Coronavirus Updates

What is Novel Coronavirus?

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain similar to the common cold spreading from person-to-person, with the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people. 

How is the coronavirus disease spread?

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• The air by coughing and sneezing, or close person-to-person contact
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms of coronavirus may include:

• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus. The CDC recommends everyday prevention measures, including:

• Staying home except to get medical care
• Seperating yourself from other people if you are sick
• Monitoring your symptoms
• Covering your coughs and sneezes
• Cleaning your hands often with soap and water
• Cleaning and sanitizing all frequently touched areas

The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

Online Resources

• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Travel notices

If you're not sure if you're eligible for unemployment benefits, please use the eligibility checker for information about your possible eligibility.

• See the ESD COVID-19 page for details about changes to eligibility.

General Application Information

Application information is available at the Washington Employment Security Department web page. Useful tools are linked below:

1. Application checklist
2. “What is asked when I apply”
3. Setting up a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account
4. Apply online with eServices
   1. eServices User Guide
   2. Technical support FAQs.

After you apply:

You will receive an Unemployment claim determination letting you know if you are eligible for benefits and how much you will receive. 

If you have questions related to collecting unemployment insurance, please contact the Employment Security Department. The Community Colleges of Spokane works directly with the Employment Security Department to respond to information requests but does not play a role in determining who is eligible for unemployment.