Making Zoom Bombers of Recovery Spaces Pay
By The Seattle Times editorial board
"The ordinance is not a cure-all. Support groups and therapeutic communities still should take steps to protect participants’ privacy by using passwords, waiting rooms and other tools. But explicitly safeguarding these virtual therapeutic spaces gives people the power to seek redress for violations of their rightful expectations of privacy. It was proposed by Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, who said he’s heard horror stories of co-workers and ex-spouses snooping on virtual support group meetings, and of others just stirring up trouble."
Continue reading at The Seattle Times
All Washington Counties Move to Phase 3 on March 22
Starting on March 22nd, King County will move to Phase 3 of the State’s reopening plan. In short, this will allow sporting events to resume and will increase indoor capacity for restaurants, gyms, and more to 50%.
This is what we know so far about the changes coming with Phase 3:
- In-person spectators at sports events will be allowed for the first time in a year. Spectators will be allowed to attend events at outdoor venues with permanent seating with capacity capped at 25%.
- 400 people maximum will be allowed attend outdoor activities, as well as events in indoor facilities — so long as 400 people does not exceed 50% capacity for the location, and physical distancing and masking protocols are enforced.
- Larger venue events are capped at 25% occupancy, or up to 9,000 people, whichever is less, and must follow spectator guidelines.
- Additionally, Phase 3 will allow up to 50% occupancy or 400 people maximum, whichever is lower, for all indoor spaces. This applies to all industries and indoor activities currently allowed. Testaurants, gyms and fitness centers and movie theaters, among others, may all increase their capacity.
A full list of industry-level changes for the new phase will be released by the State next week. For more information, see the Governor’s announcement.
Vaccine Eligibility Expanding on March 17
Starting Wednesday, March 17, everyone in Phase 1B, Tier 2 will be eligible for their COVID vaccine. This includes workers in agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, firefighters and law enforcement, among others. Phase 1B, Tier 2 also includes people over the age of 16 who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high-risk.
In addition, this week President Biden announced that he aims to expand vaccine eligibility to every American by May 1st.
While the expansion of eligibility is a good indication of things to come, the news comes with a grain of salt. Public Health is continuing to caution that demand for the vaccine still far exceeds supply. Starting next week, close to 400,000 people will be eligible, but we will only be getting around 50,000 first doses a week. That’s roughly one first dose for every 8 eligible people. As King County receives more vaccine supply, it will become much easier to access a vaccine.
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