The COVID-19 virus continues to spread throughout communities as we begin our third year of the pandemic. All of us at BEST understand how challenging all of this can be while navigating the rest of life with a brain injury. We know because we, like you, are part of this incredible community.

We cannot provide current information for everyone but are committed to ensuring that general guidelines and Washington State requirements, vaccine status, and relevant links are provided to make navigating these confusing times a little easier. We want you to have the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.

If you are a resident of Washington or visiting our state keep in mind that local health officials have the authority to put health orders in place to control and prevent the spread of  COVID-19 within their jurisdiction. These orders may be more strict than our statewide orders. BUT they cannot be less strict than statewide mandates.

Do you live in the Verdant Health Commission service area? We can help. Contact us at 877-718-2378.

Many support groups want to gather again. The health and safety of all of our precious support group members are of utmost importance to us during the continued spread of the COVID virus. We recommend Wear a mask whenever you gather with others. WA State requires you wear a mask if you are indoors. Physically distance if you plan to attend any in-person meetings. All one-to-one visits should observe the physical distancing, mask, and established hygiene protocols. Remember, caution and care save lives.

Mask Update

Vaccine Update

COVID FAQs

Resources

 

Mask Update

23 December 2021 – Washington State’s mask mandate is still in place. Everyone is required to wear a mask in all indoor settings. The indoor mask mandate includes everyone regardless of vaccination status. In other words, everyone is required to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth. You can download the pdf update of the WA Secretary of Health Mask Order from the Dept of Health website; https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/820-202-MaskOrderFAQ.pdf

Due to the increase in disease transmission, the Washington Secretary of Health is requiring that every person five years of age and older wear a mask in public indoor settings and at large, outdoor events with 500 or more attendees. Remember, too, that all students, teachers, and staff are legally required, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks when going to school.

Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth is a simple way to protect yourself and others from getting sick. Wearing a mask, even if you are fully vaccinated, to protect yourself from evolving variants of the virus such as the Omicron & Delta variants as well as all other identified variants. If you are not vaccinated masks help to prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to others.

For more mask information visit the WA Department of Health website. All Washington State COVID-19 resources can be found at the official state website; https://coronavirus.wa.gov/.

Did you know you can get up-to-date information by text? If you live in the state of Washington you can text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 and receive the latest information and updates on your cell phone.

If you need someone to talk to about stress due to COVID-19 call Washington Listens at 1-833-681-0211.

To slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus it is vital that we

• Wear a mask,
• Keep at least six feet away from others,
• Meet outdoors instead of indoors whenever possible,
• Wash your hands, and cover coughs and sneezes.

If you are interested in more details click here for the Washington Department of Health
Data Dashboard or copy and paste this link into your web browser;
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/DataDashboard

Click on the image to download a poster you can print and display at home, at work, or at support group meetings.

 

Vaccine Information

We know many people have gotten vaccinated. But not everyone. We encourage those of you who have yet to be vaccinated to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are available at no cost to you. That’s right! No one should be charging you for a vaccination.

Boosters are available for those who are already vaccinated. Boosters will help you fight off serious illness in the event you get sick with the COVID virus.

If you have a compromised immune system talk to your healthcare provider about getting a third vaccination.

You can use the WA vaccine locator to find a location close to you and make an appointment; https://vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/

If you must go out remember that the restrictions and guidelines are to protect you as much as they are in place to protect others.

COVID FAQs

Many people have different ideas about what COVID is, whether they will get sick or not if the vaccine is safe, and much more. We’ve put together a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to answer the most common, and often confusing, questions people have asked us. Visit our COVID FAQ page to read more.

COVID Resources

We have resources and links to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family. PLUS we have printable downloads. Visit our Resources page for more information.

 

(This page was last updated 23 December 2021)