We have assembled important and handy references to help you during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page is updated daily as new information is available.
From Mayor Gregerson: In case you somehow didn’t see it, here is a link to our state’s phases for reopening. Phase 1 of Safe Start Washington starts May 5, and the earliest each successive phase will start is 3 weeks later, depending on the risk assessment metrics which you can track on the state dashboard. Read more about what each phase includes.
Beginning on May 5, you might see more retail stores rolling out plans for curbside pick-up. Think about switching your online orders to local stores, if you can, to support their recovery (if you are a retail store owner, email me so I can share your plans!). Other activities allowed are construction that had permits in place before the Stay Home order began, landscaping, car sales, car washes, and pet walkers!
Phase 2, May 26 at the earliest if the metrics on the state dashboard remain positive, includes manufacturing, construction, office-based businesses, real estate, in-store retail (“with limitations,” which probably means store capacity and physical distancing), nannies and house cleaning, hair and nail salons, and restaurants at 50% capacity.
Phase 3, June 16 at the earliest, includes restaurants at 75% capacity, bars at 25% capacity, indoor gyms and movie theaters at 50%, government, libraries, museums and all other businesses.
Phase 4, July 7 at the earliest (though it could be longer, as with all the phases), brings back large gatherings over 50 people, nightclubs, concerts, large sporting events and the end of the encouragement to telework (although I bet those that can will still be changing our habits long-term, to some extent).
If this timeline still feels like forever, your feelings are valid. Here’s a public health article about that frustration and this challenge.
However, it is also clear that physical distancing, hand washing and face coverings are going to continue to be important. This article from King County Public Health is a good reminder about why it’s important to keep it up. Not seeing friends and family is hard, but it’s worth it. The Governor’s Stay Home, Stay Health order has been extended through May 31.
Jobs and Income
- IRS Get My Payment Tool: The IRS Get My Payment Tool seems to be really working! If you haven’t gotten any payment and want to check or if you need to input your direct deposit info, check it out here.
- Cash assistance calculator: from the federal government’s stimulus package, of up to $1,200 per person depending on income, will be sent to households in early April.
- If you have lost your job due to COVID-19, you can file for unemployment benefits. Unemployment Information in Spanish.
- Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
- Resources for Restaurant Workers
- The 2020 Census is hiring!
Housing and Utilities
- Mortgage and rent: If you don’t have enough money to pay your rent or mortgage, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Otherwise, some suggestions are below:
- Washington Homeownership Hotline (877-894-HOME)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggestions
- Rental assistance & counseling (800-569-4287)
- List of Housing Counseling Agencies
- Utilities: if you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.
- Puget Sound Energy and PUD will not shut off your service during this emergency. Most utilities also offer other assistance programs for people in need.
- The Utilities and Transportation Commission offers energy assistance programs.
- The federal government offers assistance programs to help with telephone and heating bills.
- Comcast is offering free WiFi hot spots, unlimited data and no disconnects or late fees.
Health Insurance, Health Care, Food Assistance & Grocery Shopping
- The Washington State Insurance Commissioner has information about health insurance, as well as how to get insurance through the Washington State Exchange if you need it. Insurance information is available in multiple languages.
- CDC has developed a COVID-19 care plan.
- If you need help with food, every school district in the state is providing grab and go lunches for children, and there is additional help at many local food banks, including the Mukilteo Food Bank.
- WIC food assistance is still available.
- Grocery Shopping Tips
- Using online service “Instacart” to shop at home and have your items delivered.
Property Tax Relief
Counties are expanding the Senior Citizen and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption based on legislation passed in 2019. Under this new law, in a effort to keep seniors in their own homes, more seniors and veterans with disabilities on fixed incomes are eligible for a property tax exemption. Please take advantage of this is you qualify.
Childcare
- The Mukilteo Boys and Girls Club has remained open this entire time, providing childcare and support to our healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers. Healthcare providers are receiving free child care at this time, and other families are receiving care at a very discounted rate. Email unit director Kim Gaffney (kgaffney@bgcsc.org).
- The YMCA is offering free child care for those who are emergency workers and financial assistance for anyone in need. They have two sites available; Columbia Elementary and Lake Stickney. Registration is limited. They are accepting registrations for summer camp as well.
Emotional Support
- If you feel like you need to reach out for support, do not hesitate to contact the Disaster Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to talk with crisis specialists. They are available 24/7.
- Care Crisis Line – 800-584-3578 or 425-258-4357. Care crisis chat: www.imhurting.org
- The Trevor Project, a national 24-hour, toll-free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. Dial 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
- Trans Lifeline, a peer support hotline run by trans people for trans and questioning callers. Dial 877-565-8860.
- Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County has their 24 hour support hotline available for those not feeling safe at home- 425-252-2873. If unable to speak safely, you can login onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
- Red CrossFREE Mental Health First Aid for COVID-19 – please register
- Caregiver Help Desk: The Caregiver Action Network’s Care Support Team is staffed by caregiver experts, available 8am to 7pm PT. Dial 855-227-3640.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: provides crisis counseling and and support for anyone in the US experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies. Dial 800-985-5900 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746.
- Social/Sober Support
Residents With English as a Second Language and ADA Resources
- Public Health – Seattle & King County has many COVID-19 resources in multiple languages
- Northwest ADA Center
- Communicating with your healthcare provider
- ISpeak cards
Information About What Restaurants in Mukilteo Are Open for Take Out/Delivery
- Restaurants that are open for take out or delivery- access this list developed by city staff with great support from business owners in the community. This is another countywide link, https://localsnoco.com/ with similar info.
Special Shopping Hours for Seniors
- Special Shopping Hours for Seniors, Other At-Risk People: A number of local grocery stores have special shopping hours for senior citizens and others with vulnerable immune systems.
- QFC, 7-8am Monday-Thursday
- Albertsons, Haggen, and Safeway Tues. & Thurs. from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Target Wednesdays, first hour after opening
- Whole Foods Daily, one hour before opening to the general public.
Miscellaneous
- Discounted laptops for nonprofits and low-income households
- Federal Student loans. If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the US Department of Education
- Watch out for COVID related scams! If you are unsure about whether something is real or a scam, the Justice Department created a central fraud hotline (1-866-720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov). You can also call the non-emergency line at 425-407-3999.
- Looking for ways to help? This state site is a good one stop shop for individuals and businesses: https://www.coronavirus.wa.gov/how-you-can-help
