COVID-19 UPDATES
As of today, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these numbers:
- 364 new positive cases of COVID-19 (includes 347 confirmed cases and 17 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 113,658). Quite a dramatic increase, although remember these numbers include those since last Friday’s.
- 0 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,672 to date)
- 19 new hospitalizations (6,569 to date)
Vaccination rates in King County: As of today, 80.2% of King County residents 16 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 74.3% have received both doses. To view updated County vaccination data, see this page: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data/vaccination.aspx
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:
-The number of confirmed positive cases is 419,094; the number of probable cases is 37,615 for a total of 456,709 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 6,000
- The total number of hospitalizations is 25,887
NOTE: Data are no longer being updated on the weekends. This applies to both the state DOH and Public Health.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.” – Helen Keller, 1896
The latest on COVID, vaccines, booster shots and variants
- Live: Coronavirus daily news updates, July 12: What to know today about COVID-19 in the Seattle area, Washington state and the world – The Seattle Times
- Pfizer to discuss COVID-19 vaccine booster with US officials today – AP News
- Joint CDC and FDA Statement on Vaccine Boosters - CDC
- WHO director-general slams notion of Covid-19 vaccine booster doses given global health needs – Stat News
- 'Surprising amount of death' will soon occur in these U.S. regions from increased Covid-19 cases, expert says - CNN
- Experts warn full Covid-19 vaccine approval is no quick fix for hesitancy – Stat News
- Despite new COVID variants, CDC says you don't need any booster doses right now - NPR
- COVID vaccine hesitancy by King County ZIP code — and why some neighborhoods have much higher rates – The Seattle Times
- WHO warns against mixing and matching COVID vaccines – Reuters
- UW Medicine to run mix-and-match COVID vaccine booster trial – The Seattle Times
- Fitbits detect lasting changes after COVID-19- The New York Times
- France to make COVID-19 shot mandatory for health workers – Reuters / BFM TV
- Greece orders COVID vaccination for health care workers as cases rise – Reuters
- F.D.A. will attach warning of rare nerve syndrome to Johnson & Johnson vaccine – The New York Times (Federal regulators concluded that the risk of developing the syndrome was low, and that the benefits of the vaccine still strongly outweigh it.)
- You had the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine. Should you try to get a booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna? - The Washington Post
- What you need to know about the highly contagious delta variant (updated July 9) - The Washington Post
- Coronavirus vaccines are widely available in the U.S. So why are scientists working on new ones? (updated July 4) - The Washington Post
- What to know about hugs and handshakes when it comes to COVID safety – The Seattle Times
- Statewide, almost 70% of people 16+ have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine – State Department of Health (DOH)
News and resources about kids and COVID
 Photo by Charlein Gracia on Unsplash
- Summer camps hit with COVID outbreaks -- are schools next? – AP News
- Washington schools won’t require masks outdoors, but state reviewing new CDC rules on indoor mask-wearing – The Seattle Times
- Lockdown: 'Children behind in speech and understanding' – The BBC
- Warning of post-COVID ‘immunity debt’ as babies are hospitalized with childhood virus usually seen in winter – Yahoo News
- COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Teens – King County webpage
Reminder: Survey on COVID vaccines and disabilities
Several disability organizations in Washington are partnering to collect information about people’s experiences with finding and getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Please consider spending a few minutes taking the survey available in multiple languages here.
Take the mask quiz!
 Wondering how up to date you are on the latest mask rules? Take the quiz here at KUOW: Mask me another: How well do you know Washington’s mask rules?
As a reminder, masks are still required - even for fully vaccinated folks - on transit, in health care settings and K-12 schools and in a few other instances. See below for more information.
- FAQ on masks and face coverings – DOH
- Masking Guidance – King County
- Washington ready for reopening, but some COVID-19 precautions remain – DOH
- Safe Reopening – King County webpage, includes FAQs about reopening
Reminder: Sign up for WA Notify, find out if you’ve been exposed to COVID
Washington Exposure Notifications (also known as WA Notify) is a tool that works through smartphones, without sharing any personal information, to alert users if they may have been exposed to COVID-19. It is completely private, and doesn’t know or track who you are or where you go. As of last week, WA notify had nearly 2.14 million users. Sign up here: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/WANotify
Wildfires, smoke, heat, drought and planning ahead
 Photo by Patricia Zavala on Unsplash
As you probably know, we are still dealing with the ongoing impact from the “heat dome” we experienced at the end of June. Unfortunately, experts are predicting more heat, wildfires and wildfire smoke ahead of us this summer. The following is the latest news, as well as a few resources to help you protect yourselves, your families and your pets and other animals.
