COVID-19 Update for March 20th

COVID-19 Update for March 20th

– Derek Young, Pierce County Council

I want to start by saying that my heart goes out to the people affected by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. These are extraordinary times which can be stressful for everyone. But it’s also been inspiring to see the way people are supporting one another.

It also makes me proud as both a County Councilmember and Vice-Chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health, to see our staff and private sector partners rise to the challenge and work hard to protect us all. It’s difficult to respond to any emergency, but especially in a situation this fluid and widespread.

I’m also grateful for the way you have responded. We’ve not faced something like this since 1918, and the response from the public has been superb. I want you to know we’re working hard with the state and federal government to make sure we emerge this crisis better than ever.

It’s essential that you have the best, most up-to-date information available. There are three pages with the resources you need for our local and state response.

Pierce County has set up this page with updates related to county business, emergency operations, and resources for your family.

www.piercecountywa.gov/6759/Coronavirus-Impacts
 Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department handles the public health side of our response. They provide evidence-based guidance to other agencies, businesses, and the public.

www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/human-coronavirus

Many of the emergency orders you’ve seen have come from the Governor. You can find the latest from the State level here.

www.coronavirus.wa.gov

A drive-through testing site has been built at the Tacoma Dome. Starting this Saturday, first responders, healthcare professionals, those at special risk and those that work with critical public infrastructure (grocery stores, public utilities, etc.) will be able to conveniently drive through and get tested. If you are in one of the priority groups, you can complete an online survey to find out if you eligible for testing and to register. Find out details here.

I’m confident we’re up to this challenge. Please check in on each other. Be ready to help. Kindness goes a long way toward reducing the stress everyone is experiencing. People responding to the crisis, from store clerks to public health officials, are already exhausted. They need your patience and support to continue doing their jobs.

We’re going to get through this. Have faith in each other and the professionals working hard to keep us safe.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at derek.young@piercecountywa.gov.