John's Vashon Preparedness Blog

Here is a fire and smoke map that updates hourly using a variety of sources, including satellite.

It’s centered on Oregon when you first pull it up, but if you scroll up you’ll find Washington. You can see the Sumner Grade Fire in Bonney Lake and the newer fire southeast of Enumclaw.

If you zoom out, you can clear see the entire west coast on fire. ☹

https://data.statesmanjournal.com/fires/

The Double Disaster: When the pandemic struck, it quickly became clear that our island community faced two emergencies. First, there was the need to fight the disease, help people understand how to keep themselves and their families safe. Second, our community was being hit by a devastating economic and emotional disaster.Islanders at Emotional Risk: At peak, a quarter of all Vashon workers had applied for unemployment benefits. A Chamber of Commerce survey showed that 40% of our businesses went dark. Schools sent kids home. Hundreds of families are worrying...

The following statement has been approved by a majority of VashonBePrepared Board Members. Thanks to our President Vicky de Monterey Richoux for crafting this.

In recent weeks we've witnessed devastating news of yet more innocent Black people being killed by police. Use of undue force has been used against peaceful protestors while they were exercising their First Amendment rights, further inflaming the situation. These events occur not in a time of relative political, economic, and social ease, but after months of fears, tensions, illnesses and deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Systemic racism combines with the COVID-19 pandemic, or any type of disaster, to result in far more dire outcomes for people of color, including:

History shows that, following any disaster, our most vulnerable neighbors...

The following is a great post recommended by Vashon’s Jinna Risdal, PhD, and the original link (with diagrams) is at:

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

Updated: May 20

Please read this link to learn about the author and background to these posts.It seems many people are breathing some relief, and I’m not sure why. An epidemic curve has a relatively predictable upslope and once the peak is reached, the back slope can also be predicted. We have robust data from the outbreaks in China and Italy, that shows the backside of the mortality curve declines slowly, with deaths persisting for months. Assuming we have just crested in deaths at 70k, it is possible that we lose another 70,000 people over the next 6 weeks as we come off that peak. That's what's going to happen with a lockdown. As states reopen, and we give the virus more fuel, all bets are off. I...

· Registration has started for reopening workshops being put on by the Chamber of Commerce. Fifteen of the workshops have been scheduled over the next two weeks. They are designed to aid local businesses and organizations open up under the Phase 2 safety conditions set by the Governor. The planning workshops will help businesses reduce risk to staff, ensure customers feel safe and secure, and give business operators confidence that they are following best practices to protect our community’s health. The free workshops are offered by Vashon Chamber of Commerce and are being funded by VashonBePrepared. Each participant will receive a toolkit that will including masks (provided by Masks for Vashon), sanitizer, floor signs for six foot distancing, and signage for the establishment's safety commitments. One option in the free toolkit will be plexiglass sneeze shields fabricated by volunteers from the Makerspace/Tool Library group. Visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/re-opening-round-tables/...

The following is a collection of thank you notes that the community has sent to VashonBeprepared! We are honored to be recognized.

P.R.That is outstanding news! Makes me feel even better than ever about living on Vashon. Together, we will make it through!

Y.M.(volunteer too!)That's amazing we've raised that much amount in short time! And yes, the time people are giving to help others are wonderful. I'm grateful for the Vashon community.

M.M.P.Thank you for the incredible work you are all doing. The daily bulletin alone is a huge effort and representative of so much of your work. We are so lucky to live on this beautiful island!

L.G.I am pleased to hear that over $200,000 has been raised so far. It is my privilege to be in a position to help islanders and our community.

...

The White House attempted to bury CDC’s scientific guidance, but it was made public though a leak.

Here is the full text of the Draft COVID-19 reopening guidance from CDC, titled “Guidance for Implementing the Opening Up America Again Framework”. Or as a PDF document.



Interim Guidance for Child Care Programs The reopening of child care programs is crucial to helping parents and guardians return to work. Many States have closed schools for the academic year and, with summer quickly approaching, an increasing number of working parents may need to rely on these programs. CDC’s Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs and supplemental Guidance for Child...

In talking to each other, we can help ourselves and each other, even at a distance.

I am moved to action by the words of spiritual care provider Tom Craighead, a retired Episcopal Priest/Social Worker:

I think of countless souls who simply need someone to be with and hear them. Facing an uncertain future or the threat of loss, many people instinctively want to talk. They may not know what they need. They might need to vent, to feel their anger, fear, or grief by speaking it. Talking helps them find their emotional footing. It often helps ground and calms them. Talking can also reconnect a person with themselves,...

