Friday, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to approve a $5 million increase in the Puget Sound Geographic Program, which provides critical grant support to state, local, and tribal governments to implement projects to improve water quality, protect shorelines, and enhance fish passage and salmon habitat. The increase, which Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) fought to secure as a member of the Appropriations Committee, brings total funding for the program to $38 million for fiscal year 2021. The action rejects a Trump Administration proposal to eliminate the program altogether and represents an increase of more than 15% above the current funding level.
Three More COVID-19 Cases in Mason County
Thursday, July 9, 2020, Mason County Public Health reported three more Mason County residents have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The man in his 20’s, the woman in her 50’s and the man in his 60’s bring the number of total positive cases in Mason County to 59. However, the number of active COVID-19 cases dropped to eight.
According to a news release, one of the latest positive cases is a contact of a previous positive case. The other two are contacts of positive cases out of State. Mason County Public Health is continuing contact interviews. The patients are currently isolating at home.
Initial Claims for Unemployment Decreased Last Week
During the week of June 28 through July 4, there were 28,393 initial regular unemployment claims (down 11.0% from the prior week) and 736,151 total claims for all unemployment benefit categories (up 5.7% from the prior week) filed by Washingtonians, according to the Employment Security Department (ESD).
- Initial regular claims applications remain at unprecedented elevated levels and are at 416 percent above last year’s weekly new claims applications.
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) initial claims as well as continued/ongoing claims all increased over the previous week.
Mason County, however, saw a slight increase in initial claims for unemployment last week. There were 188 claims June 28, 2020 to July 4, 2020. Down three from the week before. There were 185 claims June 21, 2020 to June 27, 2020.
ESD paid out over $470.9 million for 404,475 individual claims – a decrease of $33.9 million and 5,177 less individual claims compared to the prior week.
CARES Act Shelter Grants Available
Mason County Public Health is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the federal CARES Act Emergency Solutions Grant COVID- 19 (ESG- CV) and a comprehensive Shelter Grant Program.
The Shelter Grant Program is designed to create new overnight shelter bed capacity and expand emergency shelter service s for people experiencing homelessness. The goal is to bring more people inside and help shelter residents find permanent housing quickly. The intended grant start date is August 1, 2020. Funds will be available until June 2023.
Inslee Issues, Extends COVID-19 Proclamations
Gov. Jay Inslee today issued a new proclamation in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Inslee also announced the extension of the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act proclamation and the DOH Health Care Facilities and Hand Sanitizer proclamation.
A July 7 letter from the Legislature extends proclamation 20-28.6 and 20-36.2 until August 1.
Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act Extension – 20-28.7
Fall High School Sports Delayed – UPDATED
Updated News Release from the WIAA:
The WIAA Executive Board took action on July 7th, 2020 to push back the start date for fall sports. The action was taken in an attempt to relieve pressure on member schools as they prepare for the opening of schools to in-person and/or online learning. The current dates to commence fall sports practices are September 5th for football and September 7th for all other sports. These starting dates (Saturday and Monday of Labor Day weekend) allow for contests to begin as early as September 18th.
On July 21st, the Executive Board will review other options for fall sports should further delays become necessary, with an announcement to be made on July 22nd. In the interim, a planning committee made up of Executive Board members, WIAA staff, and representatives from WIAA member schools will review possible options and make recommendations.
The Executive Board recognizes this recent action creates many questions, and it will work to provide answers on July 22nd. In the interim, we suggest schools avoid any rescheduling of games in Arbiter until a decision is made on how the delayed start impacts the fall season.
Inslee Extends Safe Start Proclamation, Issues Facial Coverings Guidance
Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of the Safe Start proclamation until August 6.
This extension clarifies the interaction between Safe Start and Department of Health Secretary John Wiesman’s facial coverings order. It includes:
Two More COVID-19 Cases in Mason County
A woman in her 40’s and a man in his 20’s are the latest Mason County residents to test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). Mason County Public Health announced the additional cases Monday, July 6, 2020. This brings the total positive cases in Mason County to 56 and increases the active case number to nine.
The news release announcing these latest COVID-19 cases only said Mason County Public Health is continuing contact interviews.
State Launches Washington Listens Program
In response to COVID-19, Washington has launched Washington Listens, a support program and phone line to help people manage elevated levels of stress due to the pandemic.
People who call the Washington Listens support line will speak with a support specialist and get connected to community resources in their area. The program is anonymous.