VP Pence to visit Inslee Thursday for coronavirus update

Governor Jay Inslee says he’ll meet with Vice President Mike Pence Thursday in Olympia.

Pence is leading the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus.

This comes as the state readies a new facility to quarantine those exposed to the virus.

On Wednesday, Governor Inslee got a close look at the quarantine accommodations for those who may require it because of exposure to the coronavirus.

“We try to make sure that the experience of being quarantined is a good experience so that that person will stay in quarantine,” said Nathan Weed, Washington Department of Health Incident Commander.

“Yeah, you want compliance,” agreed Governor Inslee.

There are four RV’s for healthy people who have nowhere else to sit out a 14-day quarantine. Four more for people who require isolation. And room for medical staff.

All are on the grounds of the Maple Lane Facility a former youth detention center in Centralia that now serves other functions.

Earlier, Inslee confirmed that Pence will visit Washington state Thursday evening. Inslee spoke to Pence overnight and asked him to loosen restrictions on who can get the coronavirus test.

“Those people are legitimately frustrated and that’s why I’m pleased we succeeded last night to get the federal government to give us the green light,” Inslee said.

Inslee continues to urge sick people to stay home from work or school, and said he has the legal authority to shut down venues if necessary.

“It’s a weighty decision, but I will not be afraid to make that decision if it becomes the right thing for the state of Washington.”

On Wednesday evening, the state Senate voted to approve a $100 million funding package to establish a comprehensive response for the coronavirus.

“The safety and health of our neighbors is paramount, and it’s important we give our state and local health departments the support they need to respond to this outbreak,” said Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane). “We have excellent public health systems in our state, and I’m pleased we have found a bipartisan path forward to help address this crisis.”

House Bill 2965 unanimously passed the Senate and will head back to the House of Representatives for a final vote before Inslee can sign it into law.

More coronavirus news from KIRO 7