Crossposted from the Public Health Insider  Beautiful, warmer weather is in the forecast, but we all know this summer looks and feels different. With safety measures in place for COVID, we won’t be able to head to the air-conditioned comfort of movie theaters, malls, or even libraries. Pools, splash parks, and many beaches are closed. In previous summers, some cities have opened air-conditioned community spaces for the public to cool off. They won’t be able to open them this summer because with COVID circulating, it’s too risky to have groups of people close together… Read More

Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges for people who live alone. While those living alone do not have to navigate boundaries with housemates, they may be faced with more difficulty finding social connection.  Social connection is an integral part of mental and emotional well-being, and social isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. To support employees living alone, Balanced You has developed the following list of tips and resources for you to consider during these uncertain times. Visit Balanced You’s blog for more information. 

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections  King County continues to offer community members a safe place to isolate, quarantine and recover from COVID-19. A new video shows what guests can expect.  If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and are awaiting a test result or tested positive for COVID-19 and need a comfortable place to stay, King County’s isolation and quarantine centers are here for you.  Having a safe place to isolate or quarantine away from vulnerable family members, group settings or if you don’t have a home, is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19 and… Read More

Crossposted from the DES Express  With King County in Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start Plan, and state requirements about face coverings in effect, the county is distributing 5 million cloth face coverings and 20 million disposable face coverings to residents, workers and businesses. Emergency Management procured the face coverings, and the Executive Department is managing the distribution efforts, working with Chambers of Commerce, King County cities, County Councilmembers, community organizations, churches and faith-based organizations, food banks, senior centers, and other key stakeholders.  “As a business that benefited from the King… Read More

Crossposted from Cultivating Connections  Fatigue from months of quarantine and welcome summer weather have spurred an alarming rise in COVID-19 infection rates compared to early Spring, making it more difficult than ever to observe public health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Taking quick action, King County is launching a new COVID Health Ambassador Program next week to offer community outreach, education and health promotion resources to prevent COVID-19 transmission.  The first ambassadors already know King County: they are former METRO bus drivers redeployed to engage and inform neighborhood and community groups… Read More