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City of Spokane Valley COVID Resources
Recent news
Update 8.19.21. Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the state will require employees working in K-12, most childcare and early learning facilities, and higher education, to be vaccinated, as well as the return of a statewide mask mandate for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.
Update 8.9.21. Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the state will require most state workers, and on-site contractors and volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. State employees and workers in private health care and long-term care settings will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated.
Update 6.29.21. Gov. Inslee announced that the state will reopen at 12:01 a.m. on June 30. All industry sectors may return to usual capacity and operations, with limited exceptions for large indoor events (any event with more than 10,000 simultaneous participants in an indoor, enclosed space). View updated guidance.
Update 6.24.21. Gov. Inslee announced a “bridge” proclamation today between the eviction moratorium and the housing stability programs put in place by the State Legislature. The bridge is effective July 1 through Sept. 30. More information will be forthcoming.
Washington State COVID-19 website
Access Washington State’s central COVID-19 website with resources, links and updates for businesses, workers and citizens.
Guidance for reopening businesses
Gov. Inslee has announced that the state has reopened as of June 30. View general guidance for reopening businesses. All industry sectors may return to usual capacity and operations, with limited exceptions for large indoor events (any event with more than 10,000 simultaneous participants in an indoor, enclosed space).
Learn more about the state’s Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery COVID reopening plan. View the Governor’s Office current COVID-19 guidelines for operating all business sectors.
Important Reference Documents
Healthy Washington Requirements
For governing bodies of public agencies opting to host in-person public meetings under the Open Public Meetings Act, as permitted under Emergency Proclamation 20-28, et seq., the miscellaneous venues guidance remains in effect.
Help with locating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The Association of Washington Business has developed a PPE Marketplace website that connects Washington businesses with manufacturers and distributors who supply PPE. Area manufacturers and suppliers can also request to be added to the marketplace. There is also a list of suppliers on the Greater Spokane Inc. website.
Additional resources for business reopening & recovery
- A toolkit for reopening a business (provided free by Association of Washington Business)
- Greater Spokane Incorporated – Business Recovery Resources
- Ready to Reopen: A Playbook for Small Business – a publication of the US Chamber of Commerce
- Additional AWB resources and guidance to help businesses plan for reopening
- Additional workplace safety guidance on the state’s Business & Workers page.
Financial resources for businesses impacted by COVID
Regional Business Tool
Spokane-area Chambers of Commerce have launched a new digital tool to help businesses determine the local, state and federal resources that are currently available and best meet their needs. Businesses can register to receive updates as new resources come online.
Business loan assistance
Federal resources
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- Small Business Administration (SBA) programs for COVID-19 Assistance
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Advance. This loan advance will provide funding to businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. SBA is accepting new loan applications from qualified small businesses and U.S. agricultural businesses.
- SBA Debt Relief. This program will provide relief to businesses with current and new 7(a), 504 and microloans for a period of six months.
- The SBA has established a Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.
- The federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program is targeted to live venue operators and promoters, theatrical producers, performing arts organization operators, motion picture theater operators, museum operators and talent representatives who were impacted by COVID-19. Qualifying applicants who applied for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020, can also apply for this grant, with the eligible award being reduced by the amount of the PPP loan. The portal opened April 24, 2021.
State resources
The Washington State Department of Commerce (DOC) has set up a resource website that addresses COVID-19 related issues, including employment, financial assistance, insurance, health updates, small business tools and more.
Worker and workplace assistance
Employment Security Department
The Washington State Employment Security Department can assist individuals who have experienced job loss during the pandemic. Learn about current state unemployment benefits which have been expanded to include many people who were traditionally not eligible, including self-employed and independent contractors. Workers who are laid off or furloughed temporarily can file unemployment claims here.
Managing workplace safety
The State Department of Labor and Industries, Washington State Department of Health, and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can provide guidance and resources to employers and workers. Information is available for specific industries, such as construction, manufacturing, retail, delivery services, agriculture, and food & beverage.
Area Chambers of Commerce
Greater Spokane Inc. and the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, in addition to other local chambers, maintain an extensive COVID-19 website that provides helpful resources, state and federal news and policy updates, and online webinars to help businesses in the recovery process.
Support for families and individuals
- Spokane Valley Partners can assist area families that need food assistance. Mobile food bank distributions may be scheduled. Contact the agency at 509-927-1153 for more information.
- Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) may be able to help area residents with rent, mortgage, utility bills and basic internet service fees. To seek assistance, please email SNAP at eaprefer@snapwa.org, or call 509.319.3010 or 509.456.7627, ext. 7200.
- Drive-in WiFi hot spots are available in the area for those who need internet connectivity.
- Find financial resources for Washington families on the State Department of Financial Institutions webpage. Families can find additional support on the state’s COVID-19 webpage regarding healthcare, childcare, insurance and more.
- Visit the Internal Revenue Service website for information on individual economic impact payments, including the child care credit and stimulus payments.
- The pandemic can cause stress for individuals and families that are facing unique challenges. Resources and support programs are available to provide assistance with mental and emotional well-being. Please reach out if you need guidance.
- The Fig Tree Inland NW COVID-19 resource map on Google provides the locations of local agencies and support services that can assist families, including food banks, senior centers, emergency services and other options.
- Second Harvest has teamed with Food Lifeline and Northwest Harvest to create an interactive map of food banks and meal programs statewide.
- Residential landlords and renters should be aware of Governor Jay Inslee’s extension of the eviction moratorium, which remains in effect through Sept. 30, 2021.
Public health information
- Update 5.12.21. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement that teens ages 12-15 can now be vaccinated in Washington State. On Monday, May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the vaccine in 12- to 15-year olds and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices affirmed that decision on Wednesday.
- All people 12 years and older who live or work in Washington State are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Visit the Vaccine Locator to find and schedule an appointment.
- Washington State has approved the use of both the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Here is the state’s plan for vaccine distribution.
- The Washington State Department of Health recently announced the launch of WA Notify, a tool designed to alert users that they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The goal is to reduce the spread of the virus. The tool works through smartphones, doesn’t share any personal information and is private. Users must opt in to participate. For more information, including how to active it on your smartphone, visit WANotify.org.
- View a list of COVID screening and testing locations in the Spokane region.
- The Washington State Department of Health also provides helpful statewide resources and recommendations.