COVID-19 UPDATES
Since yesterday’s update, Public Health is reporting as of this afternoon:
- 63 new positive cases of COVID-19 (20,931 total)
- 0 new COVID-19-related deaths (743 total)
- New hospitalizations is 4 (2,305 to date)
Of the 15,527 cases in which race and ethnicity information is available, 5,950 of those are white and 9,577 are Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Full information with detailed demographics of those diagnosed with COVID-19, including by age and gender, as well as on rates of hospitalization, is available on Public Health’s data dashboard.
Yesterday, Sunday, September 13th, Public Health reported 68 new positive cases of COVID-19 (20,868 total) and 0 new COVID-19-related deaths (743 total). The number of new hospitalizations was 7 (2,301 total). On Saturday, September 12th, Public Health reported 101 new positive cases of COVID-19 (20,800 total) and 0 new COVID-19-related deaths (743 total). The number of new hospitalizations was 0 (2,294 total).
Statewide, according to the state Department of Health (DOH), as of yesterday, September 13th, the total number of positive cases was 80,138. Total number of deaths statewide was 2006, and total hospitalizations were 7,098.
So, for at least for now, our new cases and deaths have pretty good numbers.
   
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Gov. Inslee updates indoor fitness and training facility guidance
On Friday Gov. Inslee announced his updated guidance for indoor fitness and training facilities as part of Washington's Safe Start phased reopening plan. The updated guidelines allow these facilities to operate in Modified Phase 1 counties under Phase 2 guidance.
This means that facilities like gyms, yoga studios, and indoor sports facilities can open for personal fitness and training, group fitness classes, and practice for certain low- and medium-contact sports. Occupancy is limited to ensure proper physical distancing, and masks are required.
Why flu vaccine is more important during covid-19
 Public Health has posted an important Q&A with Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin about why flu shots are so important during the pandemic. You may also want to read these articles:
- Yes, you can have Covid-19 and the flu at the same time. Here's what that could do to your body. – CNN
- Flu or COVID-19? Don’t guess this fall, get your flu shot – The Seattle Times
Given all this and what we’re likely facing, I am particularly pleased the Council two weeks ago included my recommendation to add $650,000 to our 4th Emergency COVID Budget for expanding our free flu vaccine program for those who are of low or no-income, uninsured or underinsured.
Live stream event tomorrow: The Coronavirus Pandemic: Global Race for a Vaccine
 Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Reuters will host a live Q&A on global efforts to find a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19. The public can send questions for the panelists in advance or during the Q&A to: theforum@hsph.harvard.edu or post them to @ForumHSPH.
The event will live stream on Facebook and on The Forum website tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15th, at 9 a.m. Pacific Time. There is no registration required to watch the event online.
The video will later be posted for viewing on YouTube, The Forum website and Facebook.
September 24th at 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time: Huskies From Home: Student Life and Safety During COVID-19
With the transition to virtual learning and adapting campus life to combat the COVID-19 crisis, autumn quarter at the UW will be different from any previously experienced. The UW is hosting virtual events showcasing what it is like to be a Husky during a global pandemic, starting on September 24th.
UW leaders will highlight the University’s steps to reduce density, increase physical distancing, provide testing and manage contact tracing. They will also share ways the UW is working to ensure all students continue to have access to the services and support they need.
To register, click here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Speakers include Denzil Suite, Vice President of Student Life and Margaret Shepherd, Chief of Staff & Chief Administrative Officer, Executive Office of the President & Provost.
Wildfire smoke resources
We included a good deal of information and resources for coping with wildfire smoke in our last e-newsletter, but I’m including a few important links again, as it appears the smoke will be around for a few more days (unfortunately). These links also include lists of resources and important websites for staying up to date on the changing air quality in our area:
- Public Health’s wildfire smoke webpage
- How to keep indoor air clean on smoky days (Public Health Insider Blog)
- Washington Smoke Blog
Smoke relief shelter remains open as region continues to experience poor air quality
As wildfires continue to rage in Washington State, the air quality in Seattle and King County and beyond remains at dangerous levels and all residents have been cautioned to stay indoors. To offer a safe, clean place for people experiencing homelessness to come inside and breathe clean air, the County and the City of Seattle worked together to open a temporary smoke relief shelter in Seattle’s SoDo area. The smoke relief shelter located at 1045 6th Ave South in SoDo is now projected to stay open until this Wednesday, September 16th. Currently 100 people are staying in the SoDo smoke relief shelter, and King County and Salvation Army staff are welcoming as many guests into the shelter as possible without creating unsafe conditions for the spread of COVID-19.
Public Health – Seattle & King County has advised that agencies should open facilities only if they possess high-quality air filtration systems and can comply with public health guidance for face coverings, social distancing and capacity restrictions to address the continuing risk of COVID infection. The SoDo site is very large, with space to ensure social distancing. Because it was created to serve as a COVID isolation and recovery center, the Sodo site has an excellent air filtration system, special germ resistant surfaces, and no-touch hand washing stations throughout the building.
