On October 2, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of 26 proclamations in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and the recent wildfires. The extensions were approved by the state Legislature and extended the proclamations until November 9, 2020. 
 
Among the list, these are the proclamations that affect our workplace and working conditions as healthcare workers:

20-21.8 Unemployment Benefit One-Week Waiver

Waiver on one-week waiting period for collecting unemployment.
Issued: October 2, 2020
Expires: November 9, 2020

20-30.8 Unemployment Benefit – Job Search Requirements

Persons on unemployment do not need to follow job search requirements.
Issued: October 2, 2020
Expires: November 9, 2020

Workers’ Compensation During the COVID-19 Emergency

The burden of proof is on the employer regarding whether a healthcare worker contracted COVID-19 in the workplace, and is eligible for workers’ compensation through L&I. The assumption is a healthcare worker did contract the virus at work.
Issued: April 10, 2020
Expires: After state of emergency ends

20-46.2 High-Risk Employees: Workers’ Rights

Folks who meet the CDC definition of high risk must have accommodations, such as telework or work in a different department/location, made for them if at all possible. More information on who is included in the high risk group is located here.
Issued: July 29, 2020
Expires: After state of emergency ends

20-23.9 Ratepayer Assistance and Preservation of Essential Services

Utility shutoff moratorium, specifically water, power, or phone services.
Issued: October 2, 2020
Expires: November 9, 2020

20-63.3 DSHS – Family Emergency Assistance Program

DSHS expanded eligibility for Family Emergency Assistance Program to include individuals and families without children.
Issued: October 1, 2020
Expires: November 9, 2020

20-29.8 Telemedicine

Telemedicine/virtual care: Payment parity in providing services through telemedicine.
Issued: October 2, 2020
Expires: November 9, 2020

20.65.2 Long Term Care – Workers, Facilities, and Resources

Waivers for specific training, testing and certification requirements as well as background check in long term care settings if the information can be processed during COVID-19, as well as extensions to review times and inspections related to Certificate of Need and Department of Health.
Issued: October 2, 2020
Expires: November 9, 2020

20-32.8 Department of Health – Health Care Workers

Waiving administrative requirements regarding licensure of health care providers.
Issued: October 2, 2020
Expires: November 9, 2020

20-36.6 Department of Health – Health Care Facilities and Hand Sanitizer

Suspension of administrative requirements to license health care facilities regarding production of hand sanitizer.
Issued: October 2, 2020
Expires: November 9, 2020