Over the past few weeks, many citizens have received stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These payments provide critical relief for many Americans, as the coronavirus pandemic has caused significant economic disruption and put many out of work. In these uncertain times, the IRS is urging taxpayers to be cautious and keep an eye out for a potential rise in phishing scams. Benefits.gov encourages citizens to stay smart, and read our new article, “Watch for Coronavirus Related Scams”. 

On Benefits.gov, you can find additional coronavirus resources, including our article on “Finding the Right Help During the Coronavirus” Outbreak”, our article “Coronavirus Resources for Unemployment and Small Businesses”, and our Coronavirus FAQ within our Help Center. 

Thurston County Health Department Updates

The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, or how the virus is spread, please call 1-800-525-0127. Phone lines are currently staffed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, seven days a week.

Please note that this call center cannot access COVID-19 testing results. For testing inquiries or results, please contact your health care provider.

Links (& Federal Links)

COVID 19 links

Disabilities Benefits info

Some WA essential links:

Governor Inslee’s Proclamations Related to COVID-19  https://www.governor.wa.gov/office-governor/official-actions/proclamations

Washington State’s Coronavirus Response (COVID-19) https://coronavirus.wa.gov/

Washington State Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Information:  https://www.dshs.wa.gov/alert/covid-19-information

Washington State Department of Health: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Coronavirus Information:  https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/consumers-and-families/dda-coronavirus-information

OSPI COVID-19 Guidance and Resources:  https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/press-releases/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-resources

OSPI COVID-19 Special Education Guidance and FAQs:  https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/press-releases/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-resources/special-education-guidance-covid-19

Protecting the Civil Rights of Students COVID-10, U.S. Department of Education:  https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ocr-coronavirus-fact-sheet.pdf

Disability Scoop Special Education Guidance COVID-19 https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/03/18/ed-department-offers-more-special-education-guidance-amid-covid-19/28000/

OEO Resource Page for School-Related and Childcare Related Resources: https://oeo.wa.gov/en/education-issues/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-information-and-resources-families

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html