As the death toll from COVID-19 in Washington state reached 54, Governor Jay Inslee on Tuesday signed a measure drawing $200 million from the state’s emergency “rainy day” fund for coronavirus response.
The measure earmarks $175 million for the public health system and the remainder to a dedicated unemployment fund for coronavirus impacts. The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
The new spending comes as King County reported three more people have died, bringing its total to 46.
Clark County health officials announced their first fatal cases, a husband and wife in their 80’s, while Snohomish County said a fifth person has died. One person died in Grant County.
Washington has the highest number of deaths in the U.S., with most being associated with a nursing home in Kirkland. By Tuesday, the number of positive cases topped 1,000.
Inslee imposed strict new rules this week to help slow the spread of COVID-19. He mandated an immediate two-week closure of all restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities, though restaurants can continue take-out and delivery services. He also expanded the limits on large gatherings.
The new orders went into effect Tuesday morning and will be in place through March 31st. (AP)
