COVID-19 Resources

The situation surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly changing and affects every aspect of life in state right now. CAPAA is compiling relevant information here, and will continue to provide updates as they take place. We hope the information here is helpful to you and those in your networks. Feel free to share widely, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly with any questions you may have. The latest numbers are on the Department of Health’s webpage, which is updated daily. You can also find more information at the official Washington State COVID-19 response page at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/.

Protect APA Workers in Response to COVID-19: APA Labor Alliance Resources

In Washington State, all public employees will continue to be paid during this time. However, without federal policies guaranteeing paid sick leave and adequate health insurance coverage for all workers, many working people are effectively prevented from following the CDC’s guidance to stay home when they are sick.

Check our APALA’s tool kit in its entirety here. Also check out AFL-CIO’s COVID-19 outbreak resources.

           

“We’re stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. Take advantage of these resources to prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma.” – Anti-Stigma Resources, Seattle & King County Public Health Department

During this time, you can help reduce stigma and bias against people, as well:

  • Speak up if you hear, see, or read stigmatizing or harassing comments or misinformation.
  • Show compassion and support for individuals and communities most closely impacted and anyone who might be sick.

Resources to combat stigma and discrimination can be accessed at Public Health’s webpage. Click here to access anti-stigma resources. *CAPAA has requested this information be translated into traditional & simplified Chinese. CAPAA also requested that all Coronavirus health updates be coupled with anti-stigma and anti-racism messaging.

Read this blog post co-authored by WA State CAPAA Executive Director Toshiko Hasegawa and WA St. Secretary of Health John Wiesman: It takes all of us to reduce stigma.

 

Commerce announces $1.8 million to rural counties for COVID-19 pandemic response

Food, rental assistance, small business support, health services among eligible uses of funding to 17 rural Washington counties

OLYMPIA, WA — Washington State Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown today announced $1.8 million in additional state Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to rural counties to assist people and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awarded through the Economic Opportunity Grant program, these funds can be used at the discretion of county authorities to meet a variety of emerging local needs, such as providing food and rental assistance, small business support and health services. Counties provide for these and other urgent needs through partnerships with local service providers.

Funding to the following counties is estimated, pending approval of state and local distribution plans.

County Service Area Grant amount
Asotin Asotin $ 46,397
Benton Benton, Franklin $ 79,061
Chelan Chelan, Douglas $ 71,990
Cowlitz Cowlitz, Wahkiakum $ 83,951
Grant Grant, Adams $145,270
Grays Harbor Grays Harbor, Pacific $127,912
Jefferson Jefferson, Clallam $132,517
Kittitas Kittitas $100,280
Klickitat Klickitat, Skamania $ 83,819
Mason Mason, Lewis $126,878
Okanogan Okanogan $101,585
Skagit Skagit $  77,155
Stevens Stevens, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille $108,325
Walla Walla Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield $ 53,821
Watcom Watcom $154,946
Whitman Whitman $118,927
Yakima Yakima $187,165

The state CDBG program receives an annual funding allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist rural communities to meet local priority needs. Since 1982, the state CDBG program has awarded over $525 million in grants to over 1,500 locally prioritized community development projects. Larger cities and counties receive CDBG funding directly from HUD, and are not a part of the state CDBG program.

For detailed information about CDBG, please visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov/cdbg. Contact Kaaren Roe, CDBG Section Manager, at (360) 725-3018 for assistance.

The Washington State Human Rights Commission recently released a guidance document on COVID-19 and Compliance with Non-Discrimination Laws, which contains information on reasonable accommodations, the Governor’s proclamation on high-risk employees, and more.

Race and national origin discrimination:

An employer, business owner, or housing provider cannot treat anyone differently based on their race or their national origin. To fire someone from a job, refuse to hire them, refuse them service at a business, or refuse them housing due to their race or national origin is illegal discrimination. It is also illegal discrimination to allow harassment of someone in the work place due to that person’s race or national origin. Unfortunately and unfairly, many Asians and persons of Chinese descent are becoming targets of race discrimination due to the pandemic and the inaccurate and racist term “Chinese flu”. Anyone, of any race or national origin, can become sick from COVID-19 or can carry the disease. Be professional and rely on expert sources for information, such as the CDC and Department of Health. Practice kindness at this time, and do not let yourself or your employees take discriminatory actions due to baseless fears. We are all in this together.

