Updated March 23, 2020:
NEW LEGAL ORDERS IN WASHINGTON:
Governor Inslee has issued a series of executive orders addressing COVID-19. All are accessible here. Some important ones to note:
- There is a State-wide moratorium on evictions. For a discussion on this issue, see this Washington Super Lawyers interview of SKKM attorney Andrew Ackley.
- The one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment benefits is waived.
- Expanded benefits for the Family Emergency Assistance Program through DSHS.
- Restrictions on non-emergency medical procedures.
PRO BONO AND LOW COST LEGAL SERVICES:
The Legal Foundation of Washington supports a number of legal services, where lawyers can volunteer and clients can obtain assistance. That list is here.
WASHINGTON STATE STATISTICS:
You can find State-wide statistics on COVID-19 tests and positive results here. The number of new positive results is still increasing day over day. However, the number of tests performed has also increased substantially. The ratio of positive to negative results has remained quite steady.
Original Post March 16, 2020:
The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting everyone in our community in unprecedented ways. Healthcare and childcare, work and vacation, TV and sports—everything is changing rapidly. For those who are sick or have lost loved ones, our hearts go out to you. Many others in our community are suffering financial hardship due to lost work, illness, and lack of childcare during school and daycare closures. We are also seeing closures and limitations on our core institutions like courts, libraries, social services, and local businesses.
Our sacrifices are financial, personal, and interpersonal. We make them as a community. And fortunately, we have access to information and resources to help ease the burden of this difficult time.
INFORMATION ON COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
GUIDANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY AND COPING
Coping with Social Distancing—American Psychological Association
CDC—Managing Anxiety and Stress
Food Delivery Options:
- Uber Eats
- Caviar
- DoorDash
- Amazon Prime/Prime Now
- Instacart
COMMUNITY SUPPORT (WASHINGTON STATE)
If you are in a position to offer support for struggling patients, families, and businesses, these organizations are facilitating support. Likewise, if you are in need of support services, these organizations offer, or connect with non-profits that offer, assistance.
Supporting Families:
Seattle Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund
Your local Youth and Family Services (Google it and find one near you)
To support efforts directly related to containing and combating COVID-19, you can donate to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Legal organizations, in particular those involving housing rights:
Eastside Legal Assistance Program
