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[Updated April 8, 2020]
As COVID-19 takes its economic toll on business owners and employees during the ongoing health crisis, a number of government agencies, relief organizations, and private enterprises are making resources available to provide assistance.
Here are some resources most recently compiled by the Journal.
Washington state has updated its workforce safety guidance in addressing potential exposures to the coronavirus.
The U.S. Department of Labor has updated information on employer paid leave requirements and employee paid leave rights of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
The city of Spokane maintains a frequently updated COVID-19 response page.
Visit Spokane has information for supporting food and beverage services, other small business, arts, and community organizations on its Support Spokane page.
The Washington state Department of Health has posted new guidance on wearing face coverings.
Washington Healthplanfinder has extended its special enrollment period through May 8 for qualified people who currently are uninsured.
Spokane County United Way has posted a COVID-19 “give help” page with information about volunteering aid and donating funds and materials.
Here are resources compiled earlier by the Journal, some of which have been updated.
Help for businesses and workers
The Washington Department of Commerce has launched a web form to clarify essential businesses under the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Health order. The department also has issued a form to report businesses suspected of violating the order.
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee has issued guidance for real estate activities while the stay-home order is in effect.
The Internal Revenue Service has posted a page with a list of links regarding coronavirus tax relief. The IRS also has a Q&A page regarding filing and payment deadlines, which have been extended.
The Washington state Department of Revenue is offering business relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has posted information about paid sick leave, workers compensation, and other resources and has issued a hazard alert outlining employers’ roles in controlling the spread of COVID 19.
The Washington state Employment Security Department offers a frequently updated guide with answers to common questions from workers and businesses. The department also has responses to frequently asked questions from worker and employers regarding layoff assistance.
Idaho Department of Labor has a site with information about unemployment benefits.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has posted a fact sheet regarding protecting workers during a pandemic.
The Washington state Department of Health has new recommendations for health care workers and first responders recovering from confirmed COVID-19 cases and those with medium- and high-risk exposures to known cases of the virus regarding their return to work.
Other business recommendations
The Washington state Department of Health recommends that all employers put COVID-19 screening protocols in place. The department also has posted workplace recommendations and resources for employers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan and respond to the novel coronavirus.
More health information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for stopping germs.
The Washington state Department of Health offers guidelines for those who suspect they may have contracted COVID-19, or been have exposed to it.
The Spokane Regional Health District has a frequently updated COVID-19 site.
The Panhandle Health District provides daily updates regarding the virus in the five North Idaho counties.
The state of Idaho updates a coronavirus information site daily.
School Resources
The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public instruction offers guidance for schools, students, and families to continue with education while schools are closed. OSPI also has posted distance learning resources for teachers and school districts.
General information
The Spokane County Regional Operations Center provides frequent announcements and updates regarding joint efforts of the Spokane County, Spokane Regional Health District, and the cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Liberty Lake, Deer Park, Medical Lake, Millwood, and Rockford to combat the spread of the virus.
The Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner has posted resources to help navigate insurance impacts of the coronavirus.
Washington state courts are recommending guidelines for parents who are divorced or separated and sharing custody of children during the pandemic.
The Federal National Mortgage Association, more commonly known as Fannie Mae has mortgage assistance and relief options available for borrowers impacted by COVID-19.