Governor Jay Inslee’s tour of Washington for community discussions about the state’s handling of the coronavirus response included a stop in Federal Way.

Inslee, who was accompanied by state Secretary of Health John Wiesman, met July 17 with leaders of south King County-area government, business, labor unions, and non-profit groups. They discussed public-health concerns, economic issues, education, and working conditions.

The gathering was the fourth in-person meeting (with face coverings and physical distancing) involving Inslee around the state. The others were in Spokane, Yakima, and the Tri-Cities.

In Federal Way and elsewhere, Inslee talked about ways to mitigate the spread of the virus and the potential for more state resources to help with social supports for those out of work, as well as aid to businesses.

More than 5,000 Washingtonians have been hospitalized with COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. Inslee said the number of cases would have overwhelmed the state if not for proper reactions in government and communities.