COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Press Release
Island County, Washington
05/20/2020
On May 19, Governor Inslee announced that Island County is now eligible to submit a variance application for entrance into Phase 2 of the Safe Start recovery plan. The Island County Board of Health immediately initiated the Phase 2 variance application process on May 19 through discussion of eligibility criteria set forth by the Governor.
On May 19, Island County’s Health Officer Dr. Joel McCullough submitted a letter of recommendation to apply for a variance to move to Phase 2. The Island County Board of Health voted unanimously on May 20 to approve the recommendation to move to Phase 2, excluding camping and with the requirement that all reopening guidance is followed. The Island County Board of County Commissioners approved the Board of Health’s proposed plan.
Island County Public Health staff are working diligently to compile the application materials for submission to the Washington State Secretary of Health.
For additional information:
Island County Public Health – www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-19.aspx
Call Center # 360.678.2301, Mondays through Fridays (8:00am – 4:30pm), Saturdays and Sundays (9:00am – 4:00pm)
WA State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19) – https://coronavirus.wa.gov/
Island County, Washington
05/20/2020
On May 19, Governor Inslee announced that Island County is now eligible to submit a variance application for entrance into Phase 2 of the Safe Start recovery plan. The Island County Board of Health immediately initiated the Phase 2 variance application process on May 19 through discussion of eligibility criteria set forth by the Governor.
On May 19, Island County’s Health Officer Dr. Joel McCullough submitted a letter of recommendation to apply for a variance to move to Phase 2. The Island County Board of Health voted unanimously on May 20 to approve the recommendation to move to Phase 2, excluding camping and with the requirement that all reopening guidance is followed. The Island County Board of County Commissioners approved the Board of Health’s proposed plan.
Island County Public Health staff are working diligently to compile the application materials for submission to the Washington State Secretary of Health.
For additional information:
Island County Public Health – www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-19.aspx
Call Center # 360.678.2301, Mondays through Fridays (8:00am – 4:30pm), Saturdays and Sundays (9:00am – 4:00pm)
WA State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19) – https://coronavirus.wa.gov/
The latest information regarding the PUA, the Phased reopening and what it means to Realtors, and links to important and useful information below:
Challenge Seattle – Covid-19 Resources: https://www.challengeseattle.com/
Back to Work Toolkit: https://www.backtoworktoolkit.com/
COVID-19 Office Procedures and Protocol: https://tinyurl.com/ycwulapu
Managing Stress, Fear & Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/NPSAR-Mental-Health
Challenge Seattle – Covid-19 Resources: https://www.challengeseattle.com/
Back to Work Toolkit: https://www.backtoworktoolkit.com/
COVID-19 Office Procedures and Protocol: https://tinyurl.com/ycwulapu
Managing Stress, Fear & Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/NPSAR-Mental-Health
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES 4 PHASE APPROACH -
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR REALTORS®?
On Friday, May 1st Governor Inslee announced an extension of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to May 31st and laid out a phased approach to re-opening the State economy. Phase 1 begins Tuesday, May 5th. Please note that this does not affect the modifications that were made to the original Stay Home, Stay Healthy order that allow certain real estate activities to take place.
Phase 2 businesses will include all other real estate activity including commercial real estate, the re-opening of real estate offices, and services such as sign installation. Phase 2 also allows gatherings outside your residence for up to 5 people, which presumably would apply to parts of the real estate transaction such as showings, appraisals notarizations, etc. The Governor’s phased-in plan will apply in counties that have been harder hit by COVID-19. The 10 counties that have not been as impacted by the virus will be allowed to apply for waivers that will let them open up faster (see KING5 story for summary).
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR REALTORS®?
On Friday, May 1st Governor Inslee announced an extension of the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to May 31st and laid out a phased approach to re-opening the State economy. Phase 1 begins Tuesday, May 5th. Please note that this does not affect the modifications that were made to the original Stay Home, Stay Healthy order that allow certain real estate activities to take place.
