AlertSeattle: COVID-19 Subscribers – This weekly alert provides new and updated information and links to City of Seattle programs and services for residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also contains helpful city, county, state and federal resources.
Seattle News
Governor’s Office, WA State Departments, and King County News
- The New Variant COVID-19 Strain Is Here. Here’s What You Need to Know.
- King County Opens COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in Kent and Auburn to Provide Access for Vulnerable Older Adults and Their Caretakers
- Roadmap to Recovery Update; Two Regions to Move into Phase Two
New or Updated Resources and Services
For the full list of resources and services, visit www.seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information (UPDATED)
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has determined the following groups can get vaccinated:
- Health care workers
- High-risk first responders
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- All people over 65 years-old (NEWLY ADDED)
- All people over 50 years-old who cannot live independently (NEWLY ADDED)
If you are eligible, you can find the nearest vaccine provider at: doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/VaccineLocations. Whether over the phone or online, you may experience long wait times in attempting to schedule your appointment. Please be patient. Vaccines may be in short supply now, but we anticipate this will change soon.
- City of Seattle: Learn more at the City of Seattle COVID-19 vaccination page at: seattle.gov/vaccine.
- Washington State Department of Health: Learn more about the state’s plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution at doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/vaccine.
- Public Health – Seattle & King County: Learn more about local efforts to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine across King County at kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine.aspx.
City of Seattle Free COVID-19 Testing
- The City of Seattle, King County, and UW Medicine are offering free COVID-19 testing for people who live, work, or regularly visit Seattle. Drive-through and walk-up testing are available. You must first register online or over the phone. While testing is free, if you have medical insurance, please bring your insurance card or proof of insurance. Language interpretation is available. To learn more about these sites, please visit the City of Seattle COVID-19 Free Testing page.
City of Seattle Hygiene, Restroom, and Shower Facilities Map
- The City of Seattle has conducted an extensive accounting of every City-funded hygiene resource available. Human Services Department’s hygiene map includes all locations that are open and will be updated weekly.
Seattle Protects (Access to Cloth Face Coverings)
- Seattle and King County announced a Health Directive for all workers and residents to wear cloth face coverings in all indoor public settings and outdoor public spaces where maintaining social distancing could be difficult. Learn more about how you can access free or low-cost masks.
Basic Food or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – UPDATED
- Basic Food is Washington State’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Due to additional emergency funding from the federal government, all existing and new Basic Food participants will receive the maximum benefit for their household size. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will continue to request month-to-month extensions of this benefit as long as a national public emergency declaration is in place. This will temporarily increase the monthly assistance for households that did not already qualify for the maximum benefit.
- From January 2021 to June 2021, all households will also see a 15% increase to their maximum benefit amount due to additional federal support approved at the end of 2020. You can read more about this emergency supplemental funding on the Washington DSHS website, (which includes FAQs in multiple languages).
- Apply for Basic Food Assistance online, or by downloading this translated application, or by calling (877) 501-2233. More information is available at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services website.
Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Fund: By and For Organizations RFP
- The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched this request for proposals (RFP) to develop and enhance culturally and community specific services for individuals and communities. According to the application, services and activities must be provided by organizations that are operated by and for the community to be served. Marginalized communities may include ethnic and racial minorities, immigrants and refugees, individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, individuals with disabilities or who are deaf, and Native Americans. Applications are due February 26 by 5:00 p.m. Learn more on how to apply.
Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Fund: Local Governments, Tribes, and Non-Profits RFP
- The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched this request for proposals (RFP) for any city or county agency, tribe, or nonprofit organization addressing the varied impacts of the coronavirus. According to the application, services and activities must be provided by organizations that are operated by and for the community to be served. Marginalized communities may include ethnic and racial minorities, immigrants and refugees, individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, individuals with disabilities or who are deaf, and Native Americans. Applications are due February 26 by 5:00 p.m. Learn more on how to apply.
Donations and Volunteer Opportunities
For a full list of opportunities:
http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19#iwanttodonatevolunteer.