From: Katims, Casey (GOV) Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 9:45 PM To: Katims, Casey (GOV) Cc: Wilson, Morgan (GOV) Suhject:COVlD>>19 Congressional Update 3.3.20 WA Congressional Delegation: We appreciate your continued effons and engagement. it has been another day of rapid progression in the response in Washington, and I wanted to provide several updates and reminders. 1. 2. 3. FEDERAL POINT OF CONTACT. As the situation continues to evolve, I will be remaining the Primary Poc for the Congressional Delegation on this response, and Morgan Wilson [Cc'd] will continue to assist 'ln this role. Please make sure to call email or text us ifyou need amhing and please make sure to copy us on any outreach to state agencies. I'll be stationed at our Emergency Operations Center (Eat) and am available by text or phone on my cell, . Morgan's cell is --. ACTION ITEMS. There are two 'ltems we may need your offices' assistance with: Expanding CDC testing criteria: Today, state health officials and Gov. lnslee requested the Administration adopt a new national policy that would expand CDC criteria for testing persons under investigation (Pull in states with confirmed cases, in orderto allow fortesting of anyone with a fever, cough, or respiratory issue. Such a policy would enable states like Washington to more properly evaluate individuals in the population for possible comma infection, and to better keep Washingtonians safe and healthy. Reports suggest that Vice President Pence has already followed up on his conversation with the Governor to move this forward, but we are awaiting official confirmation from CDC. We would appreciate any followeup with support this policy change. Filling the state's request for personal protective equipment (PPE): Over the weekend the state requested additional PPE (mm the Strategic National Stockpile isms). The administration moved quickly to fill part of our PPE request -- which we are grateful for -- but has not fulfilled the full need for additional protective equipment. As a result, the requests we're receiving from local health jurisdictions are exceeding what we have available and we are now being forced to prioritize these requests based on the greatest need. We would appreciate any followcup with HHS to support filling the state'sfull request. TESTING FAST FACTS. We received a number ofquestions about covlme testing. Additional information about testing is forthcoming tomorrow; however, lwanted to provide some key numbers for your bosses. Our Public Health Lab can right now test ma people per day, with results generally in the same day. The test results are then released to local health jurisdictions and health · · · 4. care providers. We are actively working on increasing our testing capacity at our Public Health Lab. In terms of supplies, the Public Health Lab currently has 4 test kits from the CDC, with the capability of testing about 1500 people total – or at least 15 days’ supply at the rate of 100 people per day. We are working to confirm the timing of commercial labs to start testing. This is the most important factor in expanding testing capabilities, and we hope to get these labs on line ASAP. We anticipate the University of Washington Virology Lab to begin testing this week and they will be able to test up to 750 people per day by the end of the week. INSURANCE FOR BUSINESSES & EVENTS. The State Department of Commerce and the Insurance Commissioner’s Office released a notice today providing information on insurance coverage for potential business losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Please see attached. Additional info from DOH attached. We hope this is helpful. Please continue to reach out with any questions. Casey