In this time of uncertainty, it may be difficult to find the support you need to take care of your families. Fortunately, many government programs have expanded their eligibility requirements due to the coronavirus pandemic. For a full list of state programs that you may qualify for, fill out this survey on Washington Connection. If you are looking for one of the following specific services, please download the King County COVID-19 Resource Guide...

From Public Health – Seattle & King County yesterday comes the following insight into our short term future with regards to social distancing.

How long will social distancing continue? •The modeling done by IHME at the University of Washington is somewhat reassuring, but the conclusions are not certain.•It doesn’t show what happens if people stop complying or are not as effective as they assume.​•Our success at distancing has limited the number of people that have been infected, and that also means most of us remain susceptible to the virus.•If...

Vashon has been struck by a silent, devastating earthquake.More than 1,000 of our neighbors have lost their jobs.4 out of 10 Vashon businesses have shut down & many may never open again.Our cherished nonprofits are struggling to feed and shelter our most vulnerable.Click Here for the Relief Fund Giving Page. We Must Act Now to Save the Vashon We Love.Responding and recovering from this crisis will require a major long term recovery movement to make a big difference. The Vashon COVID Relief Fund aims to raise $425,000 for short and long term RELIEF and RECOVERY.We have already raised $170,000 and now it’s your turn.Our island community needs your help. The...

Vashon’s second COVID-19 Town Hall will take place Saturday, April 25, from 10 am to 11:30 am. It will have a panel of island experts joining Fire Chief Charlie Krimmert and leaders of the all-volunteer Vashon Emergency Operations Center to answer questions about COVID-19 and the island’s response to layoffs, business closures, food availability, testing, transportation issues and what happens when Stay Home restrictions ease.  View the Town Hall live in English at http://Facebook.com/backbonevashon/live or http://Vashonresilience.org,...

Vashon Town Hall: The next island wide COVID-19 Briefing and Town Hall will be on Saturday April 25^th from 10-11:30am. A live Spanish translation will be available. Work continues on technology to support the town hall online viewing, instructions will be released tomorrow. In advance of the meeting, please send your questions to townhallquestions@vashonbeprepared.org

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held Thursday April 22^nd from 9-9:45am, the topic will be Grant Writing in a Nutshell presented by Allison Shirk. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/

Emergency Funds ($500) for Food Service Workers - The Plate Fund is distributing $500 grants to King County food service workers who have experienced a reduction in hours or been laid off.

http://theplatefund.com/apply

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held Tuesday, April 21^st from 9-9:45am, the Chat will be an Open Forum discussion on challenges facing Tenants and Landlords. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/.

SBA announced that it is out funds after only two weeks, and is not accepting applications from small businesses.  1,637,000 applications valued at $339 Billion were accepted.  This affects island business looking for relief through Payroll Protection Program.  Applications for the PPP funds commenced April 3.  Applicants were initially taken only from for profit entities.  Nonprofits applications followed the following week.

Congress continues to debate additional funding.

-- From Sam Williams

For Vashon Nonprofit organizations: The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held on Thursday April 16th, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The topic will be the new federal Payroll Protection Program and other aid that can help non-profit organizations with Jay Williamson and Lynn Greiner. For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/.

The following is from the Washington Employment Security Department

1. Find out what you’re eligible for.  Visit esd.wa.gov/unemployment and download the eligibility checker.  Eligible for regular unemployment insurance (UI)? Apply as soon as possible!  Before you...

Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-Employed: April 14th (Tuesday) 9:00 am - 9:45 amVashon Island Chamber Chat COVID-19 Business Resource SeriesThe Vashon-Maury Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the EOC is hosting a series of webinars focused on issues facing our business community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chamber Chat COVID-19 Business Resource Series #4: Navigating Tax Stimulus and Unemployment Benefits for Employees and the Self-EmployedDeborah Diamond, retired IRS Governmental Liaison, will review the federal Tax Stimulus payments for individuals, provide an overview of unemployment options (standby/furloughed/laid offs) and discuss the employers' role. Review how to prepare an expanded benefit application for self-employed and 1099 workers.Learn More/Register https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg…...

The Chamber of Commerce webinar series, Chamber Chat, will next be held on Tuesday, April 7th from 9-9:45am.

Tuesday's topic is An Accountant’s Perspective on Payroll, FMLA and SBA Loans with Chris Hunt.

