COVID-19 UPDATES
As of today, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these numbers:
- 639 new positive cases of COVID-19 (includes 587 confirmed cases and 52 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 119,998).
- 6 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,690 to date)
- 18 new hospitalizations (6,753 to date)
Vaccination rates in King County: As of today, 82.3% of King County residents 16 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 76.6% have received both doses.
Among all eligible residents (those 12 years and older), as of today, 81.4% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 75.6% 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 443,230; the number of probable cases is 43,073, for a total of 486,303 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 6,155
- The total number of hospitalizations is 27,340
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “People always said that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” - From Rosa Parks: My Story, by Rosa Parks and James Haskins, 1992
This morning’s COVID briefing by Dr. Duchin
Public Health - Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin held a press conference and public briefing this morning on the rising numbers of COVID cases in the County, the latest news on variants and an update on vaccination progress. You can view the briefing here and may also be interested in this article, which covers this morning’s press conference: 'Delta-driven surge': COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations rising significantly in King County – Seattle P-I
The latest news on the COVID variants: Delta, “delta-plus” and lambda
 - Ask Miss Rona: Delta variant- Public Health Insider blog
- Delta variant drives sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations – Washington State Department of Health August 3rd news release
- Here’s what we know about the delta-plus variant - The Washington Post
- COVID-19 variants: Staying protected for the long haul – Washington State Department of Health (DOH) blog
- Fauci fears that a COVID variant worse than delta is coming, says cases may double – McClatchy Washington Bureau /The Seattle Times
- Should I mask? Can I travel? What about hugs? How delta is changing advice for the vaccinated – The Seattle Times
- King County health officials investigate COVID-19 outbreak related to delta variant – KING 5 News
- Delta variant patients fill up WA hospitals, causing worry – KIRO 7 News
- The lambda COVID variant: What WHO, CDC have said – Newsweek / MSN
- With delta, is it even safe to go to music festivals or outdoor concerts? Here's what experts say – CNBC
- 'We can't train them fast enough': Nurse shortages persist as delta variant drives more COVID-19 cases – KING 5 News
- COVID-19 cases among children force Washington childcare centers to temporarily close – KING 5 News
Other recent COVID news
 - Masks and COVID-19: Explaining the latest guidance from the CDC and other experts – The Washington Post / The Seattle Times
- WA sees 1,500 new cases a day of COVID-19 in recent days – AP/ The Olympian
- Most Washington state community colleges will require students to get COVID vaccines this fall - The Seattle Times
- Live: Coronavirus daily news updates, August 5: What to know today about COVID-19 in the Seattle area, Washington state and the world - The Seattle Times
- WHO calls for a temporary moratorium on administering booster shots of Covid-19 vaccines – Stat News
- Q&A: When might the coronavirus vaccines get full approval? - The Washington Post
- Can I get ‘long COVID’ if I’m infected after vaccination? – AP News
- King County hospitals should require employees to get COVID vaccine, health officials say - The Seattle Times
- When will the summer coronavirus surge peak? It will get worse before it gets better, experts predict. - The Washington Post
- Study: Fewer than 1% of fully vaccinated people experiencing breakthrough COVID infections – The New York Daily News / The Seattle Times
- See reopening plans and mask mandates for all 50 states – The New York Times
Excuse me…are you fully vaccinated?
 Tips for having the vaccination conversation from the Washington State Department of Health.
Health Fair in Kent this Saturday: COVID vaccinations, health screenings and more
Join Public Health this Saturday, August 7th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Kent YMCA (10828 SE 248th St, Kent) for another Community COVID- 19 Vaccination Pop-up Event. Free shots of Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines will be available to all King County residents 12 years of age and older.
In addition to vaccines, there will be other services available for free at this event, including health screenings (blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, diabetes, HIV, hepatitis C tests and checks); free mammogram and PAP tests for women 40 and older (must schedule an appointment at 1-800-756-5437); free dental services for adults (must schedule an appointment - 1-800-756-5437); other childhood immunizations and assistance with applying for ORCA lift and health insurance coverage. See this page for more information.
Recent surge in COVID-19 cases increases need for testing: Know when to get tested and where to go
 Public Health is reminding us that the current surge in COVID cases means early testing is more crucial than ever. Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested as early as possible regardless of vaccination status. With the rapid spread of the Delta variant and cases rising steadily in the last month, we are not in the clear and COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future. Find out how, where and when to get tested here. You may also be interested in these articles:
- Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Seattle when city efforts end – KING 5 News
- This is Amazon’s at-home COVID-19 test kit: We tried it and talked to a testing expert about it – GeekWire
- King County’s COVID-19 testing webpage
Three recent COVID-19 outbreaks – and what the data say about how to prevent a larger surge in cases
 Many recent outbreaks are occurring in indoor workplaces and social events among people who were not wearing masks and where ventilation was poor. In this blogpost, Public Health takes a closer look at three recent, notable outbreaks.
