Most Recent Situation Report

In this section we are providing a summary of the current changes in the Situation Report.  For a PDF of the full Situation Report click on the link to the right.

Summary for April 1, 2020:

Current Virus Statistics:

The State data system is still down and new State data are not available to update the Virus Statistics in today’s report.  All figures below are the last available.

 ·     As of April 1st according to Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) a total of 48 of Vashon Island residents (98070 or 98013 zip codes) have been tested and 2 Vashon residents have been confirmed with the COVID-19 virus. 

·         NOTE: Federal law prohibits Public Health - Seattle & King County from releasing the names of patients (HIPAA Act). Public health experts say we should all assume the virus may be in our community and continue safe distancing and hand washing.

·         PHSKC reports as of April 1st that there are 2,496 confirmed COVID-19 cases, this is an increase of 166 from March 30th.  There have been a total of 164 reported deaths in King County, an increase of 14 from March 30th, about 6.6% of the positive tests. 

·         Washington State Department of Health reports that as of 11:59 pm March 29th, 93% of tests statewide have been negative for the virus (total of 60,566 negatives), there are 4,896 positive tests statewide.  There have been a statewide total 195 deaths, 4% of the positive cases.

    New Developments since Last Report:

    ·         Vashon Pharmacy has reduced hours to 10am-6pm Mon-Sat and Sun 11-1pm. Phone orders can be placed weekdays starting at 9am to get a head start and they continue to offer curbside and mail order services.

    ·         Saturday’s webinar briefing and town hall will be streamed to Facebook and no log in will be required.  Information on how to tune in and to submit questions will be released on Friday. VashonBePrepared and Vashon Island Fire and Rescue are holding the community event in response to the COVID-19 emergency. The briefing will open at 10:00am, Saturday, April 4th. Incident Commander Chief Charlie Krimmert will be joined by volunteers from the Emergency Operations Center. Most of the town hall time will be devoted to questions that can be submitted in writing.

    ·         Over 50 people have signed up for tomorrow’s first Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce / EOC webinar on Thursday April 2 from 9-9:45am.  The topic is SBA Loans & Payroll Protection Act: Overview, Options and Steps to Take for Your Business.  For more information or to register visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=sl4vwaoab&oeidk=a07eh050n9w5dfd3db2

    ·         The EOC Unemployed Worker Support Branch has arranged for a phone consultation service for those needing help in navigating the state unemployment system and understanding changes in eligibility related to the stimulus.  The newly recruited expert will also assist those needing to file tax returns under the new stimulus package tax rules. The expert, Deborah Diamond, is a long-time tax return prep volunteer on Vashon. To access the service email deborah@vashonbeprepared.org or call (206) 200-3236.

    ·         Executive Constantine will use $2.2 million in funding from the Puget Sound Taxpayers Accountability Account to provide child care at no cost to families of first responders and other essential workers at locations around the region. The program is available to residents who work or live in King County outside the City of Seattle. For details, call Child Care Resources at 1-800-446-1114.

    ·         UW Medicine and Bloodworks Northwest are seeking adult volunteers who have recovered from documented SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection to be considered for donation of plasma. If you are in general good health and have recovered from a COVID-19 infection, you might be able to help. If you might be interested to participate, email your name and contact information to covidplasma@uw.edu or call 206.520.4212 to leave a message.

    ·         Xfinity has made available their WiFi hotspots for free to anyone who needs them, including non-Xfinity Internet customers.  Hotspots located in customers’ homes are not opened to the public. Visit xfinity.com/wifi to find or use the Xfinity WiFi Hotspots.

    ·         The PHSKC COVID-19 help line has split to better serve callers.  For medical questions call 206-477-3977 and for non-medical questions call 206-296-1608

    Progress on Community Support Operations:·        

      ·         Community Engagement Branch: Preparations continued today for the community briefing and town hall webinar and Facebook gathering on Saturday morning, details to be announced on Friday. Work has started to assess the possible need for a unified community fundraising campaign to support the emergency response, details to come next week.

      ·         Households & Neighborhoods Support Branch: A comprehensive study is underway to develop systems for expanding food preparation and delivery capacity in the event a surge in cases exceed current capability of island groups. All options are being considered, ranging from using existing facilities of providers to establishing a central kitchen to support the service. Key elements include delivery to isolated households and gaining participation by NEROs to safely help their neighbors.

      ·         Business Support Branch: Preparations were completed for tomorrow's webinar on payroll protection plan and SBA loans. The Branch is working on a partnership to support nonprofits, possibly with the IsleGive coalition.

      ·         Unemployed Support Branch: Arrangements have been completed to offer individual phone consultations on unemployment benefits. The arrangement adds to the previously announced consultation service on health insurance.

      ·         Medical Support Branch: Software development continues to support the effort to stand up an island testing unit. VIFR contingency planning is underway for surge management if the number of hospital bound cases temporarily exceeds on island ambulance capacity.