If your workforce is facing layoffs:

  1. An employer should be able to justify and show a legitimate business need for the layoffs. Generally, an economic downturn or temporary shutdown of your business (such from restrictions due to COVID-19) will justify that business need.
  2. Consider alternatives, such as telecommuting.
  3. Make a plan
    • Determine numbers of affected employees
    • Determine which divisions, positions, jobs, or functions will be eliminated or downsized (at the beginning stage, never make decisions about which
      individual employees will be laid off).
  4. Inform employees about the impending layoffs:
    • Give a general notice to the workforce and the Union – explain if the layoff is temporary or permanent, when it will take place, and generally
      what the company expects to happen.
    • Abide by the Collective Bargaining Agreement if one is in place.
    • Abide by the provisions of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) if applicable (Contact the US Department of
      Labor for more information on the WARN Act).
  5. Evaluate employees, using objective, job-related guidelines and criteria:
    • Talent and experience that is consistent with business necessity
    • Past performance
    • Special skills that are consistent with business necessity
    • Seniority or longevity
    • Rank individuals if you have reliable and objective performance related data
    • Rank employees within groups of employees who do similar work; be sure to include all employees who do the similar types of work within the same
      group (in other words, do not try to shelter a favorite employee from the layoffs by not including them in the group that will be laid off)
    • apply the same procedures and criteria to everyone
    • avoid the temptation to protect an employee or certain employees from the layoff by not evaluating them, by not including them in the group of potential layoffs, or by transferring them out of a job just before a layoff; this is a red flag that you are treating some people differently.
    • Be fair and use good faith; make decisions free from any bias
    • Ensure that all of the data used in making the decision is free from bias

DOL takes steps to protect the health and safety of customers and employees: Starting Monday, March 23, more customers are able to renew their driver licenses and identification cards online. Those unable to complete their transaction online can make an appointment to visit a DOL office. https://licensingexpress.wordpress.com/2020/03/20/dol-takes-steps-to-protect-the-health-and-safety-of-customers-and-employees/

REAL ID enforcement date postponed indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic: President Trump announced Monday that enforcement of the REAL ID Act has been postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. This decision is expected to promote social distancing in the months ahead by reducing the number of people visiting driver licensing offices to obtain compliant identification. https://licensingexpress.wordpress.com/2020/03/24/real-id-enforcement-date-postponed-indefinitely-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic/

Our charge is to keep delivering as many of our services as possible in a manner that’s safe for the public and our employees. Our Communications and Outreach team has been working with ethnic media outlets to ensure all our Washington residents stay informed. Should you have questions or concerns, please let us know.

We know abuse and violence thrives in isolation.

API Chaya is open dedicated to serving. We know many people are staying home more, and have less access to community and other resources via work and other daily routines (commute, gym, social activities, etc). We know our mental, spiritual and physical health is impacted and interconnected. We know that disabled communities have been building up care networks and resources for a long time, and our work continues that legacy.

API CHAYA IS OPEN
We have moved to remote operations. We are available on our helpline (1-877-922-4292) and office line (206-467-9976) from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

After hours resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center: 1-888-998-6423
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

May we as a community continue to put collective care into practice, we hope this resource can support this practice.

Assistance filling out forms in-language

Chinese Information Service Center can assist you in filling out forms and applications necessary to qualify for COVID-19 support. Visit their webpage at https://cisc-seattle.org/covid19/ to access resources or connect directly with staff that can help you!

Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)’s Community Services Division will begin administering a Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP) in response to the Governor’s declaration of a statewide emergency. The DCAP is available for one month, in a 12-month period, to all Washington families and people without children, who meet income and resource rules and who are not eligible other cash programs, such as:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) cash
  • Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA)
  • Unemployment Compensation, or
  • Paid Family & Medical Leave through ESD or their employer.

Citizenship status is not an eligibility criteria for DCAP. The program is not a public charge program since it is disaster relief.

