Governor outlines path to safe return to public life

On April 21, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a framework for a gradual, data-driven, health-focused approach to safely returning to public life and work. 

His plan focuses on three efforts: supporting our medical system, economic recovery, and supporting people who need food, housing and mental health support.

WSDA will follow guidance from the Governor’s Office and public health experts as we determine how and when to start modifying protective measures.

The governor emphasized the top priority is still to bring down numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths. He did not lift his Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. But he did indicate that, as long as COVID-19 cases remain steady or decline, some elective surgeries can resume if health professionals have adequate PPE, and that certain restrictions on outdoor recreation and some construction will be lifted. All restrictions remain in place for now. 

The governor said that several measures such as physical distancing, teleworking and distance learning are likely to continue for some time.

Until a vaccine is available, the governor and health officials are focused on increased testing for everyone with symptoms, developing the state’s ability to identify and notify contacts and providing PPE for everyone who needs it.

The governor outlined how he plans to develop guidelines for employers on how to safely start their business operations in a way that is safe for workers, customers and the general public.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I know if I can resume activities such as visiting family members or planning a vacation?

The governor did not announce any timelines or dates for modifying his stay-home order, so all restrictions are still in place. He said health officials are monitoring data to determine when they can start modifying certain restrictions and anticipates some changes may begin in the next several days including allowing for some elective surgeries, residential construction, and outdoor recreation. He did not provide details.

Everyone says we’re doing well on stopping the spread. Why aren’t we able to start reopening?

While the Stay Home, Stay Healthy measures have helped contain the outbreak, the governor said health officials are still concerned that modifying restrictions too soon could result in increased infection rates. He said that restrictions related to elective surgeries, outdoor recreation and residential construction may soon be modified if health data shows it’s safe to do so, and they’ll continue to look at the data to determine when and how to modify other restrictions.

Is Gov. Inslee planning to extend his Stay Home, Stay Healthy order beyond May 4?

He did not announce whether he will extend his order, but said it’s likely that many measures will remain in place for some time.

What is “contact tracing”?

State health officials are setting up a system that allows them to test anyone with symptoms, find a safe place for those people to recover or be treated without risk of infecting others, and also find out who else that person may have had close contact with so they can make sure those people are also tested and get treatment. 

In summary: On April 21, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a framework for a gradual, data-driven, health-focused approach to safely returning to public life and work. He has not lifted the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. The governor emphasized the top priority is still to bring down numbers of COVID-19 infections and deaths.

Staying safe and healthy online during coronavirus outbreak

Courtesy of WaTech Office of Cybersecurity 

Malicious actors are using the outbreak as an opportunity to launch online attacks. 

As our work and home life changes in response to the coronavirus outbreak, many of us are spending more time online than usual. Threat actors are taking note and are seeking to benefit from this crisis. 

Now is a good opportunity to refresh yourself about basic cybersecurity steps you can take to stay safe online. 

The state Office of Cybersecurity provides resources and best practices for staying safe online. During this outbreak, be especially mindful of the following common online scams. 

Charity scams

These types of scams target people who want to help by impersonating charities and other organizations in order to get personal information. Be wary of urgent messages requiring immediate action. Validate the email by calling the organization. Look up the phone number yourself. Do not call phone numbers provided in emails. 

Domain spoofing of websites

In this type of attack, bad actors will create a website that spoofs a trusted organization. Once you navigate to this spoofed page, you may be exposed to malware, credential theft, or fraud. 

To protect yourself, only go to trusted, known websites. Be wary of any website that immediately asks for your information or credentials. The state’s official page for coronavirus related information is coronavirus.wa.gov, and other trusted sites are linked to from there. 

Disinformation

It is more important than ever during this time to ensure the information we rely on is accurate. To protect yourself, make sure the information you access comes from a primary and reputable source. Share information online with caution. Remember, relevant information shared by the state will be posted to coronavirus.wa.gov. 

Phishing emails

Threat actors are preying on the fear and uncertainty created by the pandemic to lure people into clicking on malicious links or download malware. Common tricks include claims for cures, face masks or other medical supplies, or vaccines. To protect yourself from becoming a victim, do not click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails. 

This list is not exhaustive but serves as a reminder of core principles for navigating online safely. As we focus on staying safe and healthy during this time, be mindful of these tips to stay safe and healthy online as well.

Guidance for WSDA employees

Agency employees who believe they’ve been subject to any of these scams or are unsure of an email you’ve received should submit a ticket to the IT Service Desk. 

Remember you can use the Phish Alert Button that appears in the Outlook Home ribbon to delete email messages believed to be malicious. The email will be automatically forwarded to WSDA IT for analysis. 

Finally, never forward anything that appears suspicious.

In summary: Malicious actors are using the coronavirus outbreak as an opportunity to launch online attacks. Now is a good time to learn more about basic cybersecurity steps you can take to stay safe online. The state Office of Cybersecurity offers guidance.

How I slimmed down and improved my health

Steve Fuller
Assistant Director, Food Safety & Consumer Protection Division

(Editor’s note: Insider was preparing to publish Steve’s inspiring testimonial before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. While not related to the current situation, it may serve as a reminder that commitment to our good health is always important – and maybe even more so now.)

About a year ago, my doctor had me take some blood tests to check my lipids, sugar levels, etc. The results were not good. They showed I was on the road to type 2 diabetes. 

I had known for a long time that my junk-food habit and lack of exercise were a problem. But seeing my lab results and thinking about what it meant for my family gave me the motivation I needed to finally do something about it.

I vaguely remembered hearing about the Omada program from the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB). This diabetes prevention program gives you the tools and support you need to make lifestyle changes. 

I wasn’t sure what Omada was exactly, but I filled out the easy eligibility form online, figuring I could always back out if it got weird or too expensive.

Long story short, it turned out to be a great program that really has improved my health. 

Some of the highlights for me:

• It was free to participate, entirely paid for by state health insurance.
• I got a swanky electronic scale in the mail that I’m still using every day.
• The scale automatically syncs to the Omada app, and I can easily track my progress over time.
• I was connected to a real live personal coach with whom I exchanged messages and got advice.
• There’s a good food tracker in the app.
• The weekly nutritional lessons were short and high quality. I thought I already knew everything I needed to about nutrition, but I learned a lot.

I got results, and I wanted to share them. 

I’ve lost about 50 pounds on the program and kept it off so far. My blood tests massively improved. 

Steve before, left, and after, right. 

When people ask what I did, I say something simple like “eat less, move more.” This is true in one sense, but there was a lot structure, accountability, and support along the way.

I don’t sell stuff to my friends. That said, this program is promoted and sanctioned as an employee health benefit. It meant a lot to me and I want to let others know.

As a caveat, you would have to decide if the current stay-at-home period is the right time for you to start participating in the Omada program. 

It is all provided online or over-the-phone, so it could be done while adhering to physical distancing orders. 

At the same time, anxiety, lack of exercise options, and easy access to food may present challenges. 

From one person trying to get healthier - if you have ANY interest, I’d encourage you to check it out and see if you’re eligible.

In summary: Shaken by alarming medical results, Steve Fuller took advantage of a diabetes prevention program offered free of charge under our state health care coverage. His results have been inspiring and he agreed to share his story on the Insider.