COVID-19 UPDATES
As of last Friday, September 3rd, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these daily numbers:
- 518 new positive cases of COVID-19 (includes 463 confirmed cases and 55 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 137,785).
- 4 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,776 to date)
- 98 new hospitalizations (7,463 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 Friday, September 3rd, 84.8% of King County residents 16 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 82.2% have received both doses.
Among all eligible residents (those 12 years and older), as of Friday, September 3rd, 84.1% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 77.9% 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 COVID outcomes according to vaccination status, see this new data dashboard: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data/vaccination-outcomes.aspx
To view a breakdown of COVID-19 cases by race and ethnicity (updated on Mondays, though not on legal holidays), click this link. Click here to view the “Key Indicators” data dashboard.
Statewide, according to the state Department of Health (DOH), as of Friday, September 3rd:
-The number of confirmed positive cases is 515,410; the number of probable cases is 60,080, for a total of 575,490 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 6,691
- The total number of hospitalizations is 32,236
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “History is a great teacher. Now everyone knows that the labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.” - Martin Luther King Jr., speaking to the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO) on Dec. 11, 1961
New Data Dashboard: COVID-19 outcomes by vaccination status
 Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health) has a new data dashboard that breaks down COVID outcomes according to vaccination status. The dashboard will be updated weekly, and I encourage you to check it out at the link above.
As of this past Friday, September 3rd, the dashboard showed the following: In the past 30 days, unvaccinated people, as compared to vaccinated people, were:
- 7 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19
- 47 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19
- 32 times more likely to die from COVID-19
For more information on the gap in COVID outcomes between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, see the following articles:
- New data dashboard tracks COVID-19 risk for unvaccinated people compared to vaccinated people – Public Health Insider blog
- “At my hospital, over 95% of COVID-19 patients share one thing in common: They’re unvaccinated" — The Conversation
- Unvaccinated 49 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19, King County data shows – The Seattle Times
Last Thursday’s State Department of Health (DOH) press conference
Washington State Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah provided an update on the state's COVID-19 response this past Thursday, September 2nd. He was joined by other DOH staff as well as Michaela W. Miller, Deputy Superintendent, Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. You can view the press conference here at TVW.
The latest updates on COVID
 Photo by Noah on Unsplash
NOTE: For the latest on COVID, kids, schools and child care, see the next blurb.
- EXCLUSIVE: Inside Pfizer’s labs, ‘variant hunters’ race to stay ahead of the pandemic’s next twist – Stat News
- Oregon and Idaho are running out of I.C.U. beds as COVID cases hit records – The New York Times
- The White House wants $65 billion for an ‘Apollo’-style pandemic preparedness program – Stat News
- Two anchors of COVID safety net ending, affecting millions – AP News
- Study: Low risk of EMS staff getting COVID from patients – UW Medicine News
- Wirecutter: Where to buy N95s, KN95s, and surgical-style masks you can trust - The New York Times
- The COVID endgame: Is the pandemic over already? Or are there years to go? – The Washington Post / The Seattle Times
- When will the Delta surge end? - The New York Times
- A new study of dorm rooms shows how ventilation curbs virus levels- The New York Times
- Booster shots hitch: Some may miss the September 20 start – AP / The Seattle Times
- The debate over COVID-19 vaccine boosters, what to call them, and whether they’re needed – Stat News
- Federal health officials want the White House to slow its COVID booster shot rollout – NPR
- Visualizing how fast the pandemic is getting better or worse, state by state – Stat News
- King and Pierce Counties to require masks for outdoor events, regardless of vaccination status – KIRO 7 News
- Clallam, Jefferson counties requiring COVID-19 vaccination for indoor dining – KING 5 News
- Alaska Airlines pushes employees toward COVID vaccination – The Seattle Times
- Another hidden COVID risk: Lingering kidney problems – The New York Times
- Vaccine Mandate Frequently Asked Questions – Office of Governor Inslee
- First responders nationwide resist COVID vaccine mandates – AP News
- Opinion: We work at the A.C.L.U. Here’s what we think about vaccine mandates. – The New York Times
The latest on kids, COVID, schools and child care
 An update from DOH: COVID-19 testing at schools is a crucial way to track and prevent disease spread, so DOH has partnered with the Health Commons Project to provide districts with end-to-end testing support, including a testing strategist to help develop the best strategy and tools.
- What to do if your child is exposed to COVID-19 at school – CNN
- DOH officials emphasize COVID protocols to protect returning students amid Delta surge – South Seattle Emerald
- Hospitalizations for children sharply increase as Delta surges, C.D.C. studies find. Vaccinations, however, have made a difference. – The New York Times
- Delta may worsen the child-care shortage - The Atlantic
- Six strategies to make classrooms safer as the Delta variant spreads - NPR
- The best birthday present in 2021? A COVID vaccine. - The New York Times
More on schools:
- Slow down, Seattle drivers: School zone cameras are back as students return to class – The Seattle Times
- Transportation problems complicate another start of the school year for Seattle Public Schools – The Seattle Times
This week at the Council
Note: All Council and committee meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 7th at 1 p.m. – Full Council meeting: COVID-19 briefing from Public Health, proclamation welcoming arriving Afghan refugees, and a public hearing and discussion of several ordinances, including funding for Harborview capital improvements, solid waste fees, and other budget-related items.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday, September 8th at 9:30 a.m. – Community, Health and Housing Services Committee meeting: Briefing on Housing, Federal Funding Ideas and Housing Production Techniques, discussion and possible action on Best Starts for Kids annual report, and briefing on child care access in rural King County.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday, September 8th at 3 p.m. –Regional Policy Committee meeting: Introduction of Regional Homeless Authority Director Marc Dones, Briefing on Health through Housing implementation plan, discussion and possible action on Best Starts for Kids implementation plan.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Lead poisoning: Does your child need testing?
Lead is a useful and common metal that has been used by humans for thousands of years. It is also a very dangerous poison, particularly for children, when it is accidentally inhaled or ingested. Get full details on lead poisoning here and find out if your child should be tested for lead exposure. The following links may also be helpful:
- To see your neighborhood’s risk for lead, go to this page from the DOH
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program – The CDC
How to help Afghan refugees
I’ve received questions from constituents and others on how best to help newly arriving Afghan refugees. As of last Thursday, there were 150 newly arrived Afghan refugees in King County. Immigrant and refugee assistance organizations are working to arrange for placements in private homes as well as congregate placements, e.g., at hotels.
Some of the organizations helping arriving Afghan refugees include Jewish Family Service, International Rescue Committee, Afghan Health Initiative, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and World Relief. The following links provide additional information:
- Inslee letter to President Biden reaffirms Washington's support for Afghan refugees – Governor’s office
- Washington organizations are resettling Afghan refugees, here’s how you can help – The South Seattle Emerald
- How to help our Afghan neighbors in Washington – International Rescue Committee
- Americans stretch across political divides to welcome Afghan refugees – The New York Times
Utility shut-off moratorium ending on September 30
 Photo by KWON JUNHO on Unsplash
The state Department of Commerce (DOC) is reminding state residents that the governor’s moratorium preventing shut-offs of electricity, natural gas and water is ending on September 30th, 2021. The DOC has tips and guidance to help you keep your service if you’ve fallen behind on your utilities.
Also, see this page: Energy assistance programs for King County residents.
