A South End Guide to Thriving in the Pandemic

curated by Emerald Staff

With myriad sources relaying the latest happenings, the pandemic has been a whirlwind event for folx to keep up with — while simultaneously staying healthy. That's why we created this living guide, to provide a trusted aggregate resource for South Seattle.

Looking for COVID-19 Updates and related stories for
Seattle and King County?
Visit this post.

RESOURCES:

For Official Health & Safety Guidelines, Follow the Links Below

*Read on for resources for businesses, workers, families, and individuals.

• Sea-King County — Public Health
• City of Seattle's COVID-19 Resource Page
• Washington State's Coronavirus Response page
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website
• Washington's Phased Reopening Plan

Experts note that there is a correct and incorrect way to use a mask to effectively mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus. Some people merely cover their mouths with a mask but masks are not effective this way. The mask must be worn to cover both the nose and the mouth.

The following are resources for businesses, workers, families, and individuals:

Exposed to or Tested Positive for COVID-19 and Need to Quarantine?

If you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or tested positive and need somewhere to safely quarantine, King County has Isolation and Quarantine units available for the community, regardless of citizenship status and free of charge. They are private rooms with 24/7 nursing and behavioral health support. The Isolation and Quarantine units are for people willing to stay isolated for 10—14 days so as to not spread the virus further (food, behavioral health, and nursing support provided). Please call 206-477-3977 to find out more about this resource.

Are we missing an important community resource? Let us know!

Plus — check out our article full of community tips to keep you "Thriving While Confined."

And unbanked, underbanked, immigrant, and low-income residents and small business people might find this resource helpful — from a local credit union that has unique services — Seattle Credit Union's What You Need When You Need It podcast.

Here's a COVID-19 FAQ from UW Medicine (Drs. Keith Jerome and Helen Chu provide the expertise):

Q: Is it beneficial for the general population to wear cloth masks when out and about?
A: According to Dr. Chu, masking protects people from transmitting COVID-19, even before they're aware that they are sick. Perhaps more importantly, she says, when everyone wears a mask, it reduces the stigma that might prevent people who are sick from wearing them.

Q: Will antibody testing be useful and available before a vaccine?
A: Antibody testing, also known as serologic testing, is available now from UW Medicine's Virology Lab. The test, which must be ordered by a healthcare provider, can detect with a very high degree of certainty if a person has been infected with COVID-19 in the past. Broadly expanding antibody testing is needed, according to Dr. Jerome, to get a comprehensive view of what's really going on and ensure policy decisions are based on the best data — especially given that a vaccine probably won't be available for some time.

Q: If my antibody test is positive, does that mean I'm immune?
A: Drs. Jerome and Chu say we don't yet know if you can get the virus again after you've had it. Research continues here at UW Medicine, and Dr. Jerome hopes in the next few months we might have a better idea of immunity and COVID-19.

Q: How close are we to having herd immunity?
A: According to Drs. Chu and Jerome, their early research has indicated that about 2% of the population has been exposed to COVID-19 so far. With over 90% of the population not yet having been exposed, we're still a long way from herd immunity — and that's why it's so important to continue prioritizing research and testing.

Watch the online event this FAQ was born out of here. Visit UW Medicine online for more info.

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

We will no longer be updating COVID-specific events — outside of ongoing events — in this guide. This is not an exhaustive list of ongoing radio, video, and virtual events. If you have an ongoing event you'd like us to add, send us a message! You can also check out COVID and non-COVID-related events here.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Mutual Aid Solidarity Network / Covid19 Mutual Aid – Seattle
Sign up to volunteer to help deliver groceries and other necessities for people struggling during the pandemic. Fill out the volunteer form here.

Rainier Valley Food Bank
To support vulnerable food bank users during this COVID-19 pandemic, RVFB is making home deliveries. If you are interested in becoming a driver, email them: jenn.charoni@rvfb.org.

Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) seeks volunteers with the following roles / skill sets:

– Hotline Volunteer
– Graphic Design Volunteer
– Event Logistics Volunteer
– Language Access Volunteer
– Grant Writing Volunteer
– Technology for Social Justice Volunteer
– Volunteer Coordinator

Sign up here.

Amara: Want to become a Foster Parent?
While Amara is focused on current children and youth and their foster families, there will always be a need for new foster parents. To learn the process and become ready to foster parent in the future visit Amara online.

Know of any volunteer opportunities that should be included in this guide? Let us know!

To see all of our COVID-19 coverage archives, including news, community stories, and more, please visit our guide archives page.