and connecting you to where you need to go.
After novel coronavirus emerged, we quickly transitioned to ensure that every bus, streetcar, and water taxi is disinfected by Metro’s crews every single day. Our trained team members focus especially on high-touch areas, including buttons, handholds, pull cords, rails, and stanchions. We’ve since shared these leading practices with other transit agencies across our state and the country to inform their responses.
Crews utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) apply Virex-II-286 in backpack sprayers on buses and streetcars. Water taxi interiors are disinfected after each commute.
At the direction of King County Executive Dow Constantine, Metro quickly set up its own Department Operations Center (DOC), effective Monday, March 2. The DOC grants Metro more flexibility to manage system changes, make real-time decisions, and increase capacity to respond to an evolving situation.
….
One of many contingencies we are preparing for is if fewer Metro employees are available to work on a given day and how to provide the best service possible in those types of scenarios.
In keeping with King County’s values, we do not take this planning lightly, and equity is always central in our decision-making. We will seek the least negative impact upon communities and geographic areas. And we will ensure that at-risk populations are prioritized.
Guided by Public Health – Seattle & King County, we’re also mindful of social distancing and avoiding crowding on buses. Reductions in ridership following the executive’s and the governor’s State of Emergency proclamations, recommendations from Public Health, increases in telecommuting, canceled large events, and school closures have resulted in our passengers having more room on buses and other transit vehicles.
For updates on any potential schedule changes and for all things Metro, I encourage you to sign up to receive Transit Alerts, to subscribe to our Facebook and Twitter channels, and to read our Metro Matters blog. As always, we encourage your feedback and are dedicated to continuous improvement.