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March 18, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the wake of a mostly divisive legislative session, I've been extremely pleased to see the cooperation between Republicans and Democrats in working to address the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). For example, the last bill we passed during session was HB 2965, which will appropriate $175 million from the state's rainy-day fund to assist with COVID-19 response efforts.

Over the past few weeks, I've spoken with Gov. Jay Inslee, Secretary of Health John Wiesman, Commerce Director Lisa Brown, and many others at the state and local level. Everyone is working to get on the same page in order to keep Washingtonians safe, healthy and financially stable.

In my conversation with Brown, I told her I believe the survival of small business is at stake, and that her agency will be critical in helping those who stand to lose everything. It's a message I'll continue to relay.

Of course it's not just government that's addressing this crisis. Families, communities, businesses and churches across the state have been stepping up and working to help those in need. It's been good to see, and it is my hope that we will all continue to support one another during this challenging time.

Earlier this week, House Republican staff put together a web page with critical information, along with resources and guidance, related to COVID-19. I hope it will be helpful to you and your family over the next several weeks. If you are looking for information that isn't listed on that page or below in this email, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at (360) 786-7912 or JT.Wilcox@leg.wa.gov.

Thanks, everybody. Be well and take care of one another.

Sincerely,
– J.T.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• What You Need to Know About COVID-19.
  • Symptoms
  • If You Are Sick
  • If You Are at Higher Risk
  • How It Spreads
  • How To Protect Yourself
  • Protect Your Family
  • Protect Your Home
  • Frequently Asked Questions
• Resources for the Community.
  • Travel
  • Guidance for School Settings
  • Resources for Businesses and Employers
  • Resources for Community – and Faith-Based Leaders
• COVID-19 Cases in the U.S.
• Latest Updates
• Information for Healthcare Professionals

Recent announcements and news releases from the Governor's Office and Department of Health:

• Inslee announces statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and expanded social gathering limits | March 16, 2020
• Inslee statement on statewide shutdown of restaurants, bars and limits on size of gatherings expanded | March 15, 2020
• Leave some for your neighbors: Don't buy more than you need | March 14, 2020
• State waives costs for COVID-19 testing | March 14, 2020
• Inslee announces statewide school closures, expansion of limits on large gatherings | March 13, 2020

Information for parents from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance & Resources
• Guidance for Long-term School Closures as of March 13, 2020
• School Closure FAQ
• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in K–12 Schools: A Parent Guide

Information for employers and employees

Governor's Office | Partial list of resources to support economic retention and recovery related to COVID-19:

• COVID-19 resource list for impacted Washington businesses and workers
  • Financial assistance.
  • Export assistance.
  • Employer and worker assistance.
  • Insurance assistance.

Employment Security Department:

• For workers and businesses affected by COVID-19
• COVID-19 | Scenarios & Benefits Available

U.S. Small Business Administration:

• Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
  • Guidance for Businesses and Employers
  • SBA Products and Resources
  • Government Contracting
  • Local Assistance

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Department of Labor:

• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

Department of Financial Institutions:

• Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
  • Accessing Your Financial Institution.
  • Unemployment Help.
  • Trouble Paying Credit Cards.
  • Trouble Paying Your Mortgage.
  • Trouble Paying Rent.
  • Student Loans Deferment.
  • Short Term and Emergency Loans.
  • Paying Utilities.
  • Insurance Issues.
  • Avoiding Scams.
  • At Home Financial Education Resources for Students.
  • Additional Resources.

Department of Labor & Industries:

• Workers' Compensation Coverage and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Questions
  • Can COVID-19 ever be allowed as a work-related condition?
  • When to file a claim.
  • When will a claim likely be denied?
  • How can I file a COVID-19 claim?
  • Filing a worker's compensation claim: Exposure vs. contraction of COVID-19
  • Quarantine.
  • Covered treatment and post-exposure care.
  • Additional information on COVID-19.

Office of the Insurance Commissioner:

• Coronavirus
  • Health insurance.
  • For insurers and medical providers.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Other types of insurance

Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) | Frequently Asked Questions
  • Food Safety.
  • Access to Food.
  • Pet Safety.
  • Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
• Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Program Guidance on Human Pandemic Response
  • Automatic State Flexibilities.
  • Additional USDA Authorities.
  • Partnering to Ensure Access to Food.
  • USDA Information.
  • Federal Resources.
• FNS Actions to Respond to COVID-19
  • Child Nutrition Programs.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
  • FNS Pandemic Guidance.
  • Additional Resources.
  • What's New.

Veterans

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:

• Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  • What is VA doing?
  • What should Veterans do?
  • How to protect yourself
  • VA COVID-19 Cases

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs:

• COVID-19 updates for family members and representatives of residents

Global Perspective

Johns Hopkins University & Medicine:

• Coronavirus Resource Center

As I mentioned above, if you are looking for information that isn't listed in this email, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at (360) 786-7912 or JT.Wilcox@leg.wa.gov.

It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

J.T. Wilcox