Benefits available to workers impacted by COVID-19

The Employment Security Department has just adopted a series of emergency rules to help people who are affected by COVID-19 and have a temporary layoff, isolation and quarantine for workers and businesses. Check out their website to see what benefits might be helpful to you.

If you’d like to access these resources in another language, please call 1-800-318-6022 and request free interpretation services in order to receive additional information about employment security information & COVID-19.

Other available resources

The Governor’s Office has compiled a list of resources to support employers and workers who have work or economic problems related to COVID-19. This includes information on:

  • Possible paid leave options
  • Employers experiencing work stoppages
  • Export Assistance
  • And more

Online Fundraising for Non-Profits

This difficult time presents the opportunity to get creative about online giving. Courtsey of Chris Davenport from Digital Fundraising Conference, the following link provides some timely tips to consider regarding the online giving experience. Of course, evaluate your own process and see what’s right for you and your donors and organizations:

https://digitalfundraisingconference.com/4-part-series-make-donors-feel-special

Non-Profit Funding and Resources

Small Business Resiliency Assistance

The state ethnic commissions are partnering with the state Department of Commerce to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate technical assistance to for small business owners from culturally and historically disadvantaged communities.

Technical assistance can include:

  • Finding and help applying for assistance to help your business right now, whether you are open or closed
  • Translation assistance
  • Navigating local, state and federal resources
  • Business coaching

If your business has been affected by the COVID pandemic and you need help identifying next steps, you can contact one of the organizations listed below to email or speak with a business coach.

StartUp Washington COVID-19 Resources

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s StartUp Washington has a page of COVID-19 Resources available for small businesses, which they updating as more resources become available.

Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants

Gov. Jay Inslee announced that he is setting aside $5 million of the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund for a new emergency grant program that offers small businesses up to $10,000 to offset losses caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Working Washington Small Business Grant program is open to any Washington state company that has:

– Been in business for at least one year;
– Has up to 10 employees; and
– Is in good standing with state agencies.

Working Washington grants can be used to reimburse a business for qualifying expenses such as consulting, marketing and training or for operational expenses including rent, supplies/inventory and utility bills.

http://startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/covid-grants/
Click the “translate” button at the bottom of the page to access information in several different languages.

Applications are reviewed locally by the state’s network of local associate economic development organizations (ADOs), listed here, and forwarded to Commerce and the Governor’s Office for final approval. Commerce is also providing business resiliency assistance by partnering with organizations like Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), who can help translate information and assist people in completing materials that are required in English.

Washington counties now eligible for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) is offering some Washington state counties low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses that are suffering substantial economic injury due to coronavirus.

Small businesses that qualify are encouraged to apply online for a disaster loan (www.sba.gov). If you don’t have a computer or smartphone access, call the Small Business Administration at 800-659-2955.

Information in other languages:

Japanese – COVID-19 insurance information for businesses (PDF, 169.89 KB)

Khmer/Cambodian – COVID-19 insurance information for businesses (PDF, 182.16 KB)

Korean – COVID-19 insurance information for businesses (PDF, 100.46 KB)

Punjabi – COVID-19 insurance information for businesses (PDF, 198.89 KB)

Tagalog – COVID-19 insurance information for businesses (PDF, 142.86 KB)

Vietnamese – COVID-19 insurance information for businesses (PDF, 202.25 KB)

Simplified Chinese – COVID-19 insurance information for businesses (PDF, 171.04 KB)

Traditional Chinese – COVID-19 insurance information for businesses (PDF, 187.42 KB)

City of Seattle Small Business Stabilization Grant Opportunities

Applications for Small Business Stabilization Fund impacted by #COVID19 are now in Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Spanish, and Somali. Grants will be awarded in an amount up to $10,000. Visit the website for more info.

Grant money may only be used for the operating expenses of the awarded business. The operating expenses are defined as the day-to-day trading operations of the business such as covering payroll and rent.

Businesses must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply:

(1) the business owner must have low- or median income (≤80% of the Area Median Income);

(2) the business must have 5 or fewer employees, including the owner(s);

(3) the business must have a physical location (i.e. brick and mortar; food trucks, vendors, etc.) and

(4) The business must have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19.

