COVID-19 UPDATES
Note: Public Health notes that due to several issues related to processing laboratory results, it anticipates overestimated test positivity as the backlog is addressed.
As of today, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these numbers, which include data from over the weekend:
- 1,407 new positive cases of COVID-19 (includes 1,351 confirmed cases and 56 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 150,360).
- 12 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,866 to date)
- 37 new hospitalizations (7,979 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:
Among all eligible residents (those 12 years and older), as of today, 86.1% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 80.1% have received both doses.
- View updated County vaccination data here.
- View COVID outcomes according to vaccination status here.
To view a breakdown of COVID-19 cases by race and ethnicity, 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 577,493; the number of probable cases is 71,791, for a total of 649,284 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 7,528
- The total number of hospitalizations is 36,213
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge which is power; religion gives man wisdom which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals. They are complementary.” – Martin Luther King, Jr., 1963
Seattle and King County ramping up vaccination service options to accommodate booster shots
 Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) approval of booster doses of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccinations for select populations, King County and the City of Seattle are ramping-up vaccination services to ensure free booster doses are available to everyone eligible, as well as continuing to serve those who are not yet fully vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently approved booster doses for those who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago who are at higher-risk of serious illness from COVID-19 or who work in high-risk settings. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are anticipated to be approved for booster doses soon. You may also be interested in this article from The Seattle Times: Pfizer booster shots ‘immediately’ available for older adults, those at higher COVID risk, Washington state says.
COVID-19 transmission increasing; future hospital admissions and occupancy uncertain
The state Department of Health (DOH) is reporting that the ‘Current surge of patients is overwhelming our hospitals,’ according to the state’s top epidemiologist. DOH reports that the latest COVID-19 modeling and surveillance situation report shows the majority of counties now have case rates above 500 per 100,000.
It’s OK to get your flu shot at the same time as your COVID vaccine shot
Public Health - - Seattle & King County wants you to know that it is perfectly fine to get your flu shot and your COVID shot at the same time. Read more here from a public health expert on the COVID-19 vaccine, flu shot, and what to anticipate this coming flu season.
Health care organizations support County vaccine verification to help reduce hospitalizations and deaths
 Leaders from 14 health care organizations issued a statement in support of requiring proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status or a negative test to enter many outdoor and indoor entertainment and recreational establishments and events. The recently-announced policy will go into effect October 25. See this page for more details on King County’s COVID-19 vaccine verification policy.
The latest news on COVID
 Note: For the latest on children and COVID, see the blurb below this one.
- Answers to your questions about COVID booster shots – The New York Times
- U.S. has enough COVID-19 vaccines for boosters, kids' shots – AP News
- As he receives booster, Biden urges vaccinations, says he’ll continue to press businesses to institute mandates – The Washington Post
- Study: Trajectory of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy over time and association of initial vaccine hesitancy with subsequent vaccination – Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
- See how much COVID-19 relief money health care providers in your state got – Stat News
- Coronavirus prompts economists to lower GDP growth forecasts this year – The Washington Post
- Rare access: A look inside Harborview Medical's somber COVID-19 ICU – Q13 Fox
- COVID hospitalizations continue to drop, but optimism still measured: ‘I just don’t know what the winter will bring’ – The Seattle Times
- A daily pill to treat COVID-19 could be just months away, scientists say – Kaiser Health News / The Seattle Times
- Seattle reaches tentative deals with most city unions on COVID vaccinations, pandemic pay - The Seattle Times
- To avoid a 'twindemic' health experts urge people to get their flu shots for the 2021-22 season – The Seattle P-I
- Washington Medical Commission can now discipline doctors who spread COVID-19 misinformation - KNKX
The latest news on kids, COVID and schools
 - Pediatric COVID-19 cases rose faster in counties without school mask requirements, CDC says - The Washington Post
- Federal judge delays vaccine mandate for NYC teachers – AP News
- For many families, the countdown has begun to coronavirus vaccines for younger children – The Washington Post / The Seattle Times
- Will vaccinating kids put an end to masks at school? It's complicated – Yahoo News
- School districts struggle to establish COVID-19 testing, frustrating parents – ABC News / MSN
- U.S. schools stay open as COVID cases rise – Bloomberg News
Hospital blood supplies dangerously low; blood donors needed!
Local blood donors needed. Blood supply at our hospitals is dangerously low. Nearly 1/3 of all blood donations support children and adults with cancer. Book your appointment with @BloodworksNW.
