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:
- 520 new positive cases of COVID-19 (includes 517 confirmed cases and 3 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 151,646).
- 4 new COVID-19-related deaths (1,887 to date)
- 11 new hospitalizations (8,032 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, 86.3% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 80.3% 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 584,023; the number of probable cases is 73,603, for a total of 657,626 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 7,726
- The total number of hospitalizations is 36,630
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “I believe with all my heart that America must always stand for... basic human rights at home and abroad. That is both our history and our destiny. America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense, it's the other way around. Human rights invented America.” – Former President Jimmy Carter, Farewell Address, January 14, 1981
Answers to your questions about COVID-19 vaccines
 There’s plenty of misinformation out there. For reliable answers, local health specialists from Public Health—Seattle & King County are answering some key questions here. In addition, Public Health provides more answers on its COVID vaccine FAQ webpage and I also recommend you check out Public Health’s Fact-checking webpage here.
Updates on the economic, social and overall health impacts of COVID-19
 Public Health is monitoring changes in key economic, social, and other health indicators resulting from strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19. Past epidemics illustrate that strategies to slow the spread of disease, including social distancing and business and school closures, while successful at limiting the spread of disease, can also have additional effects on individuals and communities. You can view the full Economic, Social, and Overall Health Impacts of COVID-19 data dashboard here.
Among the highlights from the latest data:
- 12,700 more King County households received Basic Food assistance in August 2021 than in January 2020, a 13% increase.
- King County Medicaid enrollment is increasing. There were 461,799 people enrolled in Medicaid in King County in July 2021. This is a 16% increase in Medicaid enrollment compared to January 2020.
- Two calls to the WA Poison Center in August 2021 were about exposures to Ivermectin and Ivermectin-like agents. (Ivermectin has been promoted as a treatment for COVID-19, but is not approved by the FDA to treat any viral infection, including COVID-19.)
View yesterday’s TVW interview with Gov. Inslee on his handling of COVID crisis, Department of Health (DOH) briefing
Yesterday evening, TVW’s public affairs show “The Impact” interviewed Governor Jay Inslee on the state’s response to the pandemic. The discussion covered mandates, moratoria, and the use of emergency power. You can view the interview here on TVW.
You can also view yesterday’s update on COVID in our state and its impact on hospital capacity from DOH Secretary Dr. Shah and others here on TVW.
The latest news on COVID
 Note: For the latest on children and COVID, see the blurb below this one.
- ‘I have no beds’: Hospitalizations spike in rural Washington amid fifth COVID-19 wave - The Seattle Times
- At Idaho hospitals, COVID-19 patients are sucking up oxygen at ‘astounding rates’ – The Idaho Statesman / The Seattle Times
- COVID vaccination rates have jumped in Washington since August, with continued decline in infections - The Seattle Times
- A large share of Hispanic adults in the U.S. got vaccinated over the summer, a survey shows. – The New York Times
- The fear of Delta, more than rewards or mandates, is motivating Americans to get shots, a survey finds. – The New York Times
- Booster shots build onto protection of initial vaccinations – UW Medicine News
- Twelve percent of Americans will still 'definitely not' get COVID-19 vaccine, survey finds – KING 5 News
- YouTube is banning all content that spreads vaccine misinformation - KUOW
- Side effects from a third vaccine dose are similar to those from the second, a C.D.C. report finds. - The New York Times
- Measuring the pandemic’s toll on mental health – UW Dept. of Occupational and Health Sciences News
- Opinion: Repurposing drugs can speed new treatments for COVID-19 – Stat News
- America’s pandemic is now an outlier in the rich world: Its daily toll of excess deaths is greater than in all other high-income countries combined – The Economist (scroll down to read in full with free registration)
The latest news on kids, COVID and schools
 Photo by Simon Infanger, Unsplash
- Are you pregnant? The CDC really wants you to get vaccinated against COVID-19 – NPR
- Pfizer and BioNTech submit data backing vaccine for children 5 to 11 – The New York Times
- School board group asks U.S. for help policing threats – AP News
- ‘I need an army’: Across America, schools cram for their COVID tests - The New York Times
- Panther Lake Elementary School classroom in Kent closed due to COVID-19 – Kent Reporter
- Lynden Christian Schools to go to remote learning amid surge in COVID-19 cases – The Seattle Times
Webinar: COVID’s Disproportionate Impact on Youth Now and Tomorrow
 As students, parents, and educators adjust to the new school year, the League of Education Voters (LEV) is taking a look at the near-term and long-term effects of the pandemic on young people. Next Thursday, October 7th at 11:30 a.m. PT, the public is invited to join a FREE virtual discussion. Speakers will include former U.S. Education Secretary Dr. John B. King, Jr., President of The Education Trust, and Dr. Vin Gupta, Public Health Physician, Professor, Health Policy Expert, and regular health policy analyst for NBC News and other media. The panel will explore the academic and mental health impacts on students during the pandemic. For more information and to register, see this page.
