COVID-19 Community Guidance: 09/02/2021

ISLAND COUNTY COVID-19

Updated Community Guidance

September 2, 2021

For schools (2021/22) please see this updated information.

 

Community Guidance will be sent out twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

 

Island County Public Health wants to make sure that the citizens of Island County have access to reliable guidance surrounding COVID-19. We update guidance on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month to help inform our community. For archived copies of this community guidance, visit the COVID-19 section of our webpage.

 

Numbers and Data   

A case rate of 260.57 cases per 100,000 was calculated for the two-week period of August 20th, 2021 to September 2nd, 2021.  Island County has 2,808 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 35 deaths.  *Note, Surveillance numbers will be updated every Thursday.  Current numbers are posted on our COVID webpage.

 

Update from Department of Health (DOH)

Newest numbers: DOH reported a total of 512,162 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on September 1st. There have been 6,643 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's Dashboard.  Race and ethnicity data are included on the DOH dashboards, as well as in specific reports.

 

 

Governor Jay Inslee Update

August 20th: Gov. Jay Inslee updated and extended two emergency proclamations that expand the vaccine requirement and the statewide face covering requirement.  The expanded emergency orders are:  Proclamations 20-25, Washington Ready; and 21-14, Vaccination Requirement. 

• Proclamation 20-25 is amended to adopt the most recent face covering order issued by the Secretary of Health, Order 20-03.4. Under this order, every person in Washington must wear a face covering when they are in a place that is generally accessible to any person from outside their household, subject to specific exceptions and exemptions.  
• Proclamation 21-14 (Vaccination Requirement) is expanded to include all employees, on-site contractors and on-site volunteers at all public and private K-12 schools, public and private 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education, and early learning and child care programs serving children from multiple households. 

Read the article from which this information came here.

August 27th:  Gov. Jay Inslee updated Proclamation 20-12 (Higher Education). The updates include technical changes to align the higher education proclamation with the vaccination requirement proclamation (21-14.1) which requires that staff, faculty, contractors and volunteers at vaccinated institutions of higher education be fully vaccinated by October 18, 2021. The updated proclamation also removes the philosophical exemption option for students.  The amended proclamation is effective immediately.

Read the full proclamation here.

Read the article from which this information came here.

 

Washington State Department of Health Update

August 19th: The latest COVID-19 modeling and surveillance situation report from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) shows current COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions at their highest levels to-date. These upward trends are likely to continue due to the delta variant. With hospital staff and capacities strained statewide, both masking and vaccination are now crucial to control and manage disease transmission.

Read the article from which this information came here.

August 24th: As the Delta variant spreads throughout every region in Washington, demand for COVID-19 testing increases. With that, many people are turning to various over-the-counter, at-home tests when they have symptoms or when they need a test for other reasons. These tests can be convenient and improve access to testing but it is important to ensure people are still using the right kind of test, taking steps to get care and isolate from others if they are positive, and positive results are reported to the state.

Reporting helps the Department of Health (DOH) determine how and where the virus is spreading so resources can be allocated to reduce the spread. Now, it’s easier than ever for people who buy home tests to report their own results. Thanks to a partnership with Washington 211, it is now possible to report a positive test result from an at-home test through the state’s COVID-19 hotline. Hotline personnel will determine next steps based on zip code so results can be recorded and reported, and can guide callers through any questions they may have

The state hotline, 1-800-525-0127, is available Monday from 6 AM to 10 PM, and Tuesday to Sunday (and observed holidays) 6 AM to 6 PM. Language assistance is available.

Read the article from which this information came here.

August 26th: The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) warns people should not take ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19, following today’s Health Alert Network advisory released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug used commonly in humans and animals. Although it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of some parasitic worms, external parasites and skin conditions, evidence shows it is ineffective against treating the COVID-19 virus and the side effects can be potentially dangerous.

Getting vaccinated is the most safe and effective way to protect yourself and prevent severe sickness and death from COVID-19. Everyone 12 and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to make an appointment today.

Read the article from which this information came here.

 

 

FDA Update

August 23rd:  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

Read the article from which this information came here.

 

US Department of Defense Update

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memorandum directing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for service members.  Only vaccines that have been fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration will be mandatory.

The memo directs the secretaries of the military departments to immediately begin full vaccination of all members of the department on active duty or in the Guard or Reserve, who aren't yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Read the article from which this information here.

 

CDC Update

September 1st: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created unique challenges for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To address them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a COVID-19 toolkit with communication resources explaining in plain language how people with IDD and caregivers can protect themselves from the virus.

“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities can experience communication barriers that make it harder for them to understand and act on crucial health guidance,” said Karen Remley, MD, director of CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. “The aim of these materials is to help people with IDD, their parents and other caregivers share critical information with their loved ones about COVID-19 and what to expect when getting a COVID-19 test or vaccine and explain how to stay safe if they are not vaccinated.”

To develop the toolkit, CDC hosted multiple discussions with adults with IDD and their caregivers, who were most often family members, and asked them to share their individual experiences and what they found helpful in talking about COVID-19 with their loved ones.

Tools to start the conversation

The toolkit contains social stories, videos, posters, and interactive activities that focus on five topics:

• Getting a COVID-19 vaccine
• Wearing a mask
• Social distancing
• Hand washing
• Getting a COVID-19 test

There is also a tip sheet for caregivers that offers suggestions for things they can do to ease their loved one’s worries about the virus.

“Parents and caregivers work hard to help the person they support stay healthy and safe. These materials can help parents or other caregivers of people with IDD navigate important conversations about COVID-19,” said Remley.

Resources for individuals with deafness or hearing loss

In addition to the toolkit, CDC developed videos and web resources in American Sign Language (ASL). To date, more than 40 ASL videos and 25 easy-to-read documents have been produced and viewed by more than 1 million people.

Visit CDC’s full suite of COVID-19 materials for people with IDD and their caregivers at COVID-19 Materials for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Care Providers | CDC

Read the article from which this information came here.

 

Washington State Department of Health Interim SARS-CoV-2 Self-Testing Guidance

If you are using a self-test, make sure to read the full manufacturer’s instructions before using the test. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about the test or your results. Some schools and workplaces might accept over-the-counter tests for return to work or school. You should discuss your results with your employer, school, etc. to determine if you are ready to return.

Read the full guidance about self-testing here.  It includes information about what your results mean.

 

Homebound Vaccine Visits

The Homebound program from Island County Public Health COVID Response is available to provide on-site COVID vaccinations to those who are unable to leave their home or small group setting (e.g., residential facilities). Services are provided at no cost. To schedule an appointment or for any questions, please contact Sharon Branch at (360) 678-2301 or s.branch@islandcountywa.gov.

 

Mobile Vaccination Team Events

Island County continues to provide mobile vaccination events.

Current locations are:

• Friday September 3rd Island County Administration Bldg., 1 – 7th Street NE, Rooms 101 & 116, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
• Saturday September 4th and Sunday September 5th Oak Harbor Music Festival in Oak Harbor, Pioneer Way & Dock St., 11:00am to 4:00pm
• Tuesday September 7th Skagit Valley College Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor, Oak Hall, Room 223, 2:00pm to 7:00pm
• Tuesday September 14th Camano Farmers Market at the Camano Commons, 848 N. Sunrise Blvd., 3:00pm to 6:00pm
• Friday October 1st Island County Administration Bldg., 1 – 7th Street NE, Rooms 101 & 116, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
• Monday October 4th Skagit Valley College Whidbey Island Campus in Oak Harbor, Oak Hall, Room 306, 2:00pm to 7:00pm

These vaccination events are open to the public.  All three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, available!  Ages 12+ welcome!  No appointment, ID, or insurance necessary.  Stop by and get your vaccine!

Our Mobile Vaccination Team can come to your organization or facility to give vaccines.  Pop-up events can be established at most locations for a walk-up style clinic. 

Schedule a Mobile Vaccination Clinic or Pop-Up Clinic today by contacting Liz Smith by email at e.smith@islandcountywa.gov or by phone at 360-320-5000. Watch our webpage for more dates to be added!

Island County Public Health is now authorized to administer a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines only for certain immunocompromised groups.  The Island County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics will be providing these third doses for immunocompromised patients pursuant to the FDA/CDC guidelines.  For more information go to the Island County COVID webpage.

 

COVID-19 Variants 

In an effort to keep you informed, we have a table and chart about variants on our COVID webpage! 

The table shows the types of variants and the number of variants detected in Island County as reported from the Washington State Department of Health.  We have also added a chart of the COVID Lineages Circulating in Washington State.

This information is reported each Wednesday and we will update our webpage on Thursdays, accordingly. 

The Washington State Department of Health is tracking information about COVID-19 variants in our state.  The SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing and Variants in Washington State (PDF) contains the most current information about variants in our state.  More information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Variants webpage.

 

COVID-19 Case Investigations & Contact Tracing

Have you or someone you know been exposed to COVID-19?

Case investigations and contact tracing help slow and prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19.

You can call the Washington State Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline: 1-800-525-0127

or go to the Washington State Department of Health Case Investigations & Contact Tracing website to learn more.

You can also sign up for WA Notify, a smartphone application that helps with Contact Tracing.

 

Reporting Suspected COVID-19 Business Violations

If you need to report a suspected COVID-19 business violation, go to this webpage here.

All of the information you submit to this site is public information. If a public records request per RCW 42.56 https://www.governor.wa.gov/home/privacy-notice is received these records will be released as required.

This form is ONLY for reporting suspected business violations of Governor Jay Inslee’s proclamations and the state Department of Health Orders.

 

Vaccine Information

• Many providers have open appointments with walk-ins available.
• Johnson & Johnson is a one-shot vaccine.
• Pfizer and Moderna are a two-shot series, make sure your second dose is completed.
• Pfizer is currently approved for those 12 and older. If you are a young adult, search for Pfizer on the vaccine locator.

Are you, or someone you know, experiencing vaccine hesitancy?  The Washington State Department of Health is a great resource for addressing vaccine hesitancy.   Visit the Washington State Department of Health’s resource page about “Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy” for more details. 

 

Island County Public Health  

Island County is participating in the distribution of Everlywell COVID test kits.  This is a free resource to the public.  To be eligible, individuals must be Island County residents that are having a hard time locating COVID-19 testing (this includes timely access).  The Everlywell test kits provided by Island County Public Health are only for test takers 18 years and older.  They are prioritized for symptomatic individuals.  The Everlywell test kits can only be picked up at our Camano and Coupeville offices.  Please call the COVID-19 Call Center at 360-678-2301 to have the qualifying survey completed, or complete the survey here: Cognito Forms.  Once the survey is completed, there will be a follow-up call to ensure eligibility, and then a pick-up location for the test kit will be chosen. 

We have many flyers on our website available for printing in both English and Spanish.

The Island County Public Health COVID-19 webpage is an excellent resource with links for specific guidance updates.  Click here to find the resources you need. 

 

Thank You

Island County Public Health would like to continue to thank our community.  This has impacted us all over the past year and we have come together as a community.  #IslandCountyProud moving forward, together! 

 

More Information

If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Island County, start by visiting our website, Facebook page, or email us at PubHealth@IslandCountyWa.gov.  If you would like to speak to someone directly about COVID-19, the COVID Call Center can be reached at 360-678-2301; Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.  We also offer our COVID-19 Information Line: 360-678-5111 ext. 6000.  This is a pre-recorded message in English and Spanish for community members to call for general information about COVID-19.

The WA DOH COVID-19 Vaccine website remains the most up-to-date source of information regarding the safety, phasing and availability of COVID-19 vaccine in Washington, as well as the Centers for Disease Control.

Community Guidance will be sent out via GovDelivery using a COVID-19 specific distribution list.  To continue receiving Community Guidance, sign up by visiting Island County’s webpage at https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-19.aspx. Scroll to the bottom of the page to “Sign up for email updates” and enter your email address.