Local man finally home after coronavirus lockdown in Peru

RENTON, Wash. - After being stuck in lockdown in Peru for about two weeks, one local man is back home in King County.Since October, 21-year-old Griffin Armour worked in Peru as a missionary.

Hackers 'Zoom bombing' meetings, attacking teleworkers, students

From phishing employees to hijacking video teleconferencing, bored hackers are disrupting the online space we're operating in to follow physical distancing measures.

Worried about paying rent? Rental assistance is available for many in Washington

KING COUNTY, Wash. -- Some leaders are calling on the government to freeze all rent and mortgages moving forward, but as of Tuesday, no decision has been made.So the reality is that so many are at a loss on how they will pay rent and mortgage starting on Wednesday.Living inside a cramped apartment, Ifra Khan tries to get in quick walks with her 9-year-old daughter Zuha.“It’s kind of taking it day by day,” Khan said.And on this day, what she is most worried about is how the rent will get paid.“I’ve let my apartment complex know that all I can do is partial rent, my rent is $1,600,” Khan said.Before COVID-19 turned things upside down, Khan, a single mom, was financially stable, doing multiple jobs including owning a mobile notary business.“I’ve got a kid who is asthmatic and I can’t compromise her health and go and meet with clients,” Khan said.Being an independent contractor and a small business owner, the Renton mom does not qualify for unemployment benefits.“Right now it’s kind of just in flight or fight, and right now we are fighting, we want to figure out the best way to get through it,” Khan said.So many are in her position, and United Way of King County will become a lifeline for many by next week because UWKC is handing out rental assistance.“We are trying to keep the criteria for it relatively low barrier so we can help as many people as possible,” Senior Director Lauren McGowan said.McGowan says the first priority will be to help renters in King County who can’t make April’s rent due to impacts from COVID-19.UWKC says they have raised millions but they need so much more.If you can give, they are asking you to donate here.“There is a critical up and down stream that’s affected when rent is not paid,” said State Rep.

Snoqualmie Valley School District expands free meal program

The Snoqualmie Valley School District has expanded its free meal delivery service to make sure no child goes hungry while school is closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bicoastal brothers work to create shield masks for COVID-19 response

SEATTLE - As healthcare providers scramble to find personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, two brothers on opposite ends of the country are using creativity to help fill the high demand.Dr.

UW model shows April 19 peak for coronavirus in Washington state

Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer with the Washington Department of Health, said on Tuesday that a University of Washington data model estimates that the state COVID-19 outbreak will peak around April 19.

Washington to get nearly $3 billion from coronavirus stimulus bill

Washington state is set to receive nearly $3 billion from the federal stimulus bill passed to help with the economic hit from the coronavirus outbreak.

Walmart to begin taking temperature of every employee before their shifts start

Walmart will begin taking the temperature of its employees prior to their shifts in the hopes of preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus, the company said in a press release on Monday.According to the press release, the company is in the process of sending digital thermometers to all of its store locations, which could take up to three weeks.Once the thermometers arrive, all employees will have their temperature taken before every shift.

State issues new guidance for reporting 'stay-at-home' violations

If you know of people or businesses who are violating the state's stay-at-home order, DO NOT call 911. Call the non-emergency line for your local police or sheriff's office.

Rapid COVID-19 test that can deliver results in 15 minutes will be available Tuesday, FDA commissioner says

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn announced in a Coronavirus Task Force Press Briefing that a new coronavirus test would be available Tuesday from Avid, a pharmaceuticals company.

Seattle passes rent and mortgage relief resolution

SEATTLE -- The Seattle City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on Governor Jay Inslee, federal legislators, and the White House administration to place a moratorium on rent and mortgage payments for homes and businesses.The resolution was introduced by Councilmember Tammy Morales who represents District 2, South Seattle and the CID.“I hate to say it, but we’re in for several months or longer of people being in crisis,” said Morales. “We need to make sure that our mom-and-pop business owners, our neighbors down the street, your sister who just got laid off are also getting the relief they need to weather this crisis.”Jasper Rose started the Facebook page “Seattle Rent Strike,” after seeing an international movement of people calling for financial aid after losing their ability to earn income.“We have been mandated to stay home, but still required to pay our bills and our rent,” said Rose. “Those that are living paycheck to paycheck don’t have any of that wiggle room.