COVID-19 UPDATES
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.
Since yesterday’s update, Public Health -- Seattle & King County is reporting these numbers as of this afternoon:
- 66 new positive cases of COVID-19 (79,233 total).
- 0 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,305 total)
- 16 new hospitalizations (4,958 to date)
- On Wednesday, February 10th, Public Health reported 186 new positive cases of COVID-19 (79,167 total) and 5 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,305 total). The number of new hospitalizations was 23 (4,942 total).
- On Tuesday, February 9th, Public Health reported 118 new positive cases of COVID-19 (78,981 total) and 1 new COVID-19-related death (1,300 total). The number of new hospitalizations was 10 (4,919 total).
Statewide, according to the DOH, as of today, the total number of confirmed positive cases is 309,673. The total number of probable cases is 16,486, for a total of 326,159 cases. The total number of deaths statewide is 4,633, and total hospitalizations are 18,531.
The charts usually included here are not available today.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
COVID-19 Vaccine appointment assistance by phone: State COVID-19 Assistance Hotline
 If you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine but are having difficulty scheduling an appointment, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 Assistance Hotline can help.
Dial 1-800-525-0127, then press #. If you can’t reach the hotline via our regular number, please call our alternate number, 888-856-5816 (a Spanish option is available).
- 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday
- 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and observed state holidays
Language assistance is available. Please note: The call center cannot access COVID-19 testing results. For testing inquiries or results, please contact your health care provider.
You may also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates and resources for families, businesses, students and others.
Keep in mind that due to limited vaccine supply, appointments may take time to schedule. You may also be interested in this story from KING 5 News: Washington COVID-19 hotline helps seniors book vaccine appointments / A call center for the state's COVID-19 Assistance Hotline has hundreds of trained agents who can now book vaccine appointments over the phone.
Gov. Inslee announces most of state can loosen certain restrictions
The Governor announced at a press conference today that most regions in the state will advance to a less restrictive phase. You can view the full press conference here, or read this article for more information:
- Gov. Inslee: most of Washington state will advance in reopening plan, allowing more restaurants to add indoor dining amid COVID-19 – The Seattle Times
Updates on King County vaccine availability and vaccination numbers
This page https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine/distribution.aspx contains frequently updated information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine in King County.
All appointments at the Kent and Auburn COVID-19 Vaccination Sites are filled at this time. We will share updates as vaccine supplies increase and more appointments become available. If you're eligible for vaccination please visit https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/VaccineLocations for additional locations.
As of yesterday, more than 50% of the eligible 1a/1b1 population in King County has received their first dose.
However, there are still 240,000 eligible people in King County for whom we do not have doses available.
South King County: Appointments for 2/11-2/13 at Auburn moved to Kent due to cold weather; clarification on who can receive vaccines at South King County sites
First, an update for this weekend: COVID-19 vaccination appointments scheduled at the Auburn Drive-through Vaccination Site for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (February 11th – 13th) are being moved to the Kent Vaccination Site due to anticipated severe cold weather. To protect people from waiting in cars in below freezing temperatures and possible snow, and to protect staff working outdoors, all vaccinations will be indoors at the Kent Vaccination site (by appointment only). The Kent Vaccination Site is located at: ShoWare Center, 625 W James Street in Kent.
COVID-19 testing at the Auburn U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) site will remain open.
Second, my office has received questions about eligibility to receive vaccines at the South King County mass vaccination sites. To clarify, you must be a resident of South King County and be eligible for a vaccine under the current phase. Zip codes are checked.
While the vaccine supply remains very limited, the Kent and Auburn sites are focusing on vaccinating the highest-risk South King County residents aged 75 and older, individuals who are unable to live independently and their caregivers. Appointment availability will expand to individuals age 65-74 as vaccine supply increases. Older adults in South King County are at particularly high risk, as rates of COVID-19 in many parts of south King County have been nearly twice as high compared to the county average.
South King County has the highest rate of positive test results in the county, which indicates more COVID-19 spreading in the community there, with Black, Indigenous and People of Color shouldering a disproportionate share of the cases. Addressing those disparities is one of Public Health – Seattle & King County’s highest priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
County’s vaccine delivery progress report updated
The County has updated its Unified Regional Strategy COVID Vaccine Delivery Progress Report updated (PDF). You can also find more information on King County’s vaccine delivery strategy on the County’s COVID vaccination page.
County vaccination site at Microsoft campus to focus on highest-risk adults
Yesterday Executive Constantine announced that an expanded vaccination site at Microsoft’s Redmond campus will focus on reaching highest-risk, eligible older adults. This announcement comes as part of King County’s regional strategy to prioritize equity and efficiency in vaccinating as many King County residents as possible. The site, staffing and additional support services are being provided by Microsoft, Overlake Medical Center and Clinics, EvergreenHealth and other community partners. Public Health officials plan on scaling up the Redmond location when more vaccinations become available.