- More than 300 wildfires burn across British Columbia; more blazes in Washington, Oregon and California – The Seattle Times
- Wildfires rage as US West grapples with heat wave, drought – AP News
- Washington releases new heat rules to increase protections for outdoor workers – The Seattle Times
- Smoke season is coming to Washington. Here’s how to prepare. - The Seattle Times
- ‘He probably figured he’d tough it out’: Homeless man died in heat wave, minutes from cooling center – The Seattle Times
- How to protect pets and other animals from dangerous wildfire smoke - The Seattle Times
- Why record-breaking overnight temperatures are so concerning – The New York Times
- Extreme heat cooked mussels, clams and other shellfish alive on beaches in Western Canada – CNN
- Washington's historic heat wave could have long-term impacts on shellfish industry – KING 5 News
- After more early-season wildfires than ever, state prepares for long summer – My Northwest
- Who was most harmed during Seattle’s heat wave? - Crosscut
- Preparing for wildfires – King County
- Hints for dealing with wildfire smoke – Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
- Wildfire smoke information – Washington State Department of Ecology
Disabilities and mental health: Two upcoming town halls and a survey
Disability Rights Washington wants your feedback on priorities for members of its Disability Advisory Council and Mental Health Advisory Council. The Mental Health Advisory Council Town Hall will be held this Thursday, July 15th, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and is for people who want to focus on issues related to mental health. You can register for Thursday’s Town Hall here. The Disability Advisory Council Town Hall is on Monday, July 19 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and is for people who want to focus on issues related to all other disabilities. You can register for next Monday’s Town Hall here.
In addition, Disability Rights Washington is seeking to hear from a diverse range of perspectives to help with setting the organization’s priorities for 2022 and beyond. DRW is asking participants to fill out an online survey here. Your input has the best chance of being included in next year’s priorities if you complete this survey by June 20th.
Input needed on accessibility improvements at the Red Cedar Trailhead; Remote meeting this Wednesday evening, online survey available
King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks is seeking input on ideas for improving accessibility at the Red Cedar trailhead in Bellevue. The trailhead will be closed for up to 3 years as a sewer upgrade project is completed on Coal Creek. When it reopens, it will need to meet current standards. Accessibility options have increased since the trailhead was last restored in 2015. Full details on the project, accessibility improvement ideas for the trailhead, the online survey and registration for this Wednesday’s virtual meeting (from 5:30 – 7 p.m.) are available on this page.
FamilyWorks Back to School donation drive
 It’s hard to believe we’re already talking about “Back to School” but, in fact, FamilyWorks needs your help to supply families with backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and more, ensuring that all local students are set up for success - - and the donation deadline is August 6th. You can view the full list of requested items here.
To schedule a drop-off or for any questions, contact Edsel Blanche at (206) 694-6727 or edselb@familyworksseattle.org.
Reminder – tomorrow and Wednesday: Public invited to participate in selection of law enforcement oversight director
 The King County Council is hosting two virtual community meetings this week that will give members of the public the opportunity to ask questions and hear from the two finalist candidates for the position of director of OLEO, the County’s Office of Law Enforcement Oversight. OLEO conducts independent, systemic reviews of the King County Sheriff’s Office’s policies and practices; its reviews and recommendations aim to increase accountability and transparency. The meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., tomorrow, July 13th and noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14th. You can join the meetings with the links below.
First meeting, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 13: https://ralphandersen.zoom.us/j/95736728480Second meeting, noon to 2 p.m. on July 14: https://ralphandersen.zoom.us/j/92385881089
You may also be interested in this article from MyNorthwest: King County narrows down search for new head of law enforcement oversight.
Seattle Center Art & Tree Tour this Thursday evening
Apart from all the great festivals going on throughout the year at the Seattle Center, a walk through the Center can be full of interesting things, among which are the wonderful trees and the public art. Join the Queen Anne Historical Society for a tour led by “Tree Ambassador” and art lover Robin Dearling this Thursday evening, July 15th, at 6:30 p.m. The group will meet at 157 Mercer Street, in from of the Seattle Repertory Theatre. The tour will take approximately an hour and a half to circle around the major areas of the park.
Free summer events at Seattle Center
Seattle Center is an extraordinary resource for our region, especially for kids, and particularly during the summer. To view a full calendar of free events at the Center for the whole family, see this page.
Lights, camera, King County – Harbor Island sound stage helps jumpstart local film production
 Photo by Brands and People on Unsplash
In April, County Executive Constantine unveiled a new film production facility at the former Fisher Flour Mill on Harbor Island, and the Council included funding for the facility in our 7th COVID emergency budget.
Harbor Island Studios will create hundreds of environmentally-friendly union jobs, plus will kickstart our tourism and hospitality sectors as we recover economically from the impacts of COVID. I have championed film industry development for many years while in the State Senate and here at the Council I am continuing to support local actors, filmmakers, crew members and support services as our film sector continues to grow. I envision that the next productions set in Seattle, King County and the state are actually shot here, too, and the Harbor Island Studios opens that curtain.
See this article in Seattle Magazine: Seattle is reviving its film industry.