For more information or to register visit https://www.vashonchamber.com/.

On Thursday April 9th the topic will be Setting Up an Online Store & Getting the Word Out w/ Katie Hermanns.

Vashon Island residents will have access to COVID-19 testing for residents whose medical care provider – on or off island - has referred them for a test. Testing will start April 7th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. operating on weekdays as the availability of testing materials allows.The Vashon Covid-19 Testing Project will use a simplified procedure that minimizes exposure of patients and volunteer staff and the need for precious personal protective equipment. Vashon Island is particularly at risk because clinics and first responders have limited capacity, the island lacks an urgent care clinic or emergency room, and there are many high-risk residents. Testing focuses public health efforts on isolating and supporting infected individuals so they do not infect others. “Testing helps us identify who has the virus. Once we know who has the virus, we can contact others who have been exposed and test any of those with symptoms. The providers who make the referral are a critical part of this tracking. This is the fastest and...

Details have been finalized for viewing and participating in Saturday's community wide briefing and town hall.

Vashon Fire Chief Charlie Krimmert and members of the Vashon Emergency Operations Center will hold a web-based town hall community briefing on Coronavirus and Covid19 on Saturday, April 4, from 10 am to 11:30 am.

The event will be presented in both Spanish and English. If you’d like to submit questions, email them to townhallquestions@vashonbeprepared.org.

You can view the town hall live online via http://www.vashonresilience.org. The event is being produced in partnership with Backbone Campaign, VashonBePrepared and Voice of Vashon.

10 Things to Manage Your Health at Home

English pdf icon[1 page] | Spanishpdf icon | Chinesepdf icon | Vietnamesepdf icon | Koreanpdf icon10 things you can do to manage your health at homeIf you have possible or confirmed COVID-19:Stay home from work, school, and...

Sorry folks this was published last Saturday and only now is getting posted to this site. Next updates will happen on a timely basis!

Date: March 21, 2020

SUMMARY

Vashon Island’s volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) has established the COVID Testing Steering Committee exploring options for testing island residents for COVID-19. Humans have no immunity and currently no medications are available. Vashon Island has no cases confirmed by Public Health – Seattle and King County (PHSKC).

Local physicians explore COVID testing for Vashon Island residents

STORY

The Vashon Island’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) has established a COVID Testing Steering Committee. The committee...

An excellent summary of what WE ALL CAN DO to help slow the COVID-19 impact is in this new CDC approved tri-county Mitigation Plan.

Every one should read this!

Click here to download “CDC’s Recommendations for the next 30 days of Mitigation Strategies for Seattle-King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties based on current situation with widespread COVID-19 transmission and affected health care facilities”

Bottom...

Recommendations for people at high risk for complications from COVID-19 (i.e. older than 60 years, have chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, or who are pregnant) and families who live with them: Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies. Create a household plan of action (see CDC’s home plan checklist). Avoid close contact with people who are sick.Avoid crowds and other congregate settings. Try to avoid being in large groups of people, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.Clean your hands often. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after...

o Information on management of isolation in the community for patients who test positive for COVID-19: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDcasepositive.pdfo What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19):https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/COVIDexposed.pdfo For guidance on minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in food establishments, visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novelcoronavirus/food-establishments.aspxThe...

March 5, 2020SummaryPublic Health has specific advice for people who have been confirmed with COVID-19, have been around someone with COVID-19, or are feeling unwell but haven’t been in close contact with someone with COVID-19. With respect to testing, Public Health – Seattle & King County does not typically conduct testing. Testing is typically conducted by taking a swab at a health care provider’s office.StoryIn King County, we currently have reported 51 confirmed cases of COVID-19. We are likely to see many more cases of COVID-19 in the coming days and weeks. Symptoms of COVID-19 typically include fever, cough or shortness of breath. Here is guidance on what to do:What to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19Restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. Do not go to work, school or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, taxis, or ride-share. Monitor your symptoms and call before visiting your doctor. If...

4 March 2020SummaryLocal health officials announced new guidance to King County residents aimed at reducing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. While all residents can take steps now, people with underlying health conditions are urged to follow recommendations to avoid large gatherings of people.StoryLocal health officials announced today new recommendations to King County residents aimed at reducing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. We understand these actions will have a tremendous impact on the lives of people in our community. We are making these recommendations in consultation with CDC based on the best information we have currently to protect the public's health.This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County and these measures can potentially impact the spread of the disease.Public Health is recommending, but not requiring, the following steps:People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public...