With declining case rates and hospitalizations across the west, California, Oregon and Washington are moving together to update their masking guidance. After 11:59 p.m. on March 11, California, Oregon and Washington will be adopting new indoor mask policies and move from mask requirements to mask recommendations in schools.
State policies do not change federal requirements, which still include masks on public transit.
Statement from Gov. Jay Inslee, Washington:
“We’ve continued to monitor data from our state Department of Health, and have determined we are able to adjust the timing of our statewide mask requirement. While this represents another step forward for Washingtonians, we must still be mindful that many within our communities remain vulnerable. Many businesses and families will continue choosing to wear masks, because we’ve learned how effective they are at keeping one another safe. As we transition to this next phase, we will continue to move forward together carefully and cautiously.”
In Washington, indoor mask requirements will be lifted as of 11:59 p.m. on March 11. This new date does not change any other aspect of the updated mask requirements Inslee announced last week. Masks will still be required in certain settings including health care, corrections facilities, and long-term care facilities. The Washington State Department of Health will be issuing new guidance for K-12 schools next week so schools can prepare to implement updated safety protocols.
Statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom, California:
“California continues to adjust our policies based on the latest data and science, applying what we’ve learned over the past two years to guide our response to the pandemic. Masks are an effective tool to minimize spread of the virus and future variants, especially when transmission rates are high. We cannot predict the future of the virus, but we are better prepared for it and will continue to take measures rooted in science to keep California moving forward.”
In California starting March 1, masks will no longer be required but will be strongly recommended for unvaccinated individuals in most indoor settings. After March 11, in schools and child care facilities, masks will not be required but will be strongly recommended. Masks will still be required for everyone in high transmission settings like public transit, emergency shelters, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and long term care facilities. As always, local jurisdictions may have additional requirements beyond the state guidance.
Statement from Gov. Kate Brown, Oregon:
“Two years ago today, we identified Oregon’s first case of COVID-19. As has been made clear time and again over the last two years, COVID-19 does not stop at state borders or county lines. On the West Coast, our communities and economies are linked. Together, as we continue to recover from the Omicron surge, we will build resiliency and prepare for the next variant and the next pandemic. As we learn to live with this virus, we must remain vigilant to protect each other and prevent disruption to our schools, businesses, and communities––with a focus on protecting our most vulnerable and the people and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”
In Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority rules requiring masks in indoor public places and schools will be lifted after 11:59 p.m. on March 11. Other state and federal requirements, such as those for health care settings, public transit, and other specialized settings, will remain in place for a period of time.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
Asian giant hornets go to school.
While Asian giant hornet queens are still snuggled up for the winter, WSDA’s Pest Program has no time to rest. Winter/early spring is when our entomologists review the previous year’s results and make plans for the coming season.
https://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2022/02/AGHinSchool.html
Grocery Manufacturers Association apologizes for campaign finance violations, will pay $9 million and drop challenge to Washington campaign finance law.
OLYMPIA — As a result of Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s successful campaign finance lawsuit, the former Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), now known as the Consumer Brands Association, will pay $9 million and apologize for its intentional violations of Washington’s campaign finance law. The payment will include a $3 million donation to organizations that address food insecurity in Washington. Food Lifeline and Northwest Harvest will each receive $1.5 million as a result of the resolution.
AG Ferguson’s statement after ruling on the capital gains tax.
WATERVILLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson released the following statement after a Douglas County Superior Court judge ruled against the state in a challenge to a tax on capital gains passed by the Legislature in 2021:
“There’s a great deal at stake in this case, including funding for early learning, child care programs, and school construction. Consequently, we will continue defending this law enacted by the peoples’ representatives in the Legislature. All the parties recognize this case will ultimately be decided by the State Supreme Court. We respectfully disagree with this ruling, and we will appeal.”
https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-ferguson-s-statement-after-ruling-capital-gains-tax
Big improvements to Ecology apps make it easier to find toxics cleanup information
We know of almost 14,000 contamination cleanup sites in Washington state: places where accidents, spills, or industry contaminate the soil, water, or groundwater. Well over half of those sites have already been cleaned up. Still, with that many sites, chances are there’s one somewhere near you.
Since its launch six years ago, Ecology’s What’s in My Neighborhood tool has helped people see if there are cleanup sites near their homes or workplaces. It was time for an update — and while we were at it, we redesigned and expanded the cleanup site webpages, making it easier to get more info about individual cleanup sites.
https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/March-2022/Big-improvements-to-Ecology-apps-make-it-easier-to
ESD Monthly Employment Report: Payroll employment increased in January despite Omicron
OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy added 5,700 jobs in January. Between December and January, the preliminary seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.4%.
“The state had to deal with renewed COVID challenges in January, resulting in slower but positive employment growth,” said the Employment Security Department’s (ESD) Economist Paul Turek. “Annual payroll benchmark revisions suggest that recent momentum in hiring remains strong.”
https://www.esd.wa.gov/newsroom/january-2022-monthly-employment-report
Hoodsport Hatchery loses more than 3.5 million chum salmon fry during late Feb. flooding event.
OLYMPIA – Hatchery crews at Hoodsport Hatchery in Mason County identified a loss of more than 3.5 million chum salmon fry early Monday morning following extreme flooding that resulted in significant debris in the hatchery’s water intake system. The incident coincided with an atmospheric river that prompted active flood warnings for the nearby Skokomish River. With standby hatchery staff responding to equipment alarms throughout the night, the debris ultimately resulted in inadequate flows to hatchery incubation trays.
Powdered infant formula recall expands following reports of bacterial infections.
FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC
Senator Murray Statement on President Biden’s State of the Union Remarks.
Senator Murray Reiterates Support for Local Journalism as Walla Walla Union Bulletin Reduces Print Schedule to Three Days a Week.
Senator Murray Holds Twitter Live with Parents and Workers from Across Washington State; Highlights Major Progress and Focus on Lowering Costs for Families.
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
‘Senseless war’ forces one million to flee Ukraine: UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The “senseless war” in Ukraine has forced one million people to flee the country in just seven days, while countless others have been displaced within its borders, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113192
General Assembly resolution demands end to Russian offensive in Ukraine.
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on Wednesday demanding that Russia immediately end its military operations in Ukraine.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113152
Nations sign up to end global scourge of plastic pollution.
Heads of State, environment ministers and other representatives from 175 nations, endorsed a historic resolution at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi on Wednesday to end plastic pollution, and forge an international legally binding agreement, by the end of 2024.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113142
Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the Refugee Crisis Caused by Putin’s War of Choice--USUN
Remarks by Amb. Thomas-Greenfield at the UN General Assembly Stakeout Following the Adoption of a Resolution on Russia’s Aggression Against Ukra.--USUN
Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Costa Rican Foreign Minister Rodolfo Solano Quirós, Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, and Panamanian Foreign Minister Erika Mouynes Before Their Meeting.--US STATE DEPT.
Ukraine Puts Up Stiff, Courageous Resistance to Russian Incursion, Official Says--DOD
Joint Statement of Intent Between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Israel National Cyber Directorate--DSHS
NATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES:
President Biden’s State of the Union Address--WH
https://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2022/
Related stories:
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls Joe Biden a ‘Piece of Crap’ in SOTU Response--PJ MEDIA
Biden’s Unspectacular Address
Perhaps the most laughable part of the speech was his promise to “secure the border.”--PATRIOT POST
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/86646-bidens-unspectacular-address-2022-03-03
Biden’s State Of The Union Promise To ‘Fund Police’ Was Pure Lip Service.
IN OTHER NATIONAL NEWS:
Pain Clinic Owners Convicted of Unlawfully Distributing Opioids and Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud
A federal jury convicted a Tennessee physician and his wife yesterday in the Northern District of Alabama for unlawfully distributing opioids, providing unnecessary services and defrauding insurers from their now-shuttered Alabama clinics.
Five Tax Shelter Promoters and Two Appraisers Indicted in Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme
Conspiracy Allegedly Involved Sale of Over $1.3 Billion in Fraudulent Tax Deductions--DOJ
USDA Announces Supplemental American Rescue Plan Funding Available through the Local Agriculture Market Program, Including Funding to Expand Farm-to-Institution Opportunities.
SECRETARY WALSH, US TRADE REPRESENTATIVE KATHERINE TAI ISSUE STATEMENTS ON TRIDONEX WORKERS’ UNION SELECTION VOTE IN MATAMOROS, MEXICO.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ilab/ilab20220301
New Resource Highlights How States Use American Rescue Plan Funds to Reengage Students through Career and Technical Education.
FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION INSURES $24.5 MILLION MORTGAGE FOR AFFORDABLE MULTIFAMILY HOUSING IN NORTHEAST DENVER
Insurance endorsement provided by FHA supports affordable financing to create 119 rental homes.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_22_034
Secretary Haaland Highlights Infrastructure Investments in Tribal Economies, Ecosystem Restoration in Connecticut Visit.
HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:
Biden’s state of denial address
Five action items can get America back on the right track--WASHINGTON TIMES
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/mar/4/bidens-state-denial-address/
Republicans think Russia's invasion of Ukraine could further imperil Biden--WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Biden Colludes with Russia on a New, More Disastrous Iran Deal--NATIONAL REVIEW
What Could Be Next in Russia-Ukraine Conflict--DAILY SIGNAL
https://www.dailysignal.com/2022/03/04/what-could-be-next-in-russia-ukraine-conflict/
‘Aren’t We Financing The War?’: Fox Reporter Corners Jen Psaki On U.S. Buying Russian Oil--Daily Wire
Squad Member Rep. Tlaib Gives the Radical State of the Union: $6 Trillion Isn't Enough--PJ MEDIA
Russia: A Pariah State and Rightly So
If Vladimir Putin believed he could once again invade Ukraine with impunity, he was gravely mistaken.--Patroit Post
https://patriotpost.us/articles/86676-russia-a-pariah-state-and-rightly-so-2022-03-04
Until Joe Biden Lets U.S. Oil Freely Flow, He’s Complicit In Putin’s War Crimes--The Federalist
LOCAL MEETINGS:
CLALLAM COUNTY:
Clallam County Commission work session for 3/ 7/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1305
* Agreement with Washington State Department of Commerce for Hotel Leasing and Rapid Re-Housing
Clallam County Commission Board meeting for 3/8/22
* Letter to four regional tribes requesting input for the new Joint Public Safety Facility
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 3/8/22
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03082022-578
PASD Board Meeting
When: Thu, March 10, 7pm – 9pm
Where: 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363.
Description
Regular meetings are usually scheduled on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are open to the public. Call 360.565.3702 for information.
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 3/7/22
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/188af4d4-2446-469e-b859-938f857350ed
Port of Port Townsend
1st Monthly Commission Meeting
Agenda
Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 1:00 p.m.
https://portofpt.com/event/mar-9-port-commission-meeting/
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: Deuteronomy 6: 6-7 (New International Version)
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Weekly Bible Study: Arguing With Atheists, Part 1
by Casey Head
http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/ArguingWithAtheists1.html
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
The Chosen: About the life of Christ
https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
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