With state’s utility shut-off moratorium ending, some resources for assistance
The state’s moratorium on utility shut-offs was extended for one month, but is coming to an end on November 1st. See the links below for information and resources if you are concerned about paying your utility bills.
- Energy assistance programs for King County residents – King County
- Information on utility discounts and payment assistance, including emergency assistance for Seattle residents - City of Seattle
- Washington’s moratorium on utility shut-offs is ending. Here are some assistance programs - The Seattle Times
Executive Constantine transmits proposed supplemental budget to Council that includes acceleration of Metro’s conversion to electric buses among other items
As the Council’s Budget Chair, I’m looking forward to reviewing the mid-biennial budget that Executive Constantine transmitted to us today. This mid-biennial budget makes some course corrections in the 2021-2022 biennial budget that passed the Council last November and also builds upon work that Councilmember Rod Dembowski and I did two years ago calling for accelerating Metro’s transition to an all-electric fleet. In addition, it restores some funding that had been cut and makes some new and expanded investments, e.g., in climate equity and regional gun violence prevention. Now, the Council will have an opportunity to perfect the Executive’s proposal, and I’m eager to dig into this with my Council colleagues. Read more about his proposal here. The proposed budget will be taken up in the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, which I chair, on October 19th at 9:30 a.m.
Help Metro improve safety: Survey deadline this Sunday
 Metro is continuing work on its Safety, Security, and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative to reimagine transit safety and security policies and practices. Metro users and members of the public are encouraged to help with this effort by participating in a brief survey on Metro’s safety and fare enforcement policies and practices. The survey is available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (traditional), Dari, French, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese and is open through Sunday, October 3rd at 11:59 p.m.
Restorative Community Pathways announces the nine organizations selected to be part of RCP Consortium
King County’s Department of Community and Human Services has announced, in partnership with Restorative Community Pathways (RCP) and DCHS’s Children Youth and Young Adults Division, the nine organizations that have been awarded funds totaling $3 million and selected to be part of RCP Consortium.
These nine organizations will be serving youth, families and community members who have experienced harm with basic needs, restorative justice and healing, and community connections. To view a list of the organizations, see the link above.
News on the County’s Local Food Initiative: Update on Horseneck Farm, farmland leasing program RFP deadline on October 17th
 Rows of kale, eggplant, corn, and other late summer vegetables extend for nearly 5 acres across one corner of Horseneck Farm in early September, located just a few miles south of downtown Kent.
The County’s Local Food Initiative, launched in 2014, aims to increase access to healthy, affordable foods in underserved areas and to support farmers and protect farmland.
To support the establishment and expansion of farm businesses operated by new and beginning and historically underserved farmers, the County Farmland Leasing Program works to make farmland and infrastructure accessible to groups who face systemic barriers to accessing land. Currently, King County has up to five acres of farmland available to lease near Kent starting in 2022. It is especially encouraging applicants who work to support business expansion for new and beginning and historically underserved farmers. For information on the Farmland Leasing Program and to apply, see this page. For more information contact Melissa Borsting.
Horseneck Farm in Kent is one example of the benefits of preserving farmland. Located just outside of downtown Kent -- a hub for warