COVID-19 UPDATES
NOTE: As of August 10th, the state Department of Health continues to have a large backlog of lab results. Although positive results are up to date, there remains a large number of negative test results that have not yet been reported from July 28 - August 10th. The DOH anticipates receiving fewer test results and that the test positivity rate will be overestimated while the backlog is addressed.
As of today, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these numbers:
- 852 new positive cases of COVID-19 (includes 797 confirmed cases and 55 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 128,488). See note above!
- 6 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,722 to date)
- 22 new hospitalizations (7,091 to date)
To see the progression of the virus in King County since our last newsletter, you can view screenshots of the Daily Dashboard here. Note the correct date appears when you click on the document (one day earlier than is listed). The data are not updated over the weekends.
Vaccination rates in King County: As of today, 83.4% of King County residents 16 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 77.5% have received both doses.
Among all eligible residents (those 12 years and older), as of today, 82.6% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 76.6% 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 474,342; the number of probable cases is 50,328, for a total of 524,670 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 6,330
- The total number of hospitalizations is 29,293
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “As our own species is in the process of proving, one cannot have superior science and inferior morals. The combination is unstable and self-destroying.” – Arthur C. Clarke, 1967
Inslee announces statewide indoor mask mandate, educator vaccination requirement to slow spread of COVID-19
In response to surging case numbers and hospitalizations, Gov. Jay Inslee yesterday announced that masks would again be required for all people – regardless of vaccination status – in indoor settings beginning Monday, August 23rd, and that most school, child care and higher education employees must be vaccinated by October 18th. Most public places will fall under the mask mandate, including restaurants, grocery stores, malls and public-facing offices.
Though not a requirement, the state Department of Health also strongly recommends people wear masks in crowded outdoor settings such as concerts, fairs and farmers markets. Read the Governor’s full announcement here and see the articles below for more information.
- Inslee brings back statewide mask order and mandates vaccines for school workers – The Seattle Times
- Hundreds in Tri-Cities, Olympia protest Washington mandates on masks, COVID vaccines – Tri-City Herald / The Seattle Times
The latest updates on COVID
- Record delta wave hits kids, raises fear as U.S. schools open – AP News
- In a handful of states, early data hint at a rise in breakthrough infections – The New York Times
- Live: Coronavirus daily news updates, August 19: What to know today about COVID-19 in the Seattle area, Washington state and the world - The Seattle Times
- Delta variant: What we know about the science (updated today) – The CDC
- TSA extends into January mask rule for airline passengers – The Seattle Times
- The White House says COVID booster shots for all. Here’s what you need to know – Kaiser Health News / The Seattle Times
- Younger, unvaccinated COVID-19 patients fill ICU at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center – KING 5 News
- Washington hospitals filling as pandemic labor shortage strains health care system - The Seattle Times
- Health leaders blame large gatherings for COVID-19 cases surging across Puget Sound – KOMO News
- Washington group helping people find a third COVID-19 vaccine dose – KING 5 News
- Yes, you should get tested for COVID-19 if you're vaccinated and have symptoms – KING 5 News
- Partnering with the faith-based community to address disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates and outcomes among U.S. Black and Latino populations – JAMA Network (Journal of the American Medical Association)
- What is being done to distribute COVID-19 vaccines globally? – AP News
- How CDC data problems put the U.S. behind on the Delta variant – The Washington Post / The Seattle Times
- Three Alaska Airlines employees die of COVID as leadership moves toward vaccination mandate – The Seattle Times
- Joint statement from HHS (Health and Human Services) public health and medical experts on COVID-19 booster shots- CDC
- Special Report – video and article: ‘It’s soul-draining’: Health workers deployed to COVID hot zones are overwhelmed by deaths among the unvaccinated – Stat News
- Seattle-area arts groups to require proof of COVID vaccination or negative test for entry - The Seattle Times
- Schools can reopen safely – an epidemiologist describes what works and what's not worth the effort — The Conversation
What ARE monoclonal antibodies, anyway?
Getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Those who are fully vaccinated are much less likely to contract COVID-19 and much less likely to get seriously sick or die if they do contract the virus. But for those who do get COVID-19 — regardless of vaccination status — there’s some encouraging news. COVID-19 treatment options have improved dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. Read the full story from the state Department of Health (DOH) here.
