As states scour the world for masks and other protective medical equipment, the federal government has repeatedly invoked a little-known clause in the Defense Production Act to step to the front of the line for sought-after health supplies.

Effective April 3, National Parks along North Cascades Highway will close to all park visitors until further notice. State Route 20 will remain open to just west of the town of Newhalem (milepost 120). The closure point on the east side will remain at milepost 177 (Early Winters Campground).

Considering coronavirus outbreaks in Skagit County and King County, ProPublica’s health reporter Caroline Chen explains what the conversation around asymptomatic coronavirus carriers is missing, and what we need to understand if we’re going to beat this nefarious virus together.

Stay home, stay healthy. The only way for us to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home as much as possible. We will be sending regular emails like this to provide information on local response efforts, available resources and how to keep yourself safe during this difficult time.

A new COVID-19 related death was reported Wednesday by Skagit County Public Health, bringing the number of deaths in the county to four. Meanwhile, the total number of people testing positive climbed from 128 reported on Tuesday to 143 today, Wednesday. Now Fourteen people have been hospitalized in the county. Again, the state is not reporting any new cases, saying their vendor is having database problems.

A small local group is helping students in needy families during this coronavirus outbreak by providing school supplies for kids at home.