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28th at 1 p.m. – Full County Council meeting: Discussion and vote on requesting an assessment report from the Executive with recommendations on roles and responsibilities of the county and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority in responding to the regional homelessness crisis. And, as it’s the last meeting of the month, anyone can speak during public comment on any topic, not just what’s on the meeting agenda.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28th at 9:30 a.m. – Local Services Committee: Briefing on permit processing time, discussion and possible action on request to Executive to review and update home business regulations in light of COVID-19
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 28th at 1:30 p.m. (following the full Council meeting) – Employment and Administration Committee: Discussion and action on personnel-related matters
For instructions on viewing the meeting and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday, September 29th at 9:30 a.m. – Special Meeting of Law and Justice Committee: Briefing and possible action regarding community concerns about youth legal records on the SCRIPT system
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
National Voter Registration Day is tomorrow!
 Celebrate National Voter Registration Day by registering to vote, updating your registration if needed, or encouraging your friends and family to get registered. You can register to vote online or by mail until eight days prior to the election or in-person through Election day. Registrations done by mail need to be received, not postmarked, by the eight-day deadline.
King County districting update: Community Survey, Upcoming Town Hall meetings
 Map of current County Council districts
The 2021 King County Districting Committee is responsible for redrawing King County Council Districts using 2020 Census data. By law, district boundaries must be realigned every 10 years to reflect changes in population distribution. This means that your current County Council District and Councilmember may change. Find out about the map options under consideration and how you can get involved in the process. The 4th Council District which I represent has the highest population gain in the County and consequently will lose the most number of residents. I’m very interested in hearing from constituents on their preferences.
The County Districting Committee is holding four town hall meetings in mid-October to gather community input on the proposed draft maps. The dates are: Sunday, October 17 (2 p.m.); Tuesday, October 19 (2 p.m.); Wednesday, October 20 (2 p.m.); and Thursday, October 21 (7 p.m.). You can also take the community survey – available in several languages – on this page.
Save the date: This Saturday, Grand Opening of Northgate light rail service and pedestrian / bicycle bridge
 Rendering of the new John Lewis Memorial Bridge for pedestrians and bicycles at the new light rail station at Northgate - - opening this Saturday!
I hope you’ll join me this Saturday, from 10 a.m. – noon at a grand opening event hosted by the City of Seattle to officially welcome the new John Lewis Memorial Bridge and the start of Sound Transit’s Link light rail service at the new station. The event will begin at the west side of the John Lewis Memorial Bridge, in the North Lot at North Seattle College. See this page for full details on Saturday's event. I will also be joining other elected officials on Friday to ride Link light rail to visit all three new stations, including the University District and Roosevelt stations in addition to the Northgate station. All three stations will open to the public on Saturday.
I am looking forward to the celebration on Saturday, as the completion of this new station is key to increasing the affordability and livability of the Northgate neighborhood. During the 2019-2020 budget cycle I was able to secure $1.5 million in seed money to begin development of more than 200 units of affordable Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) near North Seattle College. Since then, additional funding has come through and the project is now underway with Bellwether and Chief Seattle Club as partners. Thank you to Rep. Frank Chopp for his championship of this project!
Also, please see this article from Metro’s blog, Metro Matters, on the new connections and service Metro has planned to coordinate with Sound Transit’s new service at Northgate, beginning this Saturday, October 2nd. You may also be interested in this article in The Seattle Times: Light rail ready to open at Northgate, transforming more than just commutes.
Update from Metro on service changes starting October 2nd
 This Saturday, October 2nd, Metro will adjust and restore service on routes in Seattle and King County. Service levels will climb to about 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and more than 11,000 daily trips across hundreds of routes. However, 18 routes remain suspended due to low ridership demand and financial realities. Metro is encouraging all riders to review the service change information as 116 of a total 194 bus routes will be impacted by these changes.
Executive Constantine unveils stronger building codes for unincorporated King County to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality
Executive Constantine announced last week proposed updates to building and energy codes for unincorporated King County. The proposal, if adopted by Council, will support countywide greenhouse gas emission reduction goals by reducing gas consumption for traditional heating systems, and encouraging use of renewable energy. The proposal is expected to come to the County Council later in the fall following briefing and action on it in the Council’s Mobility and Environment Committee. Stay tuned.
The proposed updates for new commercial and larger, multi-family construction will encourage the electrification of buildings, construction of more efficient facilities, and accelerate the use of renewable energy.
Reminder – this Wednesday and Thursday: 2021 Homelessness Debates
The public is invited to join The Seattle Times and “We Are In” for the 2021 Homelessness Debates this Wednesday and Thursday evenings. On the evenings of September 29th (7 p.m.) and 30th (5:30 p.m.), hear where candidates for Mayor of Seattle, Seattle City Council, Seattle City Attorney, and King County Council stack up on issues of homelessness and affordable housing in our region. For more information and to register see this page.
