The Health Care Authority has created a process for Apple Health (Medicaid) applications for uninsured individuals with symptoms that could be related to the novel coronavirus. For details click on the link below!

https://www.hca.wa.gov/expedited-apple-health-medicaid-application-process-individuals-suspected-coronavirus

The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners has changed the official publication of notice from the Leader to the Peninsula Daily News. If you subscribe only to the Leader you might need to consider an additional subscription to the PDN in order to be aware of official notices of publication from the BOCC.

Update on Jefferson County COVID-19 Case Count

March 21, 2020
Thomas Locke, MD, MPH Jefferson County Health Officer
Case Count Update:
615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 www.JeffersonCountyPublicHealth.org

Two additional positive cases of COVID-19 infection have been confirmed in Jefferson County residents. Both cases are female, one in her 70’s and another in her 20’s. One case appears to have had significant out-of-county exposures, the other more likely had an exposure to the coronavirus infection within Jefferson County. Significantly, a number of Jefferson County residents have been exposed to these confirmed cases and have been placed in 14-day quarantine.

Tests results on these new confirmed cases took over 1 week to be processed by the testing labs, reflecting the ongoing problems with timely access to testing results. In addition to extreme testing delays, we continue to see shortages of specimen collection supplies. Jefferson Healthcare has set up testing sites for community members who are ill and meet the priority criteria for testing. Detailed guidelines for testing are available on the Jefferson Healthcare website. All community members considering testing should call the Nurse Hotline to see if testing is advisable. Under no circumstances should community members who are NOT ill seek testing. Those with mild illness are advised to stay home and recover consistent with statewide recommendations.

It is important for Jefferson County residents to realize that in-county transmission of coronavirus is increasing. We will almost certainly see new cases in the days ahead. Jefferson County Public Health will continue its core mission of investigating cases, identifying contacts, and recommending appropriate isolation and quarantine measures. It is also vitally important that Jefferson County residents heed Governor Inslee’s orders banning public gatherings, enforcing social distancing, and strongly recommending individuals at high risk for COVID-19 complications avoid situations where they could be exposed to this infection. Now is the time for high risk individuals – those who are over 60, who are pregnant, or who have chronic medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease – to “shelter in place”. Travel outside the home and in public places should be limited to only essential, unavoidable activity. Rigorous hand washing and respiratory hygiene (cover your cough) are more important than ever. Community members who have fevers and respiratory symptoms MUST stay home until recovered for 72 hours whether they are tested or not.

Community Health Developmental Disabilities 360-385-9400
360-385-9401 (f)

Jefferson County Public Health
Always Working for a Safer and Healthier Community

Environmental Public Health
360-385-9444
(f) 360-379-4487

The information and links below have updated information for you related to the Coronavirus outbreak.

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

Jefferson County Public Health would like to offer Coronavirus information and resources for businesses, groups, and the public.https://publichealthinsider.com/2020/02/24/what-happens-if-the-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-spreads-here-a-conversation-with-our-health-officer/

COVID-19 fact sheet posted on the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Coronavirus webpage.
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/NovelCoronavirusFactSheet.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions section at the bottom The DOH Coronavirus webpage. This will be updated as new questions are identified. This includes “How Can I Be Prepared For a COVID-19 Outbreak”.
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

Guidance for Businesses and Employers from DOH and CDC offers helpful information for employers and employees. https://www.doh.wa.gov/Coronavirus/Workplace
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

DOH has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

To get information about each Democratic presidential candidate, visit this page of the JCD website.

Here is a brief presentation by Bruce Cowan that covers the 2020 election as well: Powerpoint

Here are key dates in 2020:

Tuesday, March 10 – Presidential Primary Election Day

Washington State Presidential Primary Election. Since we do not register by party in Washington, you will attest on your ballot that you are a Democrat. To register to vote or to change your address, visit votewa.gov.

You should receive your ballot by February 21 and return it by March 10. No postage is required. The ballot will include candidates for Democrats and Republicans. Vote in ONLY ONE party, and don’t forget to sign your ballot and check your party preference.

Questions? Call the Elections Department at the Jefferson County Auditor’s office at 360-385-9117. Or, email us at info@jeffcodemocrats.com. Additional information provided by the Washington State Democratic party is here:  

Election Center
Jefferson County Elections

DOUBLE CHECK THE JEFFERSON COUNTY ELECTIONS LINK ABOVE, BUT HERE ARE THE USUAL LOCATIONS FOR BALLOT DROP BOXES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY.

• County Courthouse – 1820 Jefferson St.
  • Back parking lot of County Courthouse: Opens 20 days prior to Election Day, accessible 24/7. The box is closed and locked at 8:00 p.m. Election Day.
• Auditor’s Office – 1820 Jefferson St.
  • First floor County Courthouse: Ballot box located in the hallway just outside the Auditor’s Office. The office is open M – F, with the exception of holidays, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with Election Day hours 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Brinnon Community Center – 306144 Hwy 101, Brinnon
  • Opens 20 days prior to Election Day, accessible 24/7. The box is closed and locked at 8:00 p.m. Election Day.
• Quilcene Community Center – 294952 Hwy 101, Quilcene
  • Opens 20 days prior to Election Day, accessible 24/7. The box is closed and locked at 8:00 p.m. Election Day.
• Jefferson County Library – 620 Cedar Ave., Port Hadlock (Next to the book drop box in parking lot)
  • Opens 20 days prior to Election Day, accessible 24/7. The box is closed and locked at 8:00 p.m. Election Day.

