COVID-19 UPDATES
Since yesterday’s update, Public Health is reporting as of this afternoon:
- 186 new positive cases of COVID-19 (25,740 total)
- 2 new COVID-19-related deaths (789 total)
- 2 new hospitalizations (2,518 to date)
To view a breakdown of COVID-19 cases by race and ethnicity (updated on Mondays), click this link. Click here to view the “Key Indicators” data dashboard.
Yesterday, Wednesday, October 21st, Public Health reported 187 new positive cases of COVID-19 (25,554 total) and 2 new COVID-19-related deaths (787 total). The number of new hospitalizations was 8 (2,516 total). On Tuesday, October 20th, Public Health reported 98 new positive cases of COVID-19 (25,367 total) and 0 new COVID-19-related death (785 total). The number of new hospitalizations was 10 (2,508 total).
Statewide, according to the state Department of Health (DOH), as of today, the total number of positive cases is 100,525. Total number of deaths statewide is 2,289, and total hospitalizations are 8,183.
The charts we usually include here are not available today. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
COVID-19 cases surging
The state Department of Health (DOH) is warning that the rate of positive COVID-19 cases is rising “at an alarming rate.” According to the DOH, the data show cases in western Washington counties rising at a rate “…near or beyond previous peaks in some areas.”
DOH adds that the trends we’re seeing locally are also happening nationally and in many other countries. “Last Friday there were 70,000 cases in one day in the United States, matching the largest number set back when disease activity was high in July. These cases are climbing, not because of localized outbreaks, but because of widespread disease transmission. A surge in cases right now could have very serious consequences for our healthcare system, local plans to open schools, the state’s economic recovery, and beyond.”
See these articles for more information:
- Possible surge of COVID-19 cases raises concern about hospital bed shortages – KOMO News
- A third surge of coronavirus infections has now firmly taken hold across much of the United States – The New York Times
- European nations smash Covid-19 records as WHO warns daily deaths could surpass April peak - CNN
- Concern that climb in cases means ‘fall surge’ is starting; Experts say we must act now to reverse trend – DOH
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves first COVID-19 drug
Media outlets are reporting that the FDA today approved Remdesivir to treat COVID-19. See these two breaking news stories:
- FDA approves first COVID-19 drug: antiviral remdesivir – The Seattle Times
- Remdesivir becomes first COVID-19 treatment to receive FDA approval - CNN
DOH submits interim COVID-19 vaccination plan to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
DOH submitted its interim vaccination plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to the CDC by the October 16th deadline.
The plan is Washington state’s response to the request from the CDC for state and territorial health departments to answer questions and outline their preliminary plans for vaccine distribution. It describes how the department will approach the work of planning for and distributing an FDA-approved safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine once available. It also describes how crucial lessons learned from the H1N1 pandemic vaccine distribution in 2009 informed our COVID-19 vaccine plan. This is the first version of the plan and DOH leadership emphasized that it is “a living document.”
For more information, see the news release here or read the interim plan here.
Flu vaccines: Important information and resources for older adults and persons with disabilities
As we’ve mentioned before, getting a flu shot this year is more important than ever before. Did you know that there are special high-dose versions of the flu shot that provide more protection for people 65 years and older? People in this age group need high-dose versions because their immune systems do not produce as strong an immune response after getting the regular-dose vaccine. See this page from King County with valuable information and resources for older or disabled adults this flu season.
If you need help over the phone with finding a flu shot, call Community Living Connections toll-free 1-844-348-5464 for help in finding a pharmacy or vaccine clinic near you. All calls are confidential. Interpretation is available.
If you need transportation to get to a vaccination clinic or pharmacy, contact Hyde Shuttle. Hyde Shuttle provides door-to-door van service throughout many communities in King County for adults, 55 and older, and persons with disabilities. To request a ride by phone call 206-727-6262 and press 1. Or register online: https://hydeshuttle.org.
If you have a disability and cannot use a bus or light rail, you may want to sign up for Access Metro Transportation. You may also contact the Access Metro Transportation Call Center at 206-205-5000 for assistance. Currently, people with disabilities with immediate transportation needs do not need to be certified for Access service.
Upcoming public flu clinics
The Seattle Visiting Nurses Association (SVNA) recently expanded to Seattle Public School locations, supplementing a longstanding location at North Seattle College. Clients can walk-up or drive-up for service. Vaccinations are free and clients will not be billed regardless of health insurance status. For those with insurance, your provider will be billed, because most insurance plans cover preventative services, you will not be charged a co-pay. For uninsured or under-insured clients, the City of Seattle will cover the cost.
Friday, October 23, 2020
South Shore K-8 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Washington Middle School - 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monday, October 26, 2020
Cleveland STEM High School - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chief Sealth High School - 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Washington Middle School - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
South Shore K-8 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Chief Sealth High School - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Madison Middle School - 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 29, 2020
South Shore K-8 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cleveland STEM High School - 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday, October 30, 2020
Rainier Beach High School - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Genesee Park (City Park) - 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
See these SVNA and Seattle Public Schools webpages for more information. To find vaccine locations near you, and for information in multiple languages, please see this page from Public Health: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/immunization/clinics.aspx. Click on “Community Health Centers” and “Public Health Centers” to find clinics offering low or no cost vaccines to uninsured and underinsured individuals if they enroll as patients.