Learn about the new recovery package to ease financial impacts of COVID-19

After outreach to small business owners and community stakeholders, Mayor Durkan announced new initial actions to provide immediate relief for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including a deferral of B&O taxes, an expansion of the Small Business Stabilization Fund, assistance with accessing SBA Loans, relief for utility payments, and a new Small Business Recovery Task Force. Learn more.

Join weekly small business webinars

The City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development is supporting small businesses by holding weekly calls to share new developments, hear about the impacts you are experiencing, and answer your questions. Register to join Wednesdays from 11:00am to 12:00pm.

Other available resources

The Governor’s Office has compiled a list of resources to support employers and workers who have work or economic problems related to COVID-19. This includes information on:

  • Possible paid leave options
  • Employers experiencing work stoppages
  • Export Assistance
  • And more

Renters

  • Gov. Jay Inslee on March 18th announced a 30-day statewide moratorium on evictions for residential tenants.
  • The Governor also called on utility companies to suspend disconnections for nonpayment during this emergency; waive late fees for customers who are out of work or offer customers payment plans; and expand bill assistance programs for customers who are economically impacted by this emergency.

Shelters

  • For those needing shelter and housing assistance, the Department of Commerce recommends using the list of Coordinated Entry access points during the COVID-19 crisis.  New resources appropriated by the legislature for addressing the sheltering and quarantine needs will be quickly deployed to jurisdictions and local Coordinated Entry systems.  New resources to address homelessness not tied to the COVID-19 response will be deployed soon as well.
  • Youth shelters -HOPE Centers (temporary residence centers for street youth under the age of 18) are waiving length of stay limits until 30 days after the governor’s enacted state of emergency is lifted. This waiver will ensure no one displaces youth residing in the HOPE program during this crisis.
  • For an example of what shelters are doing to create social distancing space, meet the needs of people who are sick and ensure wellness of staff and guests, Seattle’s Downtown Emergency Services Center keeps their website updated on the latest their organization is doing in coordination with Seattle and King County.

Food

  • Recently released clarity to the intent of the Governor’s emergency orders with regard to hunger relief efforts.
  • Meal Programs – as to Proclamation 20-13, the Governor views meal programs as akin to restaurants.  They may operate so long as they limit service to drive-through, take-out, and grab and go options.
  • Food Banks/Pantries – the Governor exempted grocery stores from Proclamation 20-13, and food banks/pantries are intended to be treated similarly to grocery stores, where people obtain food supplies and then disperse.  Though these establishments may continue to operate, they must strive to limit the spread of COVID-19 by enforcing social distancing, sanitizing, hand-washing, and other CDC/DOH guidelines.
  • Churches – though Proclamation 20-14 prohibits certain social, spiritual, or recreational gatherings, churches may continue to be open to provide services to the public, including food programs, so long as those programs comply with Proclamation 20-13, e.g. grab and go or take-out options.  Providing human services is viewed as distinguishable from its social, spiritual, or recreational activities.

Health Insurance

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) announced that it will require insurers to waive copays and deductibles for testing for COVID-19.

If you don’t have health insurance, contact the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (www.wahealthplanfinder.org) to find out if you qualify for free health coverage (www.hca.wa.gov) or to apply during the current special enrollment period for individual health insurance.

In response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) announced a limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. This special enrollment period (SEP), that runs through May 8, 2020, will allow uninsured individuals to enroll in health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Auto Insurance

Some auto insurers are offering refunds or discounts during the COVID-19 crisis, since many people are driving less. Many are also allowing additional coverage for delivery drivers.

If you haven’t heard from your auto insurer or aren’t sure if you get a refund or discount, contact your insurer. If you are conducting delivery for a business during the state of emergency and aren’t sure if your auto policy covers you for that use, contact your insurer.

Other Resources

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner also has information available regarding travel insurance, property insurance, business and commercial insurance, and event cancellation insurance. For more information, visit their Coronavirus page or sign up for their newsletter.

The Washington State Broadband Office just announced over 300 drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the state! This is part of a statewide initiative to bring free public broadband internet access to all residents. Internet access is necessary for remote work, distance learning, telehealth services, and accessing basic resources. This is an exciting development in bridging the digital divide and a step towards equity in access.

Launching primarily as parking lot hotspots in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the free community Wi-Fi is accessible regardless of how users arrive at the locations. Some sites also offer indoor public access during business hours. Everyone using the sites – outside or inside – must practice social distancing and hygiene precautions, including staying in your vehicle or at least six feet from other users and wearing a mask if necessary.

Each hotspot will have its own security protocol. Some will be open and others will have Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) safe security installed.

To find a map of hotspots, go to https://www.commerce.wa.gov/…/washington-state-drive-in-wi…/

For more information, go to https://www.commerce.wa.gov/…/drive-in-wi-fi-hotspots-laun…/

While public health officials and hospitals fight the pandemic, everyone is also fighting an “infodemic.” We are seeing a lot of news constantly, especially surrounding COVID-19, and misinformation is spreading just as quickly. Problems facing individual communities and racial/ethnic minorities are also often left out of mainstream reporting, even as we see racial and economic disparities play out in real time.

To combat these issues, Equity Matters is compiling racial equity focused articles from journalists of color.

To fight back the infodemic, remember to always get your information from trusted sources. More information on 2019-nCoV, including prevention, hygiene, travel, and more, can be found online at the following reputable sources:

Governor Inslee recently laid his Safe Start plan for a phased reopening of the state’s economy. Washington state is currently in Phase 1, with construction and other essential activities underway. The additions such as outdoor activities and additional sales and retail activities begin Tuesday, May 5. When the state moves to Phase 2, all components of Phase 1 will continue.

Community members have relayed to the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) incidents of hate targeting people of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) ancestry during the COVID-19 pandemic. We urge all victims of hateful acts to take the following actions:

Get medical help, if necessary.

Write down all details of the crime as soon as possible after the incident. Include the perpetrator[s] gender, age, height, race, weight, clothes and other distinguishing characteristics. If any threats or biased comments were made, include them in the report.

Make a report. Report the incident to your local law enforcement. If victims do not want to go to the police, submit a report to the local Civil Rights/Human Rights Task Force in your area). State, county, and city governments and other organizations often have a place to report acts of hate and discrimination including, but not limited to, the resources listed below:

  • Washington State Human Rights Commission
    Under the law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination at work, in housing, in a public accommodation, or when seeking credit and insurance. Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on protected class status may file a charge of discrimination for employers, housing providers, and businesses.
  • King County Office of Civil Rights
    This office has authority to handle discrimination complaints only for King County government and for employers, housing providers, and businesses in the unincorporated parts of King County (outside the cities).
  • Seattle Office for Civil Rights
    This office upholds laws that protect you against discriminatory harassment in housing, employment, or public places within Seattle city limits.
  • City of Spokane’s Human Rights Commission
    This is the appropriate point of contact if you reside in the City of Spokane.
  • Spokane County Human Rights Task Force
    This is the appropriate point of contact if you reside elsewhere in Spokane County.

Report the incident to one of the following entities to help educate the public on what’s happening and shape policy. You can go to:

  • Stand Against Hatred
    Asian Americans Advancing Justice is tracking incidents of bias. By sharing what you experienced or witnessed, you can educate the public, empower others, show service providers where help is needed, and strengthen advocacy efforts for hate crimes response and prevention.
  • AAPI Hate Incident Form
    OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates is dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Submitting hate incidents through this form will help us OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates monitor hate towards AAPIs across the country.
  • Stop AAPI Hate
    Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON) and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) have launched this reporting center to allow community members to report incidents of hate they have experienced. Individual information, including personal identification details, will be kept confidential and will only be shared with permission. In the aggregate, the information will be used for assistance, advocacy and education. Forms available in English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Khmer, Thai, and Japanese.

Finally, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has a guide for victims of hate crimes: What to Do If You’ve Been The Victim of a Hate Crime.

The state Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19 as well as guidance and resources you can share with others in your networks. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.

Schools closed statewide. Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent Chris Reykdal announced that schools will be closed from providing traditional, in-person instruction throughout the remainder of the school year. This closure is intended to interrupt the spread of COVID-19 in the state. This is bound to be a stressful time for families needing to find a safe place for their children quickly. Some things to remember as you navigate these unprecedented challenges:

  • Remember to practice techniques that work for you to manage your own stress. Sleep, exercise, good nutrition, meditation. We need to make sure we stay healthy and resilient in the face of such a stressful time.
  • Because our elders are at high risk of severe disease from COVID-19, please be respectful of people over age 60 trying to isolate themselves at home. Even if they are your parents. And even if they are begging to provide childcare. For the health and safety of the loving grandparents, consider whether it’s possible for your family to find an alternate source of backup childcare.
  • Remember that teenagers, who are also out of school right now, make great babysitters!
  • Consider whether you can support working families in your neighborhood by sharing care of small groups of kids.
  • Take the kids outside as the weather gets warmer and enjoy our parks instead of crowded indoor spaces.
  • Pay attention to your particular school district and the services they are offering. Some schools are finding ways to continue to provide lunch or on-line learning

For More Information:

Take the same steps to protect yourself from novel coronavirus as you would to reduce your risk of catching any respiratory virus:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your face – including eyes, nose, or mouth – with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes, in your elbow or into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect “high touch” objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, faucet handles, railings, and shared keyboards.
  • STAY HOME if you are sick or symptomatic, and seek healthcare if needed.

Xenophobia and stigma around Asian American businesses have been keeping people away from supporting small businesses and restaurants in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District for months now.

Some business owners have reported a 60% decline in business. Some owners are even having to have the hard conversations of laying off employees or closing their doors.

Showing up and supporting AAPI businesses is something all of us can do to help those directly impacted by anti-Asian stigma, all the while eating and shopping at incredible establishments.

Washington counties have been pushing for more COVID-19 testing to properly treat those who have it and to help prevent the spread of the disease. Please consider getting tested if:

  • You are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
  • You might have contacted a person who has COVID-19.
  • You could not maintain safe physical distance from others at a gathering.
  • You are a member of the hardest hit communities—Black, Latinx, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Island, American Indian, Alaska Native.

Testing dates and locations:

King County: Free COVID-19 testing available regardless of immigration status or insurance, open to anyone who cannot access a test through their regular healthcare provider. Interpretation services available.

Pierce County: Contact your healthcare provider to get tested.

Snohomish County: Testing available by appointment only. Available to individuals to are exhibiting symptoms, came into contact with a someone who has COVID-19, or have testing required for health care, employment, or travel.

Spokane County: Individuals exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 may be eligible for testing. Individuals without symptoms who have been exposed to COVID-19 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Yakima County: If you are experiencing symptoms, call your primary care provider for testing. If you don’t have a primary care provider you can call 2-1-1 or call the locations below for screening and possible COVID-19 testing.

For the languages we don’t have currently, please contact the King County or Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Centers. Operators will be able to connect with a third-party interpreter. (Contact information below.)

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance also has a directory of translated COVID-19 resources.

Translation Services

The Employment Security Division (ESD) has information available in Punjabi, Chinese, Korean, Laotian, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. If you need assistance in a non-English language, call 800-318-6022 and ESD will arrange translation services for you at no charge.

Webinars

If you have questions on unemployment, the Unemployment Law Project is hosting webinars and has resources in Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, Hindi, and Laotian.

Eligibility Trackers

See if you qualify for regular unemployment benefits, or for expanded unemployment benefits related to the COVID-19 pandemic:

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all Washington residents ages 12 and up! If you or a loved one have not yet been vaccinated, there’s an easy way to find vaccinations near you! The Washington State Department of Health has a Vaccine Locator page available, or you can call 1-800-525-0127. Language assistance is available. 

If you or someone you know is homebound and not able to leave the house to get the COVID-19 vaccine, homebound vaccination services are available through this survey: https://redcap.link/WA_HomeBasedVax.

COVID-19 vaccination information has now been translated into 39 languages. We hope the following information is helpful to you and your networks.

For individuals looking to get vaccinated, translated materials on getting vaccinations is available here: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/ResourcesandRecommendations#Vaccine

Organizations and community partners can find translated fact sheets, infographics, social media graphics, and more at https://coronavirus.wa.gov/partner-toolkit/covid-19-vaccines-questions-answers

The CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommend:

  • People 18 years and older who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series should get a booster shot at least two months after their last dose.
  • People who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series and are in the following groups should get a booster shot at least 6 months after completing the primary series (first 2 doses):

The CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also recommend the following groups may get a booster shot at least 6 months after completing the Pfizer or Moderna primary series (first 2 doses), based on their individual benefits and risks:

May be an image of text that says 'COVID-19 Am I eligible for a booster shot? Who? If you received a Pfizer or Moderna series: years and older >Age 18+ who live in ong- term care settings >Age 18 who have underlying underl medical conditions Age 18+ who work or live high risk settings you received a J&J vaccine: >Age 18+ When? east months after Pfizer or Moderna >At least 2 months after J&J Which booster shot do get? You may have preference, but you can get any booster shot. FIND OUT MORE AT CDC.GOV & VACCINES.GOV CDC 326630-BE'

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a memo to state agencies detailing a new language access plan that will ensure state agencies can provide vital COVID-19 information to individuals with disabilities and with limited English proficiency.

CAPAA is proud to have contributed to this plan, which was created in response to the community’s outcry for better access to translated materials and interpretation services. All agencies must immediately take steps to implement the plan, which consists of three primary components:

  1. Identifying “vital resources” related to COVID-19 and having them translated into the top 37 languages spoken in Washington State, including 23 commonly spoken APA languages.
  2. Establishing phone interpretation services for those calling in and needing in-language support
  3. Creating a multi-lingual employee pool, and seeing staff financially compensated for providing translation and interpretation services.

This is a monumental step for Washington State in improving access to government resources, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, and addressing the deepening difficulties we’ve heard our communities are experiencing. You can read the full plan here.

The Washington state Governor’s Office secured funding to translate every cabinet agency’s vital information related to COVID-19 into the top 37 languages spoken by individuals with limited English proficiency in Washington state—these are languages spoken by at least 5% of the state population or 1,000 people. According to 2016 data from OFM, these languages are:

1. Spanish
2. Vietnamese
3. Russian
4. Ukrainian
5. Tagalog
6. Somali
7. Korean
8. Arabic
9. Punjabi
10. Cambodian
11. Chinese (simplified)
12. Chinese (traditional)
13. Marshallese
14. Samoan
15. Hindi
16. Amharic
17. Japanese
18. Telugu
19. Urdu
20. Lao
21. Romanian
22. Tigrinya
23. Farsi
24. Tamil
25. French
26. Nepali
27. Hmong
28. Chuukese
29. Mixteco
30. Swahili
31. German
32. Pilipino/Filipino
33. Burmese
34. Thai
35. Oromo
36. Karen
37. Portuguese

Resource Hubs:

More information on 2019-nCoV, including prevention, hygiene, travel, and more, can be found online at the following reputable sources:

Questions? Try the new nCoV Call Center.

Washington State expanded its call center so we can answer more of your questions quicker! The call center is available 6:00 am – 10:00 pm 7 days a week.

The Washington call center can answer questions about the Novel Coronavirus, how it spreads and what to do if you have symptoms. Call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

King County also now offers a coronavirus call center. The helpline is open from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. everyday. Dial 206-477-3977.

*Interpreter services available upon dialing.

The Department of Health and its partners, Birds Eye Medical and Color Health, are launched a new free telehealth option to increase access to free COVID-19 oral antiviral medication.  This new option builds upon the Federal government’s Test to Treat initiative and gives people another way to quickly access free treatment for COVID-19.

There are two options to set up a telehealth appointment – either by visiting DOH’s new telehealth webpage or by calling the DOH COVID-19 call center.  Those interested to sign up virtually via DOH’s new telehealth webpage can complete a brief intake form via DOH partner Color Health.  If the information provided indicates treatment may be appropriate, the individual will be connected virtually with a health care provider for a consultation. Telehealth providers are available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST.

Those interested to arrange an appointment by phone can call the DOH COVID-19 call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press #. The call center is available to arrange telehealth consultations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PST on Mondays, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST on Tuesdays through Sundays and state holidays.