COVID-19 UPDATES
Since yesterday’s update, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these numbers as of today:
- 276 new positive cases of COVID-19 (99,217 total).
- 0 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,526 total)
- 14 new hospitalizations (5,880 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.
Statewide, according to the state Department of Health (DOH), as of today:
-Total number of confirmed positive cases is 377,019; the total number of probable cases is 30,172, for a total of 407,191 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 5,507
- The total number of hospitalizations is 22,472
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “I learnt that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. I felt fear myself more times than I can remember, but I hid it behind a mask of boldness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers the fear.” Nelson Mandela, from “Long Walk to Freedom.”
King County expected to go back to Phase 2; Gov. Inslee press conference tomorrow at 11 a.m.
Gov. Jay Inslee will hold a news conference tomorrow, Tuesday, May 4 at 11 a.m. He will be joined by: Umair Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary, Department of Health, Jeffrey Duchin, MD, Health Officer, Public Health–Seattle & King County, and Nick Streuli, Exec. Director for External Affairs, Office of the Governor. He is widely expected to rollback King County to Phase 2. You can livestream the event here on TVW.
Following an assessment today by public health officials, businesses in King County are expected to reduce their indoor capacity from 50% to 25% this Friday, according to The Seattle Times. I expect that will be the major focus of Gov. Inslee’s press conference tomorrow. Public Health Director Patty Hayes warned County Councilmembers to expect the County to rollback from Phase 3 to Phase 2 when she briefed the Council last week (her briefing begins at approximately minute 10:00 in this video). The County has been under Phase 3 for the last few weeks, but coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are apparently exceeding state guidelines, necessitating the rollback.
Video: Dr. Jeff Duchin discusses COVID-19 trends and vaccine distribution
 Last Friday, April 30th, in his weekly press briefing, Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin discussed the importance of the vaccine, as well as the importance in the short-term of COVID-prevention behaviors. View the video here.
Reminder: Last shot + two weeks = fully vaccinated
 As more and more people get vaccinated, it’s crucial to remember that you aren’t fully protected until two weeks after your last shot. As this Seattle Times article reminds us, we must continue to mask-up, socially distance, and, as possible, help take care of the folks around us, even once we’ve gotten our shots.
In-home vaccination now available across the county
Public Health is implementing a new vaccination program for individuals in King County who are unable to leave their homes. Through partnerships with local fire departments, pharmacies, and medical providers, our mobile teams are ready to deliver vaccinations to these residents where they need it most. This is very good news for those who are injured or have a disability or medical condition that keeps them at home. See this article from Kaiser Health News: The vulnerable homebound are left behind on vaccination.
COVID vaccine event downtown this Wednesday, noon – 6 p.m.
UNITE HERE Local 8 is co-hosting a free COVID-19 vaccine event on Wednesday, May 5th, noon – 6 p.m. at Plymouth Church (1217 Sixth Avenue in downtown Seattle). The targeted audience is Indigenous people, essential workers, and union workers. If you are in the targeted audience or know people in the targeted audience, please sign up here for an appointment. (If you are not in the targeted audience there is a standby list.) Families and households with people 18 years or older are welcome to attend together. Limited amounts of free groceries and PPE available.
The UW to require student vaccinations next fall
 The UW has just announced that it will require vaccinations for fall quarter. The statement on the university’s website says, in part, “In order to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, academic personnel, staff and broader community, the University of Washington is requiring all students to be vaccinated against COVID-19, with certain exemptions allowed.”
The need for good ventilation
 - Three ways you can improve your building’s indoor air quality – Public Health Insider blog
- Ventilation is key to school safety during the pandemic. How are Washington schools refreshing classroom air? – The Seattle Times
COVID ASSISTANCE: IMMIGRANT RELIEF FUND, EVICTION PREVENTION AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE, AND HELP FOR FOOD BANKS IN RURAL KING COUNTY
Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund open for applications: May 15 deadline
Gov. Jay Inslee last week announced that applications will be accepted for the next round of assistance under the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund as of yesterday. The additional $65 million allocated by the Legislature this year will provide additional relief to support new applicants.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis, prioritizing those according to need. Eligible community members can apply by visiting immigrantreliefwa.org; calling the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network at 844-724-3737, staffed every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; or connecting with a DSHS community-based partner for assistance.