Public Health COVID update to County Council last Tuesday
Staff from Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health) provided a comprehensive update on the pandemic for Councilmembers this past Tuesday, August 17th. You can download a copy of the full presentation here. Please note that the data provided in the presentation were up to date as of Tuesday but are constantly changing. As always, the most current data on COVID in King County can be found here.
COVID education funding opportunity for community organizations: Deadline is August 27th
HealthierHere and Public Health — Seattle & King County are funding outreach and education work by King County community-based organizations for the purpose of increasing community access to scientifically accurate knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 vaccines and, ultimately, increasing vaccination rates. Community-based organizations that can provide culturally relevant COVID-19 vaccination information in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and/or with lower vaccination rates are urged to apply for the COVID Outreach and Engagement Fund. The application deadline is August 27, 2021 at 11:59pm. For details, see this page.
Childhood immunization data are concerning for some ages
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has updated the state’s childhood immunization rate data, which show that many school-aged children missed recommended vaccines in 2020. The decreases in pre-teen vaccine rates are especially concerning. These data are now available on a public dashboard. The update includes 2020 rates by immunization type. Read the full story here from the DOH and see this coverage from KING 5 News for more information: Falling childhood vaccination rates in Washington 'concerning' for health department.
Briefing by Budget Director to Council’s Committee of the Whole – View video
County Budget Director Dwight Dively updated councilmembers yesterday on the status of the economic recovery. It was a fascinating presentation, which you can view here - - the budget presentation starts around minute three. A few of the interesting items: Compared to May of 2019, sales tax revenue reported in May this year is up 5.5 percent with some of the largest increases coming from big box stores which are up 32 percent, and from home furnishings up 20 percent, and building materials up 19 percent (considered a sign of increased home renovations); while hotel revenue is down by 62 percent, compared to 2019; and there seems to be a slowdown in convention-related cancelations along with indications of new bookings coming in of conventions at the state’s convention center in Downtown Seattle. And, you may or may not be surprised to learn that inflation is increasing significantly with gas prices up 44 percent compared to last year as well as alcoholic beverage prices up 12.5 percent and used car prices up 47 percent! For more, see the full presentation at the link above.
The latest County census numbers
Councilmembers have just received the latest updates on the County census numbers being used for our redistricting of Council Districts (as well as numbers for separate efforts for redistricting of Legislative and Congressional Districts). Though the numbers are not yet finalized, this Powerpoint presentation (download here) contains data that are close to final, and quite interesting. Not surprisingly, District 4 has had the highest growth in population!
A visit to Aurora Commons
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of stopping by Aurora Commons, an organization that has served as a “neighborhood living room” on Aurora Avenue North since 2011. Before the pandemic, it served its unhoused neighbors and the larger community by providing hygiene services, access to a fully-stocked kitchen, connections to resources, and the SHE Clinic, a health clinic providing a wide range of health services to clients. During the pandemic, it only closed down for a few days at the very beginning, and completely pivoted its services—switching from providing a kitchen to providing meals, for example. Even though there have been many challenges during the Pandemic, it is continuing to serve the greater Aurora community, and it was an absolute pleasure to provide its Interim Executive Director Laura Skelton and others with $20,000 from the Veteran’s, Seniors and Human Services Levy. Here, I’m pictured with Christina Smith, Luke Sumner, Laura Skelton, Mary Schmitz, and Naizhaya. Thanks for showing me around, yesterday!
CHOMP canceled on Saturday!
King County Parks has canceled this Saturday’s planned food celebration CHOMP! to protect health as the Delta variant COVID-19 cases surge. King County Parks is prioritizing the safety of the community and has made the decision to cancel CHOMP!, the family- and kid-friendly hometown celebration of locally grown food and entertainment was scheduled for this Saturday, August 21, at King County’s Marymoor Park.
Reminder: Join the National Nordic Museum and me this Saturday!
I hope to see you this Saturday, August 21st, at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. for the unveiling of its new Nordic Labyrinth. There will be special guest speakers -- including myself and Robert O’Driscoll, Consul General of Ireland to the Western United States, and Helge Marstrander, Consul/Deputy Chief of Mission of the Royal Norwegian Consulate in San Francisco -- a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a special labyrinth craft activity for kids. For details, see this page.
Reminder: Mount Pleasant Cemetery tour this Saturday
Historian Kim Turner and the Queen Anne Historical Society invite you to join them this Saturday, August 21st, from 10 a.m. to noon for a tour of the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The tour is free of charge and good walking shoes are recommended. Meet at the south entrance to the cemetery at 700 West Raye Street at 10 a.m. Kim’s cemetery tours are always popular, informative and unique.
Webinar: Human Trafficking and Vulnerable Populations - Wednesday, August 25
This is a free live webinar sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime, Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center of the U.S. Justice Department. It will take place from noon – 1 p.m. PT (3 - 4 p.m. ET) next Wednesday. A panel of national experts will discuss how to identify and support vulnerable populations in your community. Learn how to remove barriers for accessing services and outreach strategies to reach the most vulnerable populations. Space is limited. Register here.
The latest updates on climate, wildfires, environment
Fortunately, the horribly smoky and unhealthy air has left us for now. But wildfires are still blazing.
- Can a COVID mask protect me from wildfire smoke? – The New York Times
- California’s wildfires prompt a surge in evacuations - The New York Times
- Fish struggle to survive as water issues worsen in Klamath Basin – Investigate West / Crosscut
- Southern California officials declare water supply alert – AP News
- Audio: How water conservation can help save energy, too. About 20% of California’s energy consumption is associated with water. – Yale Climate Connections
- Booming Colorado town asks, ‘Where will water come from?’ – AP News
- EPA will ban a farming pesticide linked to health problems in children – KUOW
- Rain falls at the summit of Greenland Ice Sheet for first time on record – The Washington Post / The Seattle Times
Video: History of women in politics in Washington state
As we celebrate the 101st anniversary - August 18th, 1920 - of the ratification of the 19th amendment that gave some women the right to vote, we recognize the constant need for vigilance to ensure access to the ballot for all citizens. Washington state once lead the nation in the number of women in the state legislature. View this video overview of the history of women in politics here in Washington, produced by Win with Women.
Pet of the Week at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)
Pepper, August 17 Pet of the Week
Your new best friend may be waiting for you at the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) pet adoption program! Visit this page to learn about animals who are looking for their forever homes.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that the original 12.1-mile stretch of the Burke-Gilman Trail, Seattle's popular cycling and pedestrian trail, formally opened on this day in 1978? On that day, Seattle and King County officials gathered to inaugurate 12.1 miles of the Burke-Gilman Trail, built along a former rail corridor previously owned by Burlington Northern Railroad. The opening of the trail was the result of seven years of negotiations, community meetings, and civic advocacy on the part of individuals and environmental and recreation organizations.
Additional helpful and informative links
- King County rent relief still slow to reach tenants - Crosscut
- King County lags in distributing rent assistance for tenants, landlords – The Seattle Times
- When a homeless encampment was cleared, no one went to a shelter. The reasons are complicated – The Seattle Times
- King County to close purchase of Federal Way hotel – The Federal Way Mirror
- Opinion: Four policy changes Seattle landlords and tenants should agree on – Crosscut
- Redmond mayor backs controversial homeless shelter plan despite vocal opposition – KOMO News
- Landlords look for an exit amid federal eviction moratorium – AP News
- USDOT deputy secretary promotes electrification in Seattle, tours West Seattle Bridge – The Seattle Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
Photos by Bodmin Police/Facebook
We’ve all heard stories of dogs remaining by their injured humans, or barking or howling to get the attention of humans in an emergency. But these types of stories about cats have been fewer, although those of us who are cat lovers won’t find this story surprising!
According to the story, which comes to us from England via the Good News Network, “Piran the kitty lives with his cat mom in a rural area of Cornwall, England. When the 83-year-old Bodmin woman went missing, neighbors launched a search party, scouring the nearby countryside, but she was nowhere to be found—until searchers caught sight of an agitated Piran, mewing loudly by a cornfield gate.” The cat’s behavior and meowing led searchers to decide to search the cornfield. According to the story, “With the crop standing seven feet tall, the going was difficult.” Finally, one searcher heard a faint response, and discovered the woman “... had taken a tumble down a steep, 70-foot ravine, and after passing through some barbed wire, had finally come to rest in a stream.” Neighbors are caring for Piran as his mom recuperates in the local hospital, where she is expected to make a full recovery - - thanks to Piran. 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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