News for the Week of September 14

Here are the latest headlines, resources, and information for the week of September 14.

Additional weekly $300 unemployment benefit payment to be paid to eligible claimants. The state's application for the Lost Wages Assistance program has been approved. ESD will start processing payments of $300 to eligible claimants for this new program on Monday, Sept. 21. Payments will be retroactive for all weeks for which the claimant was eligible, and for which funding is available from the federal government. Upon the processing date, eligible claimants will receive the funds as soon as their bank processes the payment. Refer to the Employment Security Department website for details.

Schools Preparing for a Measured Return to In-Person Learning. King County’s K-12 schools are back in session. For most students, the 2020-2021 school year is starting remotely and Zoom is the new classroom. Even though the majority of the county’s school districts are teaching students remotely, they are also hard at work behind the scenes to be ready to provide in-person learning once COVID-19 transmission rates are lower. Click here for more information.

King County’s COVID-19 Contact tracing efforts gain strength. The case investigators at Public Health—Seattle & King County are able to reach the vast majority of people who test positive for COVID-19 in King County. And most people are taking the important step of isolating themselves during their contagious period. Follow this link for the full article.

A Conversation on Hope and Hopelessness. Adjusting to the changes COVID-19 has imposed has been very difficult for everyone. Some are navigating different layers of grief and loss. Many are feeling varying waves of hope and hopelessness. For those with mental health conditions, this time has been a continuation and possibly, an amplification of those thoughts and feelings. For more, click here.

Department of Health releases initial case investigation and contact tracing performance metrics. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) today published new data related to COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing efforts in Washington state. These data will now be available for the public to view via PDF and updated weekly. Click here for more.

COVID-19 activity declining in Washington state with the help of face coverings and distancing. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report, which reflects an overall decline in COVID-19 activity as of late August. The report also highlights encouraging signs that keeping our distance, limiting gathering size and wearing face coverings are working to slow the spread of the disease. Click here for more information.

September 18 Situation Report. Click here for highlights and information from the 29^th week of the City’s response to the pandemic.