On March 23, Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will sign a statewide order that requires everyone in the state to stay home for two weeks. This order was extended on April 2 until May 4.
This Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is similar to orders that other governors, in places such as California and New York, issued last week.
This proclamation will:
“The less time we spend in public, the more lives we will save,” Inslee said.
The proclamation states it’s still safe for people to go outside as long as they remain at least six feet from each other. Grocery stores, doctor’s offices and other essential businesses will remain open. People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as they follow social distancing rules.
This order builds on the early and unprecedented steps the state took in the past few weeks to protect Washingtonians. These included closing schools and restaurants, entertainment venues and other businesses where people congregate.
April 2, 2020: Inslee extends ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ through May 4
March 23, 2020: Final Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (PDF)
On behalf of the Benton-Franklin health care community, collectively our organizations would like to share some important information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) testing process.
Testing for COVID-19 is occurring in our communities. We continue to push for increased supplies of the needed materials to more widely collect samples from patients for testing. There is a nationwide shortage. The labs who are processing the tests are doing their best to keep up with the demand. In our area it is currently taking anywhere from 5-7 days to receive results.
The current priority for testing is people who are most at risk and those suffering the most severe symptoms of COVID-19.
Here is a brief summary how the testing process works:
We recognize the limited availability of COVID-19 tests may cause concern. During this time, public health experts advise that people who are mildly sick with what could be COVID-19 should stay home and treat their symptoms. If symptoms worsen, call a provider for advice before going to a clinic or office. Tests need to be reserved for the sickest, high risk patients and medical professionals. A trip to the clinic or hospital could spread exposure.
We’d like to remind you if you’re experiencing only minor symptoms:
Finally, please stay at home when you are ill, unless you are experiencing respiratory distress, chest pain, or other sign of true emergency.
You need to know that your health care teams across Benton and Franklin Counties are working around the clock to care for patients and limit the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your support of them. Please do your part by following “social distancing” practices and proper personal hygiene. Together we will get through this.