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2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated December 1, 2020
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On November 13th, 2020, Governor Inslee issued a Travel Advisory for Non-Essential Travel. Persons arriving in Washington from other states or countries, including returning Washington residents, should self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Washingtonians are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries. To view the order, click here.
On November 15th, 2020, Governor Inslee announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country. The restrictions are statewide and will take effect Monday, November 16 at 11:59 PM and will remain in effect until Monday, December 14. The modified restrictions of restaurants, however, will take effect Wednesday, November 18 at 12:01AM. Click here to read the latest restrictions.
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Free COVID-19 Testing Events in Puyallup
When: Thursday December 17th 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Washington State Fairgrounds Blue Parking Lot
To expedite the process, print the following documents, fill them out, and bring them with you!
Pierce County Mobile Testing Form - FIDLAB/COVID-19 Testing Form
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Highlight these bright spots by This years, out game days, family gatherings, and holidays will be a little different. There are still fulfilling ways to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Check out these ideas from the Washington State Department of Health.
Giving thanks | In a year filled with challenges, it can feel good to pause and consider the things for which we are grateful, whether that be a person, pet, place or thing. Highlight these bright spots by writing them down or sending notes, texts or emails to people in your life to express why you are grateful for them.
On-screen get togethers | Sure, it won’t be quite the same, but scheduling a few virtual holiday gatherings can take the sting out of being separated. Getting together online to cook, open gifts, decorate desserts, do a craft project, listen to a playlist, or read stories can create a bit of the togetherness we crave. Consider time zones when scheduling, and make sure that any people who are not tech-savvy get help beforehand so they can be included.
Secret gift exchange | Assign each family or friend a name, and ask them mail or do a no-contact delivery of a small gift they make or buy to their assigned person. Open gifts on a group video chat and try to guess who gave what to whom.
Play dress-up | If you have a willing crowd, create a theme for your virtual party. Themed masks, silly hats or ugly sweaters can give everyone something to laugh and talk about.
Remote potluck | Rather than getting together, you can assign dishes to friends and family and deliver them to one another’s homes. Or deliver just the ingredients for a dish or meal. Then, log in to your favorite video chat app to cook or dig in.
Learn a recipe together | Pick a favorite family recipe, share an ingredient list ahead of time with friends or family, and then get together virtually to try cooking or baking. Good times are guaranteed, whether you end up with delicious dumplings or poorly decorated cookies.
Game night | If you thrive on competition, make your virtual gatherings about more than just conversation. Trivia, charades, and even board games, can all work great online. Or try out a virtual bake-off, talent show or a scavenger hunt where teams race to find common and not-so-common items around their house. This is also a fun one to set up for kids so they can connect virtually with friends.
If you choose to celebrate with friends or family (outside your household) in person, you are increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection. Help to lessen the risk by keeping the group small, gathering outside if possible, and wear masks. Make sure you have room for guests to spread out and avoid sharing food and beverages. Follow our safer gatherings checklist.
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Beginning May 5, 2020, Washington State began the Safe Start Washington - Phased Reopening Plan. Individuals and businesses should follow the Washington's Phased Reopening Plan Infographic to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. Pierce County was approved to move into Phase 2 on June 5, 2020.
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Beginning June 26, 2020, facial coverings will be mandatory in Washington State to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Remember: masks can’t do it alone - practice physical distancing, stay home if you are sick, and wash your hands!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is wearing a face covering safe? It feels hard to breathe when I wear one. While some people have health conditions that make face coverings unsafe, they are safe for nearly all of us, even if they feel uncomfortable at first and take a while to get used to. Public health experts agree face coverings are an important tool in preventing COVID and research is increasingly suggesting widespread use is effective. Make sure your face covering covers your mouth and nose but isn’t overly tight or restrictive. Choose a soft fabric such as cotton knit or use a bandana or scarf if that feels more comfortable.
What should I do if I see someone not wearing a mask? Nothing. Some people have conditions or circumstances that would make wearing a cloth face covering difficult or dangerous. Just wear your mask and stay six feet away.
When do I not have to wear a mask? You do not need to wear a cloth face covering when you are in your own home or in your car, if you are only with people in your own household. You also do not need to wear a cloth face covering when you are exercising outdoors and you have plenty of space. It’s a good idea to keep one in your pocket, though, in case you come across other people you can’t stay six feet away from. And some people may have health conditions or circumstances that make wearing a cloth face covering difficult or dangerous.
I don’t want to make or buy a face covering. Are there other options? Cloth face coverings do not need to be complicated or expensive. Save medical masks and respirators for health care workers and others in high-risk settings. Easy alternative are to use a scarf or any breathable, washable fabric, and wrap it around your face so that a couple layers of fabric are completely covering your mouth and nose.