Key dates for August primary election
 The primary election is coming up on August 3rd! Listed below are some of the key deadlines for candidates and voters from the King County Elections Department, and the state’s Office of the Secretary of State.
July 13 - Local voters' pamphlets mailed
July 14 - Vote center at King County Elections opens for Primary Election
July 14 - Ballots mailed for Primary Election from King County
July 15 - Ballot drop boxes open in King County
July 15 - Deadline to file as a write-in candidate without filing fee
July 16 - Start of 18-day voting period (through Election Day).
July 26 - Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day. Register to vote in person during business hours and any time before 8 p.m. on Election Day.
August 3 - Deadline for Washington State voter registration or updates (in person only).
August 3 – Primary Election Day- Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m.
New Indigenous radio network: Daybreak Star Radio Network
A new radio station went live on July 10th here in the Seattle area. Daybreak Star Radio’s mission is to provide musical, educational, cultural, and language arts programming that reconnects Indigenous people to their heritage by strengthening their sense of belonging and significance as a people.
Daybreak Star Radio Network is an Internet Streaming Radio Stations that has musical programming ranging from traditional Native flute and drums to rock, hip-hop, EDM, and more. Read more about it - and find out how to access the station - here.
Save the date: Orca Recovery Day in October
 King Conservation District (not part of King County government) is reminding organizations, offices and individuals to start planning ahead for Orca Recovery day on October 16th.
There are a wide variety of activities to help Orcas, preserve their habitat, improve salmon habitat (Orca’s main food source is Chinook, aka, “King” salmon) and help clean up Puget Sound. Groups and individuals can sign up to join an event organized by the Conservation District, or can host their own event. Sign up here to get involved.
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely. Instructions for viewing the meetings and providing your input - as well as the agenda and meeting materials - are included in the links below.
Tomorrow - Government Accountability and Oversight Committee - 9:30 a.m.: Briefings on pandemic response audit, airport operations and assessor’s office update
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tomorrow – Full County Council - 1 p.m.: Briefing on County’s COVID response
The County Council will meet tomorrow, July 13th, at 1 p.m. A number of items will be on the agenda. Action on the ranked choice voting ordinance is being removed from the agenda, and will instead be considered next year as a possible ballot measure.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday - Community, Health and Housing Services Committee - 9:30 a.m.: Briefing on Involuntary Treatment court
On Wednesday, July 14th at 9:30, the Council’s Community, Health and Housing Services Committee will receive briefings on addiction recovery, Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) Court and implementation of Ricky’s Law (a state law regarding substance use and involuntary commitment).
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page. The agenda and materials will also be available later on this page.
Wednesday - Regional Policy Committee - 3 p.m.: Briefing on Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network and report on the Best Starts for Kids initiative
The committee will also take up a resolution on expressing the regional policy committee's commitment to equity and social justice.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Thursday - Board of Health - 1 p.m.: Briefings on drug use, equity and an overview of legislation on public health districts
The Board of Health will receive briefings on drug user health, determinants of equity and Washington State House Bill 1152, which supports measures to create comprehensive public health districts.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that on this day in 1775, Bruno de Hezeta (Heceta) and others from the Spanish ship Santiago landed on the coast of the future Washington state and claimed the Pacific Northwest for Spain? Read the full story here.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Native Americans have the highest COVID vaccination rate in the US – PBS
- FEMA Can Help With COVID-19 Funeral Costs. Here’s What to Know. – The New York Times
- Bonus pay for essential workers varied widely across states – The Seattle Times
- King County’s courts are ‘barely keeping up’ with a massive backlog of cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic – The Seattle Times
- WA child care costs rise faster than financial help for stressed families - Crosscut
- It's 'inescapable': Pacific Islanders have tried to flee the climate crisis, only to face new threats – CNN
- Opinion: Ignoring mental health infrastructure will be a costly mistake – Stat News
- King County expands Health Through Housing initiative with third hotel purchase – The Seattle Medium (I’m quoted)
- Downtown Seattle business owners say recovery hinges on city addressing public safety – KNKX
- Rail boosters tell Sound Transit: Just say no to project delays – The Seattle Times
- Grief counselors in short supply with gun violence rising – AP News
- Seattle invites fourth scooter share company, tests new parking strategies – My Northwest
- New suicide prevention hotline aims to divert callers from police - Crosscut
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Image: Artists’ rendering/Solar AquaGrid, via Good News Network
The Good News Network and other media are telling the inspiring story of a brilliant idea from India that experts at UC Santa Cruz want to adapt for use in California.
It involves protecting water from evaporation in irrigation canals by covering those canals - - with solar panels. California has the world’s largest network of irrigation canals (and plenty of sunshine - - although too much right now), and as you may know, the state is also experiencing a severe water shortage. According to the article, “UC Santa Cruz has investigated this method for use in California and estimates that—on top of generating green energy—it would save 63.5 billion gallons of water from evaporation annually, a massive windfall for a state that sometimes rations water and which regularly suffers from droughts.” 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.
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