Reminder: UW Medicine seeking volunteers for COVID-19 treatment study
 UW Medicine announced that researchers are recruiting Seattle area residents who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 for four treatment therapies being evaluated in a nationwide study. The therapies include infusions, injections, and an inhalant.
The trial is part of an effort launched by the National Institutes of Health in April 2020 called "Rise Above COVID: Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines” (ACTIV)." It's a public-private partnership creating a research strategy for prioritizing and speeding development of the most promising treatments and vaccines throughout the United States. For more details see this page.
Indoor air quality: Hints for dealing with wildfires, as well as COVID
 - How to keep indoor air clean on smoky days (2020, still current) – Public Health Insider blog
- Public Health crafter’s corner: 1-minute DIY filter fan (uses bungee cord) - Public Health Insider blog
- Puget Sound Clean Air Agency DIY filter (requires power tools) – Puget Sound Clean Air Agency webpage
- For large facilities: Three ways you can improve your building’s indoor air quality (April, 2021) - Public Health Insiderblog
- Keeping indoor air clean can help minimize the spread of COVID indoors, too! See this webpage from Public Health: Improving indoor air, and you may be interested in this article:
- Opinion: Circumventing Covid-19 with better ventilation and air quality – Stat News
The latest news on wildfires, extreme heat and climate change
 - New report: State of the science on western wildfires, forests and climate change – UW News (A co-lead author was Susan Prichard, a research scientist in the University of Washington’s School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.)
- A triple whammy has left many U.S. city neighborhoods highly vulnerable to soaring temperatures – The Seattle Times
- 'We lost Greenville.' Wildfire decimates California town – AP News
- Lake gunk a 'local impact of climate change' in Washington state – KUOW
- Biden seeks to boost fuel economy to thwart Trump rollback – AP News
UW’s Climate Impacts Group Director Amy Snover talks to Crosscut about climate change and the future of outdoor adventuring: Monday, August 16th
 For many living in the Northwest, the natural beauty and the diversity of landscapes and recreation opportunities are central to the identity of the Pacific Northwest. But as climate change brings more wildfires, smoke, heat and reduced snowpack, many are wondering what these impacts mean for the future of recreation in our region.
On Monday, August 16th at noon PT, UW Climate Impacts Group Director Dr. Amy Snover will join Crosscut for a virtual conversation about climate change and the future of outdoor adventuring in the Northwest. Attendance is free though an RSVP is required. Learn more and RSVP here.
Making sense of confusing guidance on evictions
There has been a good deal of confusion in the recent days about federal, state and local moratoria on evictions. Here in Washington State, evictions are on hold through the end of September. That is also the policy of the City of Seattle.
However, there has been confusion over recent actions at the federal level, with President Biden first calling on Congress to take action, followed by an extension of the federal eviction moratorium by CDC, an action which may have legal problems.
For more on this, and for resources for anyone struggling to pay the rent, see the links below.
- With federal eviction moratorium lifted, Washington tenants, landlords relying on state’s ‘bridge’ program" – The Seattle Times
- The White House calls on states to prevent a crisis after the federal eviction moratorium expired – The New York Times
- CDC issues new eviction ban for most of US through Oct. 3 - The Seattle Times
- Inslee announces eviction moratorium “bridge” – Governor’s office press release
- Evictions are about to restart across U.S. as tenants wait on billions in unspent rental aid - The Seattle Times
- Biden’s new evictions moratorium faces legality doubts – AP / The Seattle Times
- CDC issues new eviction ban for most of US through Oct. 3 – AP News
For assistance:
The City of Seattle: http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/covid-19#rentutilityotherbillssupport
King County Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP). The program helps people experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 who are at risk of housing instability or homelessness. The Tenant Pool is open for individuals or households needing rental assistance. Apply today – see the link above. If you need language assistance, please contact: 206-477-1331.
King County is recruiting renters to serve on the Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP) Advisory Committee.
The nine-member committee will provide input on policy and funding of EPRAP. The committee will ensure EPRAP is serving the needs of the communities experiencing disproportionate health and economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including those who performed essential work during the COVID-19 pandemic and those who historically have been disproportionately impacted by inequities and discrimination related to housing, such as those in the African American, Native American and Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, immigrant and refugee, disability and LGBTQI+ communities. Learn more about the EPRAP Advisory Committee here.
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Please contact Xochitl (So-chi) Maykovich at xochitl.maykovich@kingcounty.gov if you have any questions about the EPRAP Advisory Committee.
A visit to Youth Care Orion Center
 Last week, I was pleased to be able to stop by the YouthCare Orion Center, located in District Four. The Orion Center serves as a safe and welcoming day center for youth ages 12-24, and then overnight, the Center transitions into a young adult shelter for folks ages 18-24. It provides a wide range of services, including hygiene services, an onsite medical clinic, onsite legal aid, and three warm meals a day. I was pleased to be able to secure $20,000 for the Center this year to support its work. Thank you, YouthCare Orion Center, for all you do!
Best Starts for Kids levy election results
 With Tuesday’s primary election, voters spoke clearly in support of this truly transformative program - - a program that has the capacity to change lives and help children and youth from all walks of life achieve their full potential. I look forward to another five years of Best Starts for Kids (BSK) and will work closely with my colleagues to ensure it is effectively and efficiently implemented.
King County Executive Dow Constantine released this statement on the BSK levy renewal election results after King County Elections posted that it was passing with 58% percent of the vote in early returns. You may also be interested in this Seattle Times article: Best Starts for Kids levy holds strong lead in King County primary election returns.
Some Metro service in District 4 restored
Good news! Starting on October 4th, 2021, the 17X and 18X bus routes between Downtown Seattle and Northwest Seattle, specifically North Beach and Loyal Heights, will be partially restored. See above for the projected schedule for these restored routes.
Sound Transit seeking input for 2022 plan
Sound Transit evaluates service performance annually and proposes changes to improve performance, respond to ridership trends and use taxpayer resources efficiently. The agency is looking for your input as it considers changes to ST Express bus, Sounder South and Tacoma Link service in 2022. Read the details and take the survey here.
Rebar to rails: A look back at building Northgate
 As we’ve mentioned several times in recent e-newsletters, the Northgate Link light rail extension will open on October 2nd. Sound Transit takes a look back at the long construction process, which has taken more than 5.2 million labor hours thus far.
County Courthouse safety issues, March planned for tomorrow at noon
You may have heard about the very serious safety concerns raised by employees and visitors accessing services at the County Courthouse. Violence around the Courthouse has increased in the last several months, including a recent case of attempted rape inside a women’s bathroom in the building.
County employees whose jobs are based in the Courthouse (including Council staff) are understandably concerned. There is a March for Women’s Safety in the Workplace tomorrow, Friday, August 6th at noon at the County Administration Building. Although I am unable to join the march in person, I stand in solidarity with the employees and others making their voices heard. I stand with the woman assaulted, with survivors of physical and sexual violence overall, and with others who understandably may be experiencing a wide range of emotions in the wake of this assault. Read my full statement here. You may also be interested in these articles:
- King County council member touts property trade with Seattle, an effort to clean up camp near Courthouse – KOMO News (I’m quoted)
- Amid violence at Seattle courthouse, sheriff orders staff to work remotely – The Seattle Times
Response from County Superior Court to Council’s approval of COVID 8 budget
Last week I discussed the Council’s passage of the County’s COVID 8 emergency budget, which, while funding much-needed public health and community services, also tackles the serious backlog of cases in our county courts caused by the pandemic. You may be interested in reading this press release from the Courts following final approval of the budget: Meaningful access to courts preserved by King County Council’s approval of COVID 8 budget.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that, on this day in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Revenue Act, which includes the first federal income tax? According to HistoryLink, R. M. Walker, the auditor of the Washington Territory, wrote to U.S. Secretary of State William Seward that the territory could be counted on to pay its share, writing: "The citizens of this Territory have expressed their gratification in being afforded an opportunity of contributing their quota in sustaining their government and strengthening its hands in putting down the present gigantic and monstrous rebellion." Read the full story here on HistoryLink.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Amazon pushes back return to office until 2022, says company will ‘closely watch’ COVID-19 conditions – The Seattle Times
- U.S. plans to require COVID-19 shots for foreign travelers – AP News
- Nursing home to workers: Get vaccine or lose your job – AP News
- 'We're doing the best we can.' Seattle restaurants are feeling the pressure with COVID cases on the rise again – KUOW
- Harborview treats twice as many gunshot victims in July as it did two years ago – KING 5 News
- Dangerous formula behind summer surge in gun violence – UW Medicine News
- Summer funding helped school districts address disparities – AP News
- New York is pushing homeless people off the streets. Where will they go? – The New York Times
- King County has quickly bought 7 hotels for homeless people, but will it be enough? – The Seattle Times
- Caring for the environment helps South King County kids recovering from trauma or hardship find a sense of purpose - The Seattle Times
- King County to pay $1.5 million in 2016 shooting death of pregnant Muckleshoot mother Renee Davis - The Seattle Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Chelsie and Jeremy King use the WheeStroll Wheelchair Stroller Attachment to take their baby Phoenix on a walk.
According to CNN, “A group of high school students have designed and built a wheelchair stroller attachment so that people with disabilities can walk their babies. The idea was born when students at the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, discovered that one of their teachers was expecting a baby. Her husband uses a wheelchair, and it was going to be tough for him to get in on some precious parenting moments. The students ... [took] into account the terrain around the dad-to-be's house... The result is the "WheeStroll," a simple wheelchair attachment that allows parents to place their baby safely in front of them as they wheel around.” Read the full story here, and see this story from the school for even more details on the project: Team "Wheestroll" wins two international awards for wheelchair project.
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I am now sending out on Mondays and Thursdays, although there will be no Monday e-newsletter on August 9 due to the Council recess. 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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