Phase 2 businesses will include all other real estate activity including commercial real estate, the re-opening of real estate offices, and services such as sign installation. Phase 2 also allows gatherings outside your residence for up to 5 people, which presumably would apply to parts of the real estate transaction such as showings, appraisals notarizations, etc. The Governor’s phased-in plan will apply in counties that have been harder hit by COVID-19. The 10 counties that have not been as impacted by the virus will be allowed to apply for waivers that will let them open up faster (see KING5 story for summary).
Are REALTORS® eligible to receive PUA?
Yes. REALTORS® who are independent contractors or
self-employed are eligible to receive PUA. Whether or
not an individual REALTOR® will receive PUA benefits
depends on each person’s circumstances, including
how much a person works and how much income
they have from real estate brokerage and other
work. The end of this document includes examples
of how real estate income must be reported to the
ESD and factored into any PUA benefit amount.
Download the Full PDF
Yes. REALTORS® who are independent contractors or
self-employed are eligible to receive PUA. Whether or
not an individual REALTOR® will receive PUA benefits
depends on each person’s circumstances, including
how much a person works and how much income
they have from real estate brokerage and other
work. The end of this document includes examples
of how real estate income must be reported to the
ESD and factored into any PUA benefit amount.
Download the Full PDF
Gov. Jay Inslee announced today a partial re-opening of some outdoor recreation activities.
As of Tuesday, May 5, some outdoor recreation will be allowed with appropriate safety precautions, including: fishing; hunting; playing golf; and day use at state parks, state public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and at state Fish and Wildlife areas.
“Outdoor recreation is one of the best things we can do to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being for Washingtonians during a time of great stress and isolation," Inslee said. "And springtime in our state is Washington at its best and people want to be out enjoying outdoor activities in a safe and responsible way.
“If we see a sharp uptake in the number of people who are getting sick or are not following appropriate steps, then we won’t hesitate to scale this back again. This is not a return to normal. This is only a beginning phase of relaxing outdoor recreation restrictions.”
Public gatherings, events, team sports and camping, among other things, are not resuming at this time.
Read the full plan on the governor's Medium page.
As of Tuesday, May 5, some outdoor recreation will be allowed with appropriate safety precautions, including: fishing; hunting; playing golf; and day use at state parks, state public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and at state Fish and Wildlife areas.
“Outdoor recreation is one of the best things we can do to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being for Washingtonians during a time of great stress and isolation," Inslee said. "And springtime in our state is Washington at its best and people want to be out enjoying outdoor activities in a safe and responsible way.
“If we see a sharp uptake in the number of people who are getting sick or are not following appropriate steps, then we won’t hesitate to scale this back again. This is not a return to normal. This is only a beginning phase of relaxing outdoor recreation restrictions.”
Public gatherings, events, team sports and camping, among other things, are not resuming at this time.
Read the full plan on the governor's Medium page.
Governor Jay Inslee
April 21, 2020
Inslee Announces Washington’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan
Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians Tuesday evening to lay out his vision for the eventual safe return to public life amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Inslee said it is unlikely many restrictions under the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order will be modified before May 4. Rather, this plan is intended to be a framework for the loosening of restrictions contingent on a steady decrease of the spread of COVID-19.
It will look more like a turn of the dial than a flip of the switch,” Inslee said in the address. “We’re going to take steps and then monitor to see whether they work or if we must continue to adapt.”
Depending on health projections for the spread of the virus, some distancing restrictions may be in place for weeks or months to come.
“In the coming days, we will receive additional health modeling projecting the course of this virus,” Inslee said. “We hope it will give us cause to begin lifting certain restrictions.”
The return to public life will occur in measured steps. It will be guided by science and informed by our public health needs, our ability to mitigate impacts, and the response of Washington communities.
Read the rest of the plan on the governor's Medium page.
April 21, 2020
Inslee Announces Washington’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan
Gov. Jay Inslee spoke directly to Washingtonians Tuesday evening to lay out his vision for the eventual safe return to public life amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Inslee said it is unlikely many restrictions under the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order will be modified before May 4. Rather, this plan is intended to be a framework for the loosening of restrictions contingent on a steady decrease of the spread of COVID-19.
