Covid
FME Community Schools Will Be Thru Remote Education this Fall
Update: Aug 6. Governor Inslee has announced a statewide plan for remote education in schools this fall. His decision reiterates Dr. Chen’s decision from a few days ago. No one seems particularly excited about the idea of remote, virtual learning for students in schools this fall. It’ll be hard on students, teachers, parents, employees and…
Read MoreSchool Backpacks from MVCC
An annual school backpack giveaway is one way Mountain View Community Center consistently strives to support our FME community. Each year, they help ensure that kids head back to school with needed supplies each fall. During this pandemic, their commitment to schools, students, families and the community is unwavering. No matter what school will look…
Read MoreSafe Start Washington – Indefinite Extension of Pause on Counties Moving Ahead
The original Safe Start Plan indicated that a county would stay in every phase for a minimum of three weeks. However Governor Inslee implemented a pause on July 2. It was scheduled to end this week. However, due to the spike in the Covid numbers, on July 28, the governor extended the pause indefinitely on…
Read MoreFace Covering Requirements
New face covering requirements are now in place due to the high levels of Covid-19 in the state. July 23 brought an onslaught of bad news to the business and educational community. Governor Inslee announced roll-backs in business practices based on the phased approach to reopening. Meanwhile the Director at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department recommended…
Read MoreRemote Learning Recommended for Pierce County Schools Fall 2020
Update: Statewide guidance for schools Anthony L-T Chen, Director of Health at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and chief health strategist for Pierce County has recommended remote learning for schools this fall. Several schools in Pierce County released an announcement today. Puyallup, Sumner-Bonney Lake, and University Place School Districts will move to fully remote learning this…
Read MoreFurther Restrictions and Roll Backs – effective July 30
The upward spike in the number of new cases of the Covid-19 cases has caused the governor to impose further restrictions, and to move some industries backwards. He has indicated that the restrictions announced today are not necessarily the end of rollbacks. “If individuals, each of us, do not adhere to mask wearing, do not…
Read MoreMoving Out of Phase Two??
Earlier this month, on July 2, the governor put a pause on advancement into other phases of reopening. It applies to all counties in the state. That pause is set to expire on July 28. But businesses across our community are wondering if the pause button will continue to prevent further opening. On July 22,…
Read MoreRibbon Tying Event
We are celebrating the reopening of several Edgewood businesses in Edgewood with a ribbon tying event! Businesses Charlene’s Baskets and Bows Goldenrod Jewelers Moose Canyon Winery D’Nails & Spa The Sewing Project Join us in-person for the ribbon tying (in the parking lot with social distancing). As much as we’d love to see you in…
Read MoreChanges to Limits in Social Gatherings/Pause on Phase Advancement
As Covid cases swell, the governor is making changes to the reopening guidance. During Inslee’s July 14 press conference, it was announced that all Phase advancements will be paused through July 28. Regardless of which phase a county is in, none will move forward any earlier than the end of the month On July 16,…
Read MoreUnemployment Benefit Charges and Charge Relief
Earlier this week, ESD sent (or will send) letters to businesses along with their quarterly statement of benefit charges. This statement might bring on some anxiety with the highest unemployment rates in over 80 years. However, this letter addresses some employer concerns about what impact it will have on their UI tax rates. You can…
Read MoreTavern and Restaurant Updates
Bar seating and live music banned in bars and restaurants statewide The governor posted updates for Restaurant and Tavern rules. Prohibitions include bar-style seating and live music in both Phases 2 and 3. However, restaurants and taverns in Phase 2 or beyond can resume self-service buffets and salad bars. Allowances are in place for other…
Read MoreStatewide Mask Requirements
Published 6/5. Updated 6/23, 7/8 Businesses may not serve any customer who chooses not to comply with face covering requirements. As of July 7, new requirements mean businesses must enforce the rule that that all employees and customers wear masks. The statewide order requires masks to be worn inside any building or business open to…
Read MoreMasks/Pause on Phase Advancement
Earlier this afternoon, July 2, Gov. Inslee held a press conference. Shortly into the conference, he announced an extension of a proclamation which expands Yakima county restrictions to the entire state. First, the proclamation prevents businesses from serving customers without face coverings. Second, the allowance for bar seating phase 3 is cut. Finally, due to…
Read MoreReopened – Free PPE for Pierce County Businesses
Published May 20. Updated June 29 On June 29, the chamber found out that this program has been reopened. If you have not yet received your free PPE from the county, fill out the PPE request form. On our Zoom call yesterday, Betty Capestany of the Pierce County Economic Development Department told the Chamber about…
Read MoreImpact WA Announces Aid for Manufacturers
Without a doubt, the Chamber is happy to share more relief that Impact Washington is sharing with our manufacturing businesses. They’ve previously informed us of grants that were available to manufacturers. They’ve helped us understand how broadly the definition of manufacturer can be. And now, Impact Washington Announces Availability Of $1.2M In CARES Act Funds…
Read MorePhase 4 Pause for WA
While Pierce County is still only in Phase 2, last week the governor’s office announced that there will be a statewide pause in moving to Phase 4, even though some counties are well into Phase 3. From the Governor’s medium page: Gov. Jay Inslee and Sec. John Wiesman announced today the Washington State Department of…
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