How COVID-19 Works
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The City of Puyallup understands that many people are concerned about the COVID-19 virus. State and regional health professionals are closely monitoring the situation and advising local jurisdictions on preparedness efforts and recommending extensive community mitigation measures at this time.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette. (Source: World Health Organization)
What We KnowInformation about the characteristics of COVID-19 variants and vaccine breakthrough cases are rapidly emerging. The City will continue to receive regular COVID-19 updates from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and Washington State Department of Health.
What We Can Do
In the interest of helping control the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone follow recommended precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from other people
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes, ideally with elbows
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Wear a mask when you go out in public
- Consider getting vaccinated
Additionally, it is advised that members of our community consider how they will manage in the event of illness:
- Who could care for any children or pets?
- What about other household members and neighbors?
- What is your family plan if someone needs to stay home if they are sick?
- Visit the CDC to learn how to get your household ready for COVID-19.
- Visit the CDC to learn how to get schools, workplaces, and community locations ready for COVID-19.
- 97.4% of COVID-19 cases were in those not fully vaccinated
- 96% of hospitalizations among COVID-19 cases were in those not fully vaccinated
- 94.3% of deaths related to COVID-19 were in those not fully vaccinated
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated March 17, 2022
Moving Forward into the next phase of Washington's COVID-19 response
As Washington’s COVID-19 response continues to evolve, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is laying out its long-term FORWARD plan to keep people safe and healthy as we move to the next phase of the pandemic and co-exist with COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. To date, more than 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across Washington, leading to one of the highest state vaccination rates in the country and helping the state maintain one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates among states.
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated February 28, 2022
Governor Inslee Updates Statewide Mask Mandate
Masks are no longer required in most places beginning March 12, 2022. Masks will still be required in health care settings, long term care settings, and correctional facilities. Businesses and local governments can still choose to implement vaccination or face mask requirements for workers or customers, and school districts can still choose to have students and teachers wear masks. Federal law still requires face masks in certain settings such as public transportation and school buses. Washington State DOH recommends individuals continue to wear masks in crowded spaces. Visit governor.wa.gov to view updated proclamations.
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated February 18, 2022
TPCHD Director of Health Dr. Chen Updates Mask Requirements
Dr. Anthony L-T Chen, will rescind his health order so masks will no longer be required in most indoor public settings in Pierce County beginning March 12, 2022. This aligns with the Washington State guidance that was announced on February 18, 2022.
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated February 3, 2022
A fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine can help some people with weakened immune systems be less likely to catch COVID-19 and get severely ill. Certain individuals who are immunocompromised may receive up to four doses of COVID-19 vaccine, which includes two primary doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), an additional primary dose, and a booster dose.
People should talk to their trusted healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional primary shot is appropriate for them. For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Washington State Department of Health’s website.
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated January 24, 2022
At-Home Test Kits
In an effort to increase access to at-home rapid tests across the state, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is launching a statewide portal that will allow COVID-19 tests to ship directly to households. Beginning today, Washington state residents will be able to visit www.sayyescovidhometest.org to order rapid-antigen COVID tests online, and will receive those tests delivered at no cost. People can order up to 5 free tests for a household.
People can still get COVID-19 tests through any of the following options:
- Order free at-home COVID-19 tests through the Federal program COVIDtests.gov.
- Purchase an at-home test at local retailers and pharmacies.
- If you have health insurance, most insurers will now directly cover or pay you back for up to 8 at-home tests per month, for each person on your plan.
- Find a test at a testing location near you.
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated December 27, 2021
Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
On December 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updates and recommendations regarding isolation and quarantine periods for the general public. Visit CDC to view the latest guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated October 29, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Children 5-11
On October 29, the FDA authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years old. On November 3, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup endorsed the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Vaccine appointments and clinics can be found at WA State DOH.
Latest Guidance & Resources
COVID-19 Booster Doses - Who's Eligible?
- The CDC is recommending boosters for most individuals 12 years and older. Please visit CDC to view the latest guidance. For local information, visit Washington State Department of Health.
Latest Guidance & Resources
Updated June 30, 2021
Governor Inslee lifts most COVID-19 restrictions
Most businesses and organizations can choose to operate as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements. However, COVID-19 is still present in our communities. Organizations and businesses may choose to maintain capacity limits or physical distancing, and may require masks. There are three orders and two proclamations in place related to masks. To view the latest guidance, visit WA State Dept. of Labor & Industries and DOH. To view the latest travel guidance, visit CDC. To learn more about Washington's reopening guidance, visit Washington Ready.
Covid 19 Guidance
- What To Do If You Test Positive
- What to Do if You Are Sick
- What to Expect after Getting a COVID19 Vaccine
- COVID 19 Facts English Version
- COVID 19 Informacion en Espanol
- COVID19 Mask Guidance Feb 2022
- Clean and Disinfect for Covid19
- American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center
- Coronavirus Scams
- Spot the Fake
Grocery Shopping Tips
Resources for Families
Access and Functional Needs Resources
- Wheelchair and Assistive Technology Users Precautions
- Chronic Disease and Covid19
- Aging and Immunity
- Keeping Patients on Dialysis Safe
- Older Adult Poison Prevention
- Ten Tips for Managing Face Masks and Hearing Loss
- Supporting Individuals with Autism
- Q and A on Covid 19 and Down Syndrome
- Covid19 and Epilepsy
Financial Resources
Resources & Web Pages
Local level resources
- City Closures & Announcements
- Communities in Schools - Local Resources
- Pierce Transit Service for Essential Workers
- Pierce County Housing Assistance
- PSE - Get Help with Your Energy Bills
- Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce
- Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board
State level resources
- Washington State Covid-19 Response
- Know Your Risk for COVID-19 Tool
- Care Connect Washington
- Food Assistance
- Cell Phones for Low Income Individuals
- Drive-In WiFi Locations
- Protections for Homeowners & Renters
- Help & Assistance for Washington Homeowners
- Report Unemployment Fraud
- WA State Developmental Disabilities - Covid19 Info
- Resources for Immigrants
- Washington Law Help
- 2-1-1 Washington
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
- WA State Department of Commerce
- Washington Small Business Resources
- Association of Washington Business
- Resources for Washington State Nonprofits
- Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
- Guidance for Older Adults
- People Who Need to Take Extra Precautions
- Covid-19: What People with Cancer Should Know
- Cloth Face Coverings
- Limited English Proficiency Covid-19 Resources
- ASL Covid-19 Resources
- How to Talk to Kids About Covid-19
- National Autism Association - Covid-19 Resources
- Trans People and Covid-19
- FEMA Region 10 Private Sector Dashboard
- Coronavirus.gov
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
- FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- U.S. Treasury - CARES Act Assistance for Small Businesses
- Combatting Fraud
- Covid-19 Scams - BBB
- Recovering From Disasters | SAMHSA