Rent help for 2021: King County’s Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program
King County’s Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program launched this week with Phase 1 of the application process, focused on King County making rent payments on behalf of tenants. For Phase 1, landlords in King County with 5 or more units behind in rent can now apply for rent assistance. This could be up to 9 months of current and/or past due rent and up to 3 months of future rent. This amounts to a total of 12 months of possible assistance for a household.
For tenants currently behind on rent, King County will solicit applications during Phase 2, which will launch on May 17, 2021.
King County DCHS now accepting applications to fund food banks in rural areas
The County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is now accepting applications to fund food banks in rural areas of King County to operate as centralized points of access - - for food as well as connections to additional human services resources. Applications are due on June 2, 2021 by 11:59 PM. Click here to apply.”
De-stigmatizing addiction
I recently joined my colleague, Councilmember Reagan Dunn, for his Conference on Addiction Disorders. It was a fascinating discussion. The conference can be viewed in full here. You can also choose which conference segment you’d like to watch, by topic, such as, The Science Behind Addiction and Addressing the Stigmatization of Addiction. I spoke briefly toward the end regarding addiction disorders and fatalities among my husband’s and my family members, and also read the proclamation along with Councilmember Dunn.
I also joined Councilmember Dunn in introducing new legislation to help de-stigmatize substance use disorders by spreading awareness that addiction is a physical disease that requires medical treatment. Our hope is that this will make it easier for people to seek help. You may also find this article of interest: People recover from addiction. They also go on to do good things – Stat News
Another spill at the West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant
 I was saddened to hear that yet another power failure at the County’s West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant led the emergency bypass system to activate and wastewater to spill into Puget Sound. While it was a low-flow time, this event affirms that Executive Constantine’s emergency declaration and the Council’s decision to invest $65 million in power improvements to West Point Treatment Plant are crucially important.
A consistent and reliable power source at West Point is absolutely vital to ensuring the health and safety of all of us, as well as of the orcas, salmon, and other marine life that call Puget Sound home.
The power failure led the County to close beaches at Golden Gardens and Discovery Park out of an abundance of caution on April 29. Consecutive days of testing confirmed that the water is safe and the beaches were reopened to the public on Saturday, May 1.
The County Council has launched an investigation into the power failures at West Point. We expect the results of the investigation by August 1st.
See the following articles for more information:
- Another sewage spill closes water at Golden Gardens, portions of Kitsap County shorelines - q13fox
- Golden Gardens, Discovery Park beaches closed after bypass at sewage treatment plant – The Seattle Times
- Seattle may boost water, sewage, waste and drainage rates more than 20% by 2026. Here’s why. – The Seattle Times
This week at the Council
Tomorrow at 1 p.m.: Action on the County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP) and North Link service changes
The County Council will take action on Metro’s North Link service changes and on the County’s Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP) at the meeting of the full Council tomorrow, Tuesday, May 4th at 1 p.m.
The public is welcome to view the (virtual) meeting and submit public comments. For instructions on viewing the meeting and submitting comments, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tomorrow, May 4th at 9:30 a.m.: Law and Justice Committee
Several items are scheduled for discussion and possible action, including transit safety and security and new legislation on mental health programs in the Sheriff’s office.
The public is welcome to view the (virtual) meeting and submit public comments. For instructions on viewing the meeting and submitting comments, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.: Facial recognition software and briefing on County’s COVID-19 response
The Council’s Committee of the Whole will meet this Wednesday, May 5th at 9:30 a.m. Councilmembers will discuss – and potentially vote on - my legislation on facial recognition software. For more on this issue, please see The Seattle Times Op-Ed I wrote with Jennifer Lee, the Technology and Liberty Manager at the ACLU of Washington that was featured on yesterday’s Opinion Page: King County government must turn its back on facial recognition technology.
In addition, members will be briefed by County Budget Director Dwight Dively on the status of the County’s pandemic response.
The public is welcome to view the (virtual) meeting and submit public comments. For instructions on viewing the meeting and submitting comments, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday at 3 p.m.: Briefing on sewer rates, wastewater conveyance, and other issues
The Council’s Regional Water Quality Committee will meet this Wednesday, May 5th at 3 p.m. Committee members will be briefed on the Executive’s recommended sewer rate and capacity charge as well as clean water planning and wastewater conveyance.