Gov. Inslee updates guidance for religious and faith based organizations
 Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash
Yesterday Gov. Inslee released updated guidance for faith-based organizations. The updated guidance specifies that physical distancing between non-household members must be six feet in all directions; and allows brief physical contact among up to five individuals, excluding religious leaders, if the brief contact is a critical component to the organization’s religious service, so long as masks are worn and hands are sanitized immediately before and after the contact. Read the full guidance document here.
COVID-19 Immigrant Relief funding now available
The Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is now accepting applications for assistance. Immigrants who are experiencing financial hardship and aren’t eligible for federal financial relief or unemployment insurance are eligible to receive a one-time direct payment of $1,000 or up to $3,000 per household.
For more information in English see this link, in Spanish see this link.
County budget aims to ameliorate public health impacts of racism
 A new Public Health Insider blog post talks about the County’s focus on addressing the public health – and other - impacts of long-term systemic racism. I recommend reading the full post, but here’s an excerpt: “Some called COVID-19 the “Great Revealer” or the “Great Equalizer.” The COVID-19 pandemic has not equalized economic inequities, it has highlighted them. It also has not revealed anything new that data, science, advocates, Black and Indigenous People have not been telling us for generations. The data, stories, and lived experiences demand real change.”
For more information on the public health impacts of racism, see this June article, also from Public Health’s blog.
City of Seattle extends free street use permits for businesses through end of month
The City will provide free tent and heating permits to help businesses maintain outdoor operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This extension impacts free sidewalk café and curb space permits as well as free street closure permits.
In addition, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) will immediately begin issuing free tent permits and heating permits to help businesses maintain operations during the colder, rainier months ahead.
Seattle DOT announces Trick or Street Blocks and other fun ideas to celebrate Halloween safely
 The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has put together some helpful ideas to help you and your neighbors celebrate Halloween safely - - including Trick or Street Blocks.
Next Monday, October 26th is the deadline to register to vote online or by mail
Voters wanting to register to vote or updated their registration online or by mail must do so by next Monday. You will register to vote in person (and vote) until 8 p.m. on November 3rd at a County Vote Center or at the County Elections Office in Renton. You can track your ballot here.
For additional information on the upcoming election, your ballot and voting, see this page or the homepage for the County Elections office.
VIDEO: Go inside King County Elections headquarters as officials test voting equipment
 You may be interested in this video from King 5 news, showing how voting machines are tested. Also, see:
- With new ballot-tabulation machines, King County residents can vote with ‘pink sparkly pen’ if they’d like – The Seattle Times
- How ballots are handled – King County Elections
Public weighs in on County budget: More opportunities to comment coming up
Our King County Council held a successful public comment session last night on Zoom to hear members of the public provide input on the County’s budget priorities. To view the session in full, click here.
More opportunities for public involvement in the County’s biennial budget process are coming up. You are invited to participate in the following biennial budget meetings. Public comment time is typically provided near the beginning of the meetings. For details on joining these virtual meetings please visit the Council's Budget and Fiscal Management Committee (BFM) web page. Information on joining the meeting on November 17th will be provided later.
• Tuesday, October 27, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 28, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Tuesday,November 10, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Thursday, November 12, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Full Council: Tuesday, November 17, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For full information on providing public comment see this page. We anticipate the budget will be finalized on November 17thbut no later than November 24th.
Bond agencies: King County is well situated for post-COVID economic rebound
County Executive Constantine announced that three major bond rating agencies recently reaffirmed King County’s AAA bond rating. That is the highest possible rating and allows the County to finance construction, open space acquisition, and other projects at the lowest possible costs, saving taxpayer dollars. See this article:
- Why King County is in good position to recover from COVID crisis - MyNorthwest
DID YOU KNOW?
… that, according to Wikipedia, the Vaccine Confidence Project (VCP) was founded in 2010 in response to a boycott of polio vaccinations in Nigeria?
Additional helpful and informative links
- US regulators, experts take up thorny vaccine study issues – AP News
- CDC expands definition of ‘close contacts’ after study suggests COVID-19 can be passed in brief interactions – Stat News
- The EPA declines to reduce pollutants linked to coronavirus deaths – The Hill
- Inslee announces new COVID-19 restrictions at Washington colleges in response to outbreaks – The Seattle Times
- New study shows how students around the world are returning back to school amid COVID-19 – Good Morning America
- Seattle Public Schools to expand flu shot clinics – KIRO 7
- Voters will decide on reforms at King County Sheriff’s Office - KIRO 7
- NYC to join Seattle, Portland in suit over federal funding – AP News
- Operating at 100% capacity, Harborview asks King County voters to pay for upgrades – KNKX
- UW jumps two spots to No. 8 in US News Best Global Universities ranking – UW News
- New campaign from King County and partners encourages residents to return to local tourism – South Seattle Emerald
- North Link Connections Mobility Project enters final phase of community engagement – UW Daily
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Photo from CNN.com
According to CNN, a five-year old San Francisco boy, James Trinh, helped return a stolen 21-year-old lemur named Maki to the San Francisco Zoo. Five-year-old James spotted the lemur in his school’s playground when his parents came to pick him up. He reportedly said, “Call the zookeeper!” when his parents arrived. Maki is safe and healthy and back at the zoo.
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I am now sending out on Mondays and Thursdays. 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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