The latest on climate change and extreme weather
 High temperature anomalies have become greater and more frequent in recent years on land, air and sea (Credit: NOAA/BBC)
- Editorial: Call for emergency action to limit global temperature increases, restore biodiversity, and protect health – The New England Journal of Medicine
- Nearly 1 in 3 Americans experienced a weather disaster this summer – The Washington Post / The Seattle Times
- After Ida’s fury, infrastructure key in preventing misery – AP News
- PNW hiking and camping upended as wildfires force tough choices – Crosscut
- Wildfires, smoke snuff out outdoor adventures across U.S. – AP News
- Flash floods threaten U.S. Southern states deluged by Hurricane Ida – Reuters
- Audio: Poetry professor helps students process climate change – Yale Climate Connections
- Cities can play a key role in the transition to electric vehicles – Yale Climate Connections
New UW report: Private equity, labor's retirement capital, and the climate crisis
The UW’s Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies (I’m a member of its Visiting Committee) has issued a new report: Power in a Pension: Labor, Private Equity, and the Climate Crisis. The report assessed the role of private equity in exacerbating the climate crisis and its use of labor's retirement capital. You can find more information here.
Tomorrow night: America After 9/11 on KCTS
 Image: Frontline / PBS
This promises to be a fascinating show, airing on KCTS tomorrow at 9 p.m. From veteran FRONTLINE filmmaker and chronicler of U.S. politics Michael Kirk and his team, this documentary traces the U.S. response to the September 11 terrorist attacks and the devastating consequences that unfolded across three presidencies. More information is available here.
Reminder - Arc artist showcase this Wednesday, September 8th
 4Culture’s Arc Artist Fellowship provides critical—but rare—unrestricted funding to a new and unique cohort of King County artists every year. The six 2021 Fellows are all between the ages of 18 and 25 and 4Culture invites you to join an artist showcase on Zoom to hear from each artist about their work. The first showcase event was held last week, but you can still catch the second one this Wednesday, September 8, 7 – 8 p.m. Once you register (see above link), you'll receive a confirmation email with a link and password to the virtual event.
Save the Date: Belltown Rock the Block is September 18th
 Celebrate the Belltown community! Belltown Rock the Block brings together residents from the neighborhood’s 80 apartment buildings and 35 condominiums. This event is open to the public and will feature live music, food and beverages, games and informational booths. Participating Belltown multi-family residential properties will also compete for fabulous prizes and glory in the "Amazing Race." Read more here, and full event details can be found here.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that the first U.S. Labor Day, held on September 5, 1882, was “...almost entirely disastrous”? Read the full story herefrom the U.S. Department of Labor.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Opinion: Let’s honor Labor Day by protecting workers – The Seattle Times
- Where’s the money? Landlord and tenant groups threaten to sue King County - The Seattle Times
- The unlikely partnership supporting south Seattle youth through forest science – South Seattle Emerald
- Opinion: The opposite worlds that make up Seattle continue to orbit far, far apart - The Seattle Times
- ‘Two truths’ to downtown Seattle living: Vibrant, diverse atmosphere butts up against drug use, street crime - The Seattle Times
- Rankings: UW among best in world, nation – UW News
- Justice Department will ‘protect’ abortion seekers in Texas – AP News
- Finally, new federal cash will bolster public health ranks – Pew Stateline
Today’s moment of inspiration
 This story is a lesson in perseverance and flexibility. As CNN reports, “While the scope of the damage from Hurricane Ida is just coming into focus, Liz McCartney and her team at SBP are already mobilizing to help residents take the first steps in rebuilding.”
McCartney founded SBP – the St. Bernard Project – following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Since that time, “...the organization has rebuilt homes for more than 2,800 families with the help of 150,000 volunteers in 14 communities across the United States and the Bahamas.”
What I find most inspiring about this story is that this team of people learned from Katrina, took those lessons, and is now applying them to helping residents deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Combatting mold is now a high priority, as is helping residents build resilience and prepare for the next disaster.
As McCartney told CNN, “We want to be an organization that's not just reacting afterward but working with communities beforehand to increase their preparedness and help to mitigate risk," she said.
“For McCartney, that means doing things like encouraging people to get the right insurance, securing the roof to their property, even doing chores as simple as getting their documents in order.” 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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