COVID-19 UPDATE #166
June 25, 2021
EVICTION MORATORIUM: LONG TERM CARE EXCLUDED FROM NEW PROCLAMATION
Gov. Jay Inslee announced a “bridge” proclamation today between the eviction moratorium and the housing stability programs put in place by the Legislature. The bridge is effective July 1 through September 30. Long term care facilities are exempt from the order. The exclusion of licensed long term care from the extension was explained in the Department’s Dear Provider letter of June 17, 2021, which can be found here. This exclusion was the result of continued pressure by WHCA and its members. However, senior housing/independent living will likely be covered by the new “bridge” provisions.

For those assisted living members serving independent retirement residents (“nonresident individuals”), under the new order, new provisions will support renters and landlords until resources and programs become available.

For past rent due from February 29, 2020, through July 31, 2021, landlords are prohibited from evicting a tenant until there is an operational rental assistance program and eviction resolution program in place in their county. Additionally, landlords are prohibited from treating past unpaid rent or other charges as an enforceable debt until the landlord and tenant have been provided with an opportunity to resolve nonpayment through an eviction resolution pilot program.

Beginning August 1, renters are expected to pay full rent, reduced rent negotiated with landlord, or actively seek rental assistance funding. Landlords may only evict a tenant if none of those actions are being taken but must offer the tenant a reasonable re-payment plan before beginning the eviction process. Tenants must also be provided, in writing, the services and support available.

The full proclamation and details will be available in the coming days.
DEAR ADMINISTRATOR LETTER ANNOUNCES LTC FACILIITES MUST FOLLOW SAFE START PLAN BEYOND JUNE 30, 2021
In a Dear Administrator letter dated June 24, 2021, all providers are informed that they are required to follow the recommendations and requirements outlined in the Safe Start Plan, even after June 30, 2021. The opening of other programs in Washington under the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery does not apply to long term care facilities.

Click here to view the Safe Start Plan for assisted living facilities.
Click here to view the Safe Start Plan for skilled nursing facilities.

The Safe Start for Long Term Care Recommendations and Requirements Document (Safe Start Plan) establishes criteria for long term care facilities to permit visitation. The plan also offers guidance on trips outside the facility, communal dining and group activities, testing and screening, source control and personal protective equipment (PPE), and staffing. If you have questions, please email the RCS Policy Unit.
DEAR ADMINISTRATOR LETTER PROVIDES INFORMATION ON NO COST HEALTH SUPPORT TEAM TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
In a Dear Administrator letter amended June 22, 2021, all providers are notified the COVID-19 Behavioral Health Group is offering Health Support Team (HST) training for long term care workers. Trainings are held virtually, and the letter provides an overview of the training along with training dates and registration information. The upcoming training dates are:
Friday, July 9, 2021 | 8:00 - 8:30 AM
Friday, July 9, 2021 | 12:30 - 1:00 PM
Friday, July 23, 2021 | 8:00 - 8:30 AM

If you have questions about the training, please email the Behavior Health Group.
DOH COOLING GUIDANCE IN ANTICIPATION OF HOT WEATHER
On June 24, 2021, The Department of Health (DoH) posted cooling guidance in anticipation of hot weather. The cooling guidance is about air movement in consideration of COVID. We encourage you to also view the DOH hot weather safety information here. In addition, the DOH has more preparedness information available online here under the Health Care Preparedness dropdown.

WHCA has been in communication with King County EMS and emergency, hospital and fire crews are concerned regarding long term care facilities and the vulnerable population served. According to King County EMS, this extreme heatwave should be treated as a major weather emergency, just like an extreme storm and the possibility of power outages. Generators and/or any auxiliary power systems should be tested, ensuring there is adequate fuel and supplies, and knowing what building systems will work if the system goes to their generator, including HVAC. Adequate water supplies, fuel, and plans to keep the residents sheltered in place for the next several days should be ready as resources will be depleted by the time the extreme weather arrives. Now is the time to pull out the facility emergency and disaster plans, ensure they are up to date, and that staff are educated on how and what to do.

The fire departments and hospital systems across Washington are going to be extremely busy dealing with weather-related emergencies and prioritizing resources and requests. The more your facility can prepare to monitor, treat and shelter your residents in place, the more the EMS, hospital and emergency systems across the state can address the needs during the unprecedented heatwave.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.