To ensure adequate health rights for all residents, Indian-American politician to now work for guaranteed paid sick leave nationwide.
As the spread of Coronavirus gains urgent attention in America, Washington state just announced that it would now be covering the costs of COVID-19 tests of residents without health insurance.
The announcement was made Thursday by Washington Governor Jay Inslee following a public call by Indian American member of Seattle city council Kshama Sawant.
Sawant had written a letter earlier this week to local Democratic officials that testing and care for Coronavirus should be free.
Thanks to Sawant’s efforts, Washington governor announced Thursday that the state will ensure free testing for the uninsured.
Washington state has seen a total of 70 confirmed cases of Coronavirus so far. Sensing the emergency of the situation, the timely action by the state has been welcomed by residents.
“For the uninsured in our state, whose doctors believe they need testing, I am announcing that we have the authority and intention to cover those costs by the state of Washington,” Inslee announced at a press conference.
COVID-19 testing in the state would also be done without co-pays or deductibles, according to health officials.
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On continuing her fight to ensure adequate health rights for all residents during this emergency, Sawant informed that she would be working towards the need for guaranteed paid sick leave nationwide.
But most immediately, she said that workers need to have paid leave for Coronavirus quarantine.“We’re going to have to fight for this by making public demands,” Sawant said.
Washington state has become the epicenter of the virus in the US, and by leading the way it has shown how to step up and take action during health emergencies.