It will look more like a turn of the dial than a flip of the switch,” Inslee said in the address. “We’re going to take steps and then monitor to see whether they work or if we must continue to adapt.”
Depending on health projections for the spread of the virus, some distancing restrictions may be in place for weeks or months to come.
“In the coming days, we will receive additional health modeling projecting the course of this virus,” Inslee said. “We hope it will give us cause to begin lifting certain restrictions.”
The return to public life will occur in measured steps. It will be guided by science and informed by our public health needs, our ability to mitigate impacts, and the response of Washington communities.
Read the rest of the plan on the governor's Medium page.
SENATE PASSES $2 TRILLION PACKAGE
The Senate passed a $2 Trillion Aid Package last night. The bill goes to the U.S. House and then to the President. This bill is significant in that it contains provisions for the self-employed and independent contractors. Read the latest update from NAR
The Senate passed a $2 Trillion Aid Package last night. The bill goes to the U.S. House and then to the President. This bill is significant in that it contains provisions for the self-employed and independent contractors. Read the latest update from NAR
LEGAL HOTLINE LAWYER ANNIE FITZSIMMONS
& NWMLS LEGAL COUNSEL JUSTIN HAAG
March 26, 2020
WR Legal Hotline Lawyer Annie Fitzsimmons and NWMLS Legal Counsel Justin Haag have put together this list of frequently asked questions to help us all understand how Governor Inslee's “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order impacts real estate brokers and related professionals.Contrary to rumors, real estate has not been "shut down" but is working in limited capacity for the next two weeks as mandated by Governor Inslee. Real estate professionals are working to facilitate the 17,000 transactions currently in the pipeline and some of these questions may clarify what REALTORS® can and cannot do, as well as address some of the related industries we all rely upon to close a transaction. Washington REALTORS® has been working with the cabinet-level staff within the Governor's office but the Governor's order remains very clear about certain things. Please review the list of FAQs and if you have further questions, email comment@warealtor.org.
& NWMLS LEGAL COUNSEL JUSTIN HAAG
March 26, 2020
WR Legal Hotline Lawyer Annie Fitzsimmons and NWMLS Legal Counsel Justin Haag have put together this list of frequently asked questions to help us all understand how Governor Inslee's “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order impacts real estate brokers and related professionals.Contrary to rumors, real estate has not been "shut down" but is working in limited capacity for the next two weeks as mandated by Governor Inslee. Real estate professionals are working to facilitate the 17,000 transactions currently in the pipeline and some of these questions may clarify what REALTORS® can and cannot do, as well as address some of the related industries we all rely upon to close a transaction. Washington REALTORS® has been working with the cabinet-level staff within the Governor's office but the Governor's order remains very clear about certain things. Please review the list of FAQs and if you have further questions, email comment@warealtor.org.
WHAT THE GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY ORDER MEANS FOR REALTORS®
by Kitty Wallace, WR President | Mar 23, 2020
As you are likely aware, this evening Governor Inslee issued a statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The order will be effective for at least two weeks, and requires that people remain in-home, except for certain necessary personal activities like grocery shopping or obtaining health care. The order also designates specific “Essential Critical Infrastructure” operations that are not subject to the order but must observe social distancing, based largely on recent federal guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security.
The Governor’s release states “Business closures must happen 48 hours after Gov. Inslee signs the order. Many businesses can, and should, continue using telework.”
Real estate businesses are not included in the “Essential Critical Infrastructure” designation, but can remain in operation using electronic and remote functions.
by Kitty Wallace, WR President | Mar 23, 2020
As you are likely aware, this evening Governor Inslee issued a statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order to further limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The order will be effective for at least two weeks, and requires that people remain in-home, except for certain necessary personal activities like grocery shopping or obtaining health care. The order also designates specific “Essential Critical Infrastructure” operations that are not subject to the order but must observe social distancing, based largely on recent federal guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security.
The Governor’s release states “Business closures must happen 48 hours after Gov. Inslee signs the order. Many businesses can, and should, continue using telework.”
Real estate businesses are not included in the “Essential Critical Infrastructure” designation, but can remain in operation using electronic and remote functions.