RECEIVE IT, VOTE IT, SIGN IT, RETURN IT

POSTPONED due to the COVID 19 virus outbreak (new date TBD): Saturday, March 14 – Training for ‘Get Out the Vote’ in Jefferson County

“Winning elections is all about turnout – GOTV. If we turn out our voters – especially the ones that don’t vote often or are new voters – we win”–Tina Podlodowski, chair, Washington State Democrats.

The state Democrats’ Rise & Organize will be hosting “organizing academies and bootcamps” all over the state to prepare you for 2020 GOTV!

For Jefferson County, see the date and location below!
POSTPONED due to the COVID 19 virus outbreak (new date TBD): Saturday, March 14
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Port Townsend Public Library
1220 Lawrence St., Port Townsend

Follow this link to register: https://secure.ngpvan.com/wuqWgbSrskWgfiODqHtKCw2

Election Details:https://co.jefferson.wa.us/1266/Elections
Event Details: https://jeffcodemocrats.com/calendar/

HELP US CREATE ANOTHER BLUE WAVE!

Sunday, April 26: 

Some locations around the state will have legislative district caucuses on this date. The 24th LD will NOT have a caucus on this date … see the next entry.

WILL NOT BE IN-PERSON: Sunday, May 3 – 24th Legislative District Sub-Caucus and Jeffco Dems Convention

The 24th Legislative District (LD) sub-caucus in-person meeting for Jefferson County delegate selection scheduled for May 3 is cancelled by decision of the State Democratic Party. Instead, the May 3 LD-24 Caucus will vote for and select delegates on-line, not in person. Voters for delegate selection will be the elected and appointed PCOs who were in office on March 16. The PCOS will elect delegates for the entire 24th LD, not county by county. The final allocation of delegates between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders has not yet been finalized. No other candidates will receive delegates since they did not meet the viability threshold of 15% of the votes cast.

Final rules for delegate selection are being developed as everyone adapts to the pandemic and the state of emergency. We will publicize them as we learn them.       If you want to be a delegate for either Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders, you can self-nominate at the State Party website   Election Center  Registration is due by April 26. The registration site will be down from March 22 – March 26.

Saturday, May 30 – 6th Congressional District Caucus

State delegates elected April 26 and May 3 will elect delegates to the National Convention. Location: Suquamish.

Sunday, June 11-14 – State Convention

State delegates elect more national delegates and adopt the Washington State Democratic Platform. Location: Tacoma Convention Center.

July 13-16 – National Democratic Convention

National Democratic Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. National delegates nominate our presidential candidate and adopt the national platform.

Nov. 3, 2020 – Election Day

On this day, our fond hopes are to elect a Democrat as president of the United States, elect majorities in both houses of Congress, and to elect Democrats to state executive and legislative offices.

END OF ELECTION POST

FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE DEMOCRATS: Last year, we resisted. Now it’s time to go on the offensive. It’s time to Rise & Organize for a bluer Washington State and a bluer nation.

This year, we have a rare opportunity to make a huge difference on the national level. Some of the most competitive congressional races are right here in Washington State.

We’ve already hired organizers across the state and built a robust organizing apparatus to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2018. Organizing paid off last November when we won back the state Senate. Now, we need to expand those majorities and take the fight to Congress.

When you become a member of Rise & Organize, your sustaining monthly contribution allows us to invest in vital organizing work. Every monthly dollar raised by Rise & Organize will go directly into field and community organizing in key districts across our state.

With your support, we will continue building our statewide organizing infrastructure and getting Democrats elected!

In addition to the gifts listed below, all members of Rise and Organize will receive exclusive perks, including:

• Invitations to member-only events with prominent Democratic leaders
• Removal from most email solicitations

Riser Member Levels

1. $4/Month – Grassroots Giver: You will receive a Rise & Organize sticker
2. $8/Month – Fieldwork Funder: You will receive a Rise & Organize button and sticker
3. $15/Month – Obsessive Organizer: You will receive a Rise & Organize mug and button
4. $25/Month – Progressive Patriot: You will receive a Rise & Organize T-Shirt and button
5. $50/Month – Sustaining Supporter: You will receive all gifts listed above

If you have questions about your contribution, want to cancel your membership, or require assistance, please call Joe Barden at 206-583-0664.

MESSAGE FROM JOHN HAMILTON: Our JCD members love to participate in events such as parades and festivals. We have the opportunity coming up on Saturday, May 16 for the Rhododendron Festival Parade in Port Townsend.

Anyone who would like to participate is welcome.

This years Festival theme is “Stop and Smell the Rhody’s”. We try to decorate our float along with the Festival theme. Some on our committee have ideas already in mind to meet that goal, but we are always open for more ideas and help putting it together.

If you want to participate send John Hamilton a note by email and he will put you on the list to notify when we schedule a planning meeting to organize everything for this year’s parade. It will be really good if we have a large number of our members coming out this year to walk in the parade, along with our float, and show support for Democrats up and down the ballot.

John Hamiliton’s email address is jwhamil@q.com .