Coronavirus | COVID-19 Updates
Our organization is addressing the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak and taking Washington (WA) state's growing concerns about the virus' spread seriously. The pace of change and impacts are happening at a breakneck speed.
This page is dedicated to providing support and resources to community members in the areas we serve.
Page Contents
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
||
COVID-19 Prevention Updates
All health resources provided are in accordance with the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
PBS YouTube Prevention Video
Here's a great video produced by PBS and uploaded to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's YouTube channel. We can all help our community by doing our part to slow down and prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Leadership Statements from the Organization
External Federal & State Health Resources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- WA State Department of Health
- WA State's Official Coronavirus Website
- Facebook's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center
- A reputable source for world, federal, state, and local community updates and the opportunity to offer or request help.
Job Seeker/Customer Resources
We've compiled information from partners and resources from around the state to support you with options during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Economic Impact Payment - COVID-19 Government Stimulus
The U.S. Department of Treasury and the IRS is allowing people who haven't filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019 or people who normally don't file taxes (non-filers) the opportunity to receive the Coronavirus Relief Economic Impact payment.
- Click here to review the official release for non-filers from IRS.gov.
- Click here to begin the process to enter your payment information.
- Unable to open a bank account? Click here to learn how a Global Cash Card can help you receive your Economic Impact Payment much quicker than a physical check in the mail.
Unemployment Application | Employment Security Department
Our partners at the Employment Security Department (ESD) recognize that at no fault to employees around the state, businesses may not have the capacity to provide work and wages to their employees.
Child Care & Activities
Not sure what to do with your children at home? Here are some ideas and resources to keep you informed by keeping your children safe and engaged.
- Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families
- FAQ's related to child care operations around WA state
- Activities for Children
- The Spokesman-Review's digital article provides ideas to keep your children busy
Professional Development Training
Businesses want employees who keep their skills and abilities relevant, updated, and refined as related to the role. Whether you are working from home or on a temporary layoff due to COVID-19, see what courses interest you and enhance or learn a new skill.
- GCF Global
- Learn technology, workplace, and core skills to help you advance your professional abilities
- List of WA State Libraries
- Locate your local library from the list in the link above, apply for a library card (if you do not already have one), then connect to their free online learning modules or check out digital copies of books that can help with your skills development
Washington State Food Banks and Meal Programs presented by Northwest Harvest
Northwest Harvest’s hunger relief network is comprised of 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools as unique as the communities they serve. In partnership with the Washington Food Coalition, their interactive map will assist in providing information for your area's nearest food banks and meal programs.
Business/Employer Resources
During the COVID-19 pandemic, your business has options to retain valuable employees. Explore the opportunities below to develop ways of preventing a reduction in your workforce.
Telework | The Transition from the Office to Home
If your business has the technology and resources that allow your employees to telework (work from home), you can avoid the stress of expecting your employees to apply for WA state unemployment insurance during this pandemic.
- Free TechSoup Remote Work Training Courses
- TechSoup is offering this $110 course for free to assist businesses to pivot their daily in-person operation to a remote operation
- LinkedIn Learning | 16 Free Online Courses
- Comprehensive learning modules categorized by four sections to help your team maximize productivity remotely
Workforce Reduction Resources
As a business owner or company leader, you have options to develop ways to support your hard-working employees.
- SharedWork Program by the Employment Security Department
- This program allows your business to retain employees while reducing payroll costs, a win for everyone involved
- Layoff Assistance by the Employment Security Department
- Our partners are committed to helping you with the best option to support the success of your business
State Support for Small Businesses
Small businesses in WA state may be eligible for a micro-grant that could help prevent the closure of your business. Keep your dream alive!
Funding Opportunities for Employers and Non-Profit Partners (Time Sensitive)
Our friends at Business U has provided an overview of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, by President Trump for small business owners and non-profits.
Important Dates:
- Starting April 3, 2020: small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
- Starting April 10, 2020: independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
- Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.
Click here to read the full article published by Business U.