Next Tuesday: Live Q&A on COVID vaccines
 Join the Washington state AARP next Tuesday, February 16th at 10 a.m. for a telephone town hall event about COVID-19 vaccines in King County. The panelists include Patty Hayes, Director of Public Health -- Seattle & King County, and Dr. Scott Barhhart, MD, MPH, Physician and Professor of Medicine and Global Health at the University of Washington. This live Q&A event will give you the opportunity to ask questions of experts regarding Covid-19 and the vaccination process. To participate, you can pre-register here and include your phone number to be called at the start of the event or phone toll-free (855) 962-0970 on Tuesday, February 16th at 10:00 a.m.
DOH: New data on COVID-19 vaccination by race and ethnicity highlight inequities
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released a new report yesterday that shows low percentages of Hispanic, Black and Multiracial people have received a COVID-19 vaccine when compared to those groups’ proportion of the state population.
The report provides race and ethnicity data for people who have received at least one dose of vaccine and for people who are fully vaccinated, with breakdowns for all ages and for people 65 years and older. It also includes the percent of vaccinated people by age group across all races/ethnicities.
Public Health: It’s a good time to improve our masks and how we wear them, as more contagious COVID-19 variants emerge
 Yesterday the CDC updated its guidance on masks - - including instructions on how best to double-up on masks. And Public Health is reminding everyone that with the new variants spreading rapidly and vaccine supplies still limited, it’s time to make sure you’re using the most effective mask possible and know how to select, wear and maintain your masks.
Public Health is also urging people to carry extra masks with them, as “wet masks won’t protect you.” According to Public Health:
- Change your mask when it becomes wet. A wet mask is harder to breathe through, is less efficient at filtering, and vents more around the edges of the mask.
- Keep a spare mask to replace one that becomes wet from the moisture in your breath, snow, or rain.
- If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits closely over your nose or has a nose wire to help reduce fogging. Consider using an antifogging spray that is made for eyeglasses.
Also, see these articles:
- The C.D.C. says tight-fit masks or double masking with cloth and surgical masks increase protection. – The New York Times
- Coronavirus is airborne. Here’s how to know if you’re breathing other people’s breath. – The Seattle Times
County Council passes motion calling for state action on preferential access to vaccine
As I’ve mentioned in past e-newsletters, I was appalled to find out that three prominent hospitals in our region were offering preferential access to COVID-19 vaccines to donors, board members and others. On Tuesday, the Council took up and passed my motion on a 7-2 vote condemning the actions of medical institutions providing inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations and calling on the Governor and the State Legislature to take action prohibiting such actions. My colleagues Councilmembers Dembowski, Dunn, Upthegrove and Zahilay co-sponsored the motion with me. See the following articles for more information:
- King County Council rebukes preferential COVID-19 vaccinations, calls on state to take action – The Seattle Times
- King County Councilmembers condemn special access to COVID vaccine - MyNorthwest
- Is it ever ok to jump ahead in the vaccine line? - NPR
Councilmembers briefed by Public Health on COVID-19 response
Public Health Director Patty Hayes updated Councilmembers on the County’s COVID-19 response and the status of vaccines at the Council’s meeting on Tuesday. You can view the full meeting here; Director Hayes’ presentation begins at approximately minute 4:30.
Briefing on County’s pandemic assistance
Yesterday County Budget Director Dwight Dively updated members of the Council’s Regional Policy Committee (RPC) on the status of the County’s pandemic response, including the latest news on upcoming federal funding. Dively’s presentation starts right at the beginning of the meeting, and can be viewed here.
Detecting COVID-19 in wastewater
 The UW Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has published an interesting article and video on using wastewater to identify COVID-19 outbreaks. “Running underneath just about every residential home, apartment building, college residence hall and nursing home is a surprisingly valuable resource for detecting and monitoring COVID-19 outbreaks by neighborhood: the sewer system.”
Reminder: Monday deadline to apply to Hospitality Worker Relief Fund
Are you a low-income, hospitality worker who lives and works in Seattle and has either lost a job or experienced a pay reduction due to employment changes and business closures during the COVID-19 pandemic? Apply to the Seattle Hospitality Worker Relief Fund before the application period closes this coming Monday, February 15th. Full information is available here.
YMCA offering rent assistance for young adults in King County
 Young adults (ages 18-24) living in King County and struggling to pay rent can get assistance through the YMCA Social Impact Center that will cover up to six months of rent. If you or someone you know needs help, they can visit this page to learn more and apply.
The assistance is available to undocumented people and is also available for tenants in informal (friend/family) rental agreements. Funding will be available until June 30, 2021.
