Coronavirus In Pierce County: Latest Developments

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — At least 45 illnesses linked to the new coronavirus have been confirmed in Pierce County, among the 857 people who have been tested so far, health officials said Tuesday.

Patients include 23 people from Tacoma, six people from Puyallup, five people from University Place, three people from the Gig Habor area, three people from Lakewood, two people from Spanaway, two people from the Sumner-Bonney Lake area, and one person from northeast Pierce County.

"The majority of the people suffering from COVID-19 are doing well and recovering at home; a few are still in the hospital," said Dr. Anthony Chen, Pierce County's director of health.

Included in the patients discharged from hospitals was Pierce County's first known coronavirus patient, a Puyallup man diagnosed March 5.

School closures latest

Tuesday was the first day for mandated school closures in Washington, and districts across Pierce County began serving grab-and-go meals to for tens of thousands of students Monday.

Find a complete list of all school meal distribution sites here.

Scott Heinze, a Tacoma School Board Director, said Tuesday that all 15 Pierce County school districts met with emergency management to coordinate resources across boundaries and ensure every student can get what they need.

Tacoma Schools also put together digital lesson packets to help K-12 students continue learning during the six-week closure. Students and parents can find links to all the packets on the district website.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Washington. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Economic relief in Tacoma

Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards was joined by local officials for a press briefing Tuesday to discuss steps the city is taking to help those already suffering economic effects from the COVID-19 outbreak.

"[With] the majority of our businesses, especially our small businesses, being shut down, we want to make sure that the one thing that you're not worrying about is how you're going to pay your rent, or if you're going to get foreclosed on," Woodards said.

The mayor said details were still being finalized on protections for renters and homeowners and would be released as soon as possible.

Information on micro-loans available for small businesses can be found on the Make It Tacoma website.

Woodards said the Tacoma Public Utility Board moved to approve $1 million in aid for customers struggling to pay bills and Tacoma Public Utilities has suspended all disconnections for non-payment.

Related Coverage:

Puget Sound Utilities Say No Service Cuts Amid Coronavirus Crisis

King County Won't Enforce Evictions During Coronavirus Crisis

The City of Tacoma will no longer issue parking tickets, except for vehicles blocking fire hydrants or improperly parked in handicap areas, until further notice.

In Woodards' remarks Tuesday, she underlined the need for compassion and community actions, even during a time of social distancing.

"If you're going to the grocery store, check with your neighbor if they need something, check with a senior person in our community to see if they need something," Woodards said.

Anyone with questions about the COVID-19 response in Pierce County can call 311 or contact the emergency operations center at 253-798-7470.

Review all the guidance from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.