COVID-19 WA

A guide to when, where and whether to get a COVID-19 vaccine

Posted 1/12/2021

The science is clear: emotional support matters — especially as we age.

Facilities must be held accountable as numbers worsen despite millions in state and federal funding

In the face of financial scams related to the coronavirus outbreak, AARP Washington is collaborating with state and federal experts to provide information and resources that help older Washingtonians spot and stop a scam. 

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, causing the deaths of more than 84,000 residents and staff, according to an Oct. 8 analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation—including more than 1,184 in Washington. Yet federal policymakers have been slow to respond to this crisis, and no state has done a good enough job to stem the loss of life. AARP has called for enacting a 5-point plan to protect nursing home and long-term care facility residents and has fought for public reporting of nursing home COVID-19 cases and deaths.

In late March, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to slow the spread of Covid-19. Two months later, on May 29, the Governor announced an updated 4-phase, county-by-county “Safe Start” reopening plan.

The spread of the coronavirus across our state has created a very stressful environment for all Washingtonians, especially older people and those with underlying health conditions who are at heightened risk. During these difficult days, AARP is working hard to help our members, their families and the broader community understand how to protect themselves.