Ballard District Council discusses homelessness issues in Ballard
I was pleased to join State Senator Reuven Carlyle and Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis last night for a panel discussion on homelessness and mental / behavioral health coordination issues in Ballard. I provided an update on the County’s COVID-19 response and discussed the County’s role in addressing homelessness, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, and the JustCARE program, that has been working to provide wraparound services and temporary housing in hotel rooms to people living un-housed during the pandemic and who have behavioral/mental illness issues. As Budget Chair I was able to help secure bridge funding to maintain that program, but only temporarily for now.
The panel discussion can be viewed here.
More on cold weather in Seattle this weekend
 - Lowland snow: Seattle crews plan to keep roads clear to COVID-19 vaccine sites – KING 5 News
- City of Seattle’s Winter Storm Response page
King County is working with The Salvation Army (TSA) on options for expanding severe weather shelter at the 4th and Jefferson Building (25+ beds) and/or SODO (30+ beds). People experiencing homelessness who need help should contact Coordinated Entry for All at 206-328-5796 or cea@kingcounty.gov. See these FAQs on Coordinated Entry for All.
- Seattle, King County open severe-weather shelters as freezing temperatures move in – The Seattle Times
Council agrees on 2021 budget priorities; survey responses helpful
Also at our Tuesday meeting, the Council agreed to adopt our 2021 COVID-19 budget priorities. We anticipate having four COVID-specific budgets this year, the first of which, “COVID 6” (we passed five COVID budgets in 2020), will be transmitted by Executive Constantine next Thursday, February 18th.
The priorities for 2021 are are public health response above all, followed by the following in no ranked order: food security and access services; housing stability and homelessness services; child care and workforce support services; economic recovery services; mental health, behavioral health, substance use disorder, safety and security services; and access to the judicial system. The motion can be viewed here.
Thanks to those of who participated in the budget priority survey my office put together a few weeks ago. We received 153 responses which were helpful during my conversations with colleagues.
From you all, we heard that Public Health continues to be your top priority for funding, followed by housing and homelessness services and then food security. Mental and behavioral health was your fourth priority and economic recovery was ranked last in funding priorities. This was very helpful to me in gauging how well our guiding principles resonated with community members. Thank you very much for your engagement with this process.
DID YOU KNOW?
… that the Bernie Sanders mitten meme has raised nearly $2 million for charity?
Additional helpful and informative links
- Most Americans are doing pods wrong - Vox
- Covid-19 cases are falling in the U.S. It could be a calm before a variant-driven storm – Stat News
- EXPLAINER: What the WHO coronavirus experts learned in Wuhan – AP News
- Can a fourth wave of COVID-19 be prevented? Not likely, says Fred Hutch model — but the curve could be flattened – The Seattle Times
- AP-NORC poll: A third of US adults skeptical of COVID shots – AP News
- Vaccination rates rise in King County, 40% of seniors 75 plus – KIRO 7
- People with dementia are twice as likely to get COVID, huge study finds – The New York Times
- Disease experts warn of surge in deaths from COVID variants as US lags in tracking – The Guardian
- UPDATED: Seattle-area restaurants offering takeout, delivery service during the coronavirus pandemic – The Seattle Times
- Government investigating massive counterfeit N95 mask scam – AP News
- Keep paying attention to your kids' mental health in this pandemic – CNN
- Two-thirds of Americans not satisfied with vaccine rollout – Gallup News
- Despite a delay in staff vaccination, public schools prepare to resume in-person learning - KUOW
- Seattle unveils COVID-19 vaccination plan but frustrations about supply linger – KOMO News
- Seattle ranks 2nd for willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 – The Seattle Times
- Residents share goals for District 7 city council member this year – Queen Anne & Magnolia News
- Editorial: The Task Ahead for Biden on Climate – The New York Times
- North Bend water plan draws concerns from tribes, orca group – Valley Record
- Northwest African American Museum and Seattle Opera team up for drive-in concert film celebrating Black voices – The Seattle Times
- Amazon ordered to stop selling illegal pesticides online – AP News
Today’s moments of inspiration
As has been the case multiple times throughout the course of this pandemic, when a need becomes apparent, ordinary people step up to help. As the vaccine rollout has stalled and stumbled, volunteers across the country realized how difficult it is for many seniors, non-English speakers and those without internet access or savvy to secure a vaccination appointment.
So, here are just a few examples from across the nation and right here in King County of people stepping up to help:
- In Darwinian vaccine system, helpers step to the front - KUOW
- Washington state Facebook group (mentioned in KUOW article above): https://www.facebook.com/groups/findacovidshotwa/
- Seattle student helps seniors book vaccine appointments, encourages others to do the same – KING 5
- Volunteers helping seniors navigate vaccination appointments - Patch
- Amazing teens launch service to help seniors book COVID-19 vaccine appointments - MSN
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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