A Glimmer of Good News
- The COVID-19 public health crisis has brought so much uncertainty, but there’s a glimmer of good news. The Seattle Times reports that data shows social distancing is making a positive difference in Washington state in slowing the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Hospitalizations for patients with symptoms of COVID-19-like illnesses in Washington declined last week by more than 20 percent.
It’s important to note, health officials predict “the outbreak will come roaring back” if we ease up on social distancing. For this reason, Gov. Jay Inslee has extended the Stay Home - Stay Healthy order to May 4.
- A federal 2.2 trillion economic stimulus package has been signed into law. The legislation will put money in the pockets of many Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. To learn more details on the criteria for these stimulus checks, read this article from the IRS.
Stay at Home Fun
With the extension of the Stay Healthy order through May 4th, here are online and offline ways to stay engaged during this difficult time
- Spend an afternoon virtually touring museums around the world. From the comfort of your home, choose from museums like the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, The State Hermitage Museum in Russia, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. See it all at the Google Arts and Culture site.
- A treasure trove of YouTube resources and exercise videos are great to do while indoors. Boost cognitive function, quality of sleep and flexibility through the practiced art of Tai Chi. Check out this video of seated Tai Chi exercises for seniors.
- In times like these, we need practical, actionable ways of coping with stress, fear and anxiety. This Ten Percent Happier website, highlights tools to use to make sure that we all remain centered, calm and in control.
- Gather some old magazines, craft supplies and create a vision board – ideas, events and things you wish for yourself and your life this spring and summer.
- Wednesday, April 8 is National Draw a Bird Day! Take a peek outside and draw the first bird you see!
- April is National Poetry Month. Can you write a haiku, sonnet or limerick about your world today and how you are feeling?
Wishing you all good health as we navigate these challenging times together!