Wednesday: Grant workshop from 4Culture, calls for artists
4Culture is holding a grant workshop for its Sustained Support and Recovery Funds grants this Wednesday, September 29th from 11 a.m. – noon on Zoom. Participants will have the chance to meet grant staff, ask questions, and learn from fellow applicants. This is a great opportunity to strengthen your application. The workshop will take place on Zoom; once you register, you will receive an email with a link and passcode to join. See the link above for details. You may also want to visit the 4Culture website to see all open calls, grants, jobs, and other opportunities.
Reminder – next Monday: Webinar on extreme weather events of 2021
 Yale Climate Connections meteorologist Jeff Masters, PhD, a co-founder of Weather Underground and YCC “Eye on the Storm” blogger, will speak and answer questions in a 60-minute online webinar focusing on 2021 weather extremes: A one-off or a harbinger of atmospheric warming-driven times to come? Join Masters on Monday, October 1, 2021, from 9 – 10 a.m. PT / 12-1:00 p.m. ET. You can pre-register here on this page.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that the pivotal book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson was published on this day in 1962? According to Wikipedia, the book documented “...the adverse environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides. Carson accused the chemical industry of spreading disinformation, and public officials of accepting the industry's marketing claims unquestioningly.”
The book’s publication and the subsequent public reaction ultimately “... led to a nationwide ban on DDT for agricultural uses, and helped to inspire an environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”
Additional helpful and informative links
- Murders spiked in 2020 in cities across the United States – The New York Times
- ‘Ready for action’: city officials, community organizers converge over crime in Mt. Baker – South Seattle Emerald
- Seattle Children’s Hospital identifies racial disparities in infections, security response – Bothell Reporter
- King County head of homelessness may be an ‘impossible’ job, but Marc Dones is optimistic – The Seattle Times
- King County proposal would ban natural gas in new multifamily and commercial buildings – South Seattle Emerald
- ‘We are a country of laws’: Councilmember echoes calls to prosecute teen hit-and-run suspect as adult – KIRO radio / MyNorthwest
- Eviction moratorium bridge extension too short for King County to address all rental assistance applications – KING 5 News
- Washington state revenues up nearly $1 billion – The Seattle Times
- Ferry-naming contest draws comically creative ideas — but let’s get real, Washington state says - The Seattle Times
- Seattle named #1 most neighborly city in America – KIRO 7 News
- Local geographer creates interactive map of old Ballard street names - My Ballard
- A new book puts homelessness at the center of Seattle history - Crosscut
- Anita Hill still waits for change, 30 years after testimony – AP News
- White House steps up work on what to do about thawing Arctic – AP News
- Oregon has a new plan to protect homes from wildfire. Homebuilders are pushing back – NPR
- The secret war over Pentagon aid in fighting wildfires – The New York Times
- Race to the bottom: the disastrous blindfolded rush to mine the deep sea – The Guardian
- UW, Burke researchers discover four dinosaurs in Montana: Fieldwork pieces together life at the end of ‘Dinosaur Era’ – UW News
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Today’s Moment is once again about human ingenuity! As warming melts the ice at the arctic, among the many effects, such as loss of habitat and sea level rise, is another – the loss of the reflective power of all that white ice. People have understood for millennia that white paint reflects sunlight (and thus heat) off of surfaces - - and those who have traveled to the Mediterranean and other parts of the world have certainly noticed the predominance of white washed homes. According to Reasons to be Cheerful, “When the scientists aboard the International Space Station direct their thermal camera at Los Angeles, standing out from the sweltering red and orange blob is a crescent of cool, blueish white deep in the San Fernando Valley.”
That bit of coolness was provided by the City of Los Angeles’ Bureau of Street Services (Streets LA), which has painted the pavement with reflective coating. “The locations near the cool pavement were, on average, two degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the surrounding area,” according to a City staffer quoted in the story. The City is just beginning this effort, and has plans to “cool” another 200 city blocks in the next phase of the project. The City is targeting underserved communities in this effort.
Urban heat islands have long been a recognized phenomenon and they are not distributed equally. Communities in low-income areas or in neighborhoods with large numbers of BIPOC residents tend to be hotter, have less shade and fewer trees.
Similar cooling efforts are taking place across the country, including in New York City (see photo below). There is much more to this story, including videos and links to an array of tools and resources being used by the individuals and groups organizing these efforts. I highly recommend reading it!
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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