Reminder: Join County Executive Constantine tomorrow for second panel on equity and sustainability post-COVID-19
 The second of three sessions, “Unlocking Solutions,” will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15th, from 5 – p.m. The series explores one crucial question: How can we make our region’s post-COVID future more equitable and more sustainable? Speakers will include Alyssa Macy, CEO, Washington Environmental Council/Washington Conservation Voters; Steven Severin, Operations and Booking, Neumos, Barboza & Life on Mars; Nicole Grant, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, MLK Labor; and Sakara Remmu, Emeritus Chair of Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County.
For more information and to register, click here. I’d suggest registering quickly, as I tried to register for the first session last week, but waited too long and was unable to join!
Orcas and Salmon: In Dialogue with Lynda Mapes of the Seattle Times
 Join Seattle Times Journalist Lynda Mapes September 17th, at 6 p.m. Pacific Time to learn about the southern resident orca whales and Chinook salmon that are a signature of our region. Lynda will discuss the status of the Southern residents, including updates on the pregnancy of Tahlequah (J35), and share about what's its like covering these two interdependent species - orcas and salmon - and their struggle for survival, which Lynda reported on in the award-winning Seattle Times “Hostile Waters” series.
For more information and to register, click here.
You may notice this is happening at the same time as my Virtual Town Hall, but this is such an important issue I thought you should know about this. Maybe you can join me for the Town Hall and a friend or roommate or partner can watch this one.
Full County Council meets tomorrow at 1 p.m.
The full Council will hold a virtual meeting tomorrow and will take up a number of important issues. The public is welcome to view the meeting and to provide public testimony. For full details on the meeting, including the agenda, meeting materials and instructions for joining the meeting and/or providing testimony, click here.
Request for Proposals: Communities of Opportunity speaker series
Communities of Opportunity seeks an individual, organization, or team to help implement a new speaker series with COO staff and stakeholders. The focus areas will be Health and Policy, Community Driven Development and Building Community Wealth. All content will align with COO’s racial equity emphasis.
For more information, see this announcement. A pre-proposal conference will take place this Wednesday, September 16th from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. You can access the pre-proposal conference by teleconference: https://zoom.us/j/97309454703 or conference call: 1-253-215-8782 Conference ID: 973 0945 4703. Proposals are due October 6th. For the full Request for Proposals (RFP) and related documentation (enter as “Guest” to view):
https://procurement.kingcounty.gov/procurement_ovr/rfpdocs/2020/GoodsAndServices/1169-20-LSM/1169-20.pdf
Metro Updates
Metro is reminding riders about fall service changes beginning September 19th. Click here for more information and see this page for information on improvements to bus service for residents of South King County.
DID YOU KNOW?
The November general election may feel far away, but King County Elections will be sending out the first batch of ballots for the general election this Friday! The first ballots are mailed early to overseas, service, and out of state voters. A “service” voter is any active-duty member of the Armed Forces, Merchant Marine, Public Health Service, NOAA, and their family members (whether stationed domestically or abroad).
For all information on registering, voting and returning your ballot, see the County Elections Department webpage.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Exclusive: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial in U.S. on hold until at least midweek – Reuters
- A COVID-19 vaccine may be only 50% effective. Is that good enough? - NPR
- Child care was already dysfunctional. COVID-19 could break it completely - Crosscut
- ‘Crisis within a crisis’: Already endangered by COVID-19, Washington farms and farmworkers face new threat from wildfires – The Seattle Times
- Migrant workers leave WA farms, risking poverty instead of coronavirus – Crosscut
- The Seahawks and NFL have successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Can they keep it up? - The Seattle Times
- COVID-19 complicates California’s record-setting wildfire season – The Hill
- The number of Washingtonians facing hunger has doubled since start of the pandemic – The News Tribune
- Analysis | U.S. school principals discriminate against Muslims and atheists, our study finds – The Washington Post
- Seattle business groups press for input on public safety as mayor and City Council eye changes – The Seattle Times
- Despite a new federal ban, many renters are still getting evicted - NPR
- Wildfires: Why they’re getting so bad, and tips for staying safe from the smoke – GeekWire
- Wildfire smoke to linger as hopes for wind and rain dissipate Monday – The Seattle Times
- Antifa isn’t starting Washington wildfires – Bothell Reporter
- Redesigning the office for the next 100-year flu (yes, it's coming) - NPR
- In Brazil it’s not just the amazon that’s burning. The world’s largest wetland is on fire, too. - Reuters
- The arctic is shifting to a new climate because of global warming – The New York Times
- Ballard P-Patch secures loan to protect community garden, with two more milestones to come – My Ballard
- Virtual town hall with King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles – My Ballard
Today’s moment of inspiration
11-year-old supports single mothers during pandemic with his lemonade stand
 Photo courtesy Britany Stewart / From CNN.com
According to this article by CNN, 11-year-old Cartier Carey “is proving no one is too young to make a difference.” Cartier is organizing his neighbors in Hampton, Virginia to raise money by selling lemonade and treats. All the proceeds go towards buying diapers and wipes for mothers in need. His lemonade stand has yielded close to $3,000 in three days.
According to the article, this is not his first foray into community service. “Earlier this year, Cartier created care packages called ‘Carti packs,’ filled with deodorant, soap and tissues to give to the homeless population.”
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I’m sending out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - - and sometimes more frequently. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. And you can click here to visit the archive page where you can find all of my previous enews updates.
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