Dear 11th District Resident,

As you may have heard, on Monday, Governor Inslee issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, which will be effective for a minimum of two weeks. The order requires every Washingtonian to stay at home, except for people:

  • Pursuing an essential activity, like shopping for groceries or going to a medical appointment.
  • Getting takeout food. (Food deliveries also are permitted)
  • Going to work at an essential business.
  • Going outside for walks and exercise, as long as social distancing of 6 feet is maintained.
  • What does it mean to stay home? 

Coronavirus.wa.gov is a centralized portal that has information in many different languages on school closures, child care, unemployment insurance, small business assistance, general financial assistance, health insurance, and much more. Here are some other resources that might be helpful:

As I’m sure many of you will be left with questions, below you will find further information, distributed by CAPAA, on related issues such as domestic violence in isolation, child care, unemployment, and discrimination. If you have further questions, DOH operates a hotline with multiple language assistance, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 1-800-525-0127.

In Solidarity,

Hasegawa signature

Table of Contents

  • Translated Coronavirus Factsheets:
  • Domestic Violence in Isolation
  • School Closures and Frequently Asked Questions
  • Employer, Worker, and Economic Support Resources
  • Insurance Co-Pays
  • Support Chinatown/International District Businesses
  • Protect APA Workers in Response to COVID-19: APA Labor Alliance Resources
  • Anti-stigma Resources
  • Report Discrimination
  • Stop the Spread of Disease
  • Additional Information
  • Questions? Try the new nCoV Call Center.

Translated Coronavirus Factsheets:

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.)

Domestic Violence in Isolation

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.

API

School Closures and Frequently Asked Questions

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 in statewide at least through April 24. This closure is intended to interrupt the spread of COVID-19 in these counties. 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:

Employer, Worker, and Economic Support Resources

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

Small businesses in many Washington counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. More counties are likely to become eligible in Washington state. Check the SBA website for the most updated information. This is one of the first SBA disaster declarations in the country related to COVID-19.

The SBA launched www.sba.gov/coronavirus to provide information about resources small businesses can access now to navigate their business through the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes financing through SBA Loan Guarantee Program – working capital, microloans, express loans and lines of credit – and counseling services through the SBA Resource Partner Network to help businesses navigate preparedness plans.

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:

  • The business owner must have low- or median income (≤80% of the Area Median Income);
  • the business must have 5 or fewer employees, including the owner(s);
  • the business must have a physical location (i.e. brick and mortar; food trucks, vendors, etc.) and
  • the business must have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19.

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.

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.

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

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

Insurance Co-Pays

Great News! The Insurance Commissioner 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 a special enrollment for individual health insurance.

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

Wash Your Hands

apala

Anti-stigma 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 CAPAA Executive Director Toshiko Hasegawa and WA St. Secretary of Health John Wiesman: It takes all of us to reduce stigma.

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Report Discrimination

State, county, and city governments and other organizations often have a place to report 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

Our 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 the Spokane County.

*CAPAA has requested this information be turned into a flyer and translated into traditional & simplified Chinese.

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Stop the Spread of Disease

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.

Wash hands

Additional Information

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.

News! 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.