The public is welcome to view the (virtual) meeting and submit public comments. For instructions on viewing the meeting and submitting comments, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Metro riders: Input sought for international bus survey
Transit riders and other community members are invited to participate in surveys and provide input that will help Metro and its transit partners to make the best service and mobility plans for riders and communities.
King County Metro and fourteen other transit agencies from around the world participate in the annual International Bus Benchmarking Group (IBBG) survey, and all Metro riders are invited to share their thoughts.
DOH announces National Drinking Water Week Winners 2021
 I have been working on the issue of safe drinking water – especially in schools and in low-income communities – for many years. Lead in drinking water has had severe consequences for children across this country, so I was pleased to see that our state Department of Health (DOH) is taking time to celebrate those who have gone out of their way during this pandemic to make sure no individuals or family in our state is drinking toxic water.
Minority Veterans of America headed to Seattle with assistance! Application deadline is May 17th
The team at Minority Veterans of America (MVA) is traveling across the country to provide minority veterans in six cities with essential supplies including non-perishables, fresh fruits and vegetables, pastas, breads, hygiene kits, and pet food. Their third stop will be in Seattle, WA on May 22nd at Lumen Field (Seahawks Stadium) and registration is required. Veterans will have the opportunity to receive food donations, gas cards, MVA gear and connections to additional resources while following COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The deadline to apply for assistance at the Seattle event is May 17, 2021. Click here to learn more about MVA’s Supply Drop Tour.
Racist restrictions/covenants in old home deeds will be subject to scrutiny
I am very pleased the legislature has passed a bill (SHB 1335 introduced by Rep. Valdez of the 46th Legislative District) that will allow completion of the discovery of racist deeds in King County and then do the same in other counties. My legislation that passed in 2006 (ESSB 6169) first changed the way homeowners associations were expected to handle the racial restrictions in their bylaws.
For more on this, see this story in The Seattle Times: Racist restrictions in old home deeds across Washington state will get expanded scrutiny.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that, according to HistoryLink, “On April 30, 1910, electric interurban trains began to shuttle between Everett and Seattle. Some commuters ended up buying homes in communities like Shoreline, Edmonds, and Lynnwood, now that they were more accessible. By the time Highway 99 was completed in 1932, automobiles had become the preferred form of travel, and the railway was abandoned in 1939.”
Additional helpful and informative links
- Live: Coronavirus daily news updates, May 3: What to know today about COVID-19 in the Seattle area, Washington state and the world - The Seattle Times
- Scientists scramble to see why, in rare cases, even the vaccinated can get COVID-19 – The Los Angeles Times / The Seattle Times
- TSA extends mask requirement for planes, other public transportation in U.S. until September - The Washington Post
- Men lag behind women on COVID vaccination in Washington; see where the gender gaps are biggest - The Seattle Times
- Can't help falling in love with a vaccine: How polio campaign beat vaccine hesitancy – KUOW
- Indoor events bring virus outbreak in Republic, Washington - The Seattle Times
- The Latest: Two Chinese vaccines may soon get approval for use – AP News
- India’s Covid-19 catastrophe reflects years of neglecting its health system – Stat News
- Virus, technology, unrest make stressful year for teachers – AP News
- Biden is giving child care ‘prime-time attention.’ Can he actually transform it? – The New York Times
- Some statues tell lies. This one tells the truth. – The New York Times
- King County announces new proposal to bring 500 homeless residents into shelter using federal stimulus funds - The Seattle Times
- Two King County communities look to the land to heal generational trauma - The Seattle Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
 CNN is reporting on Jennifer Maddox, who was honored by CNN in 2017 as a “Hero” for the non-profit she founded in 2011, Future Ties, which provides after-school programs for more than 100 children living on Chicago’s South Side. When the pandemic struck, Maddox quickly pivoted and “...transformed her center into an e-learning hub where remote students receive the technology and support they need. Laptops and WiFi are provided for children who don't have computers or dependable internet access, and they can also grab breakfast and lunch at the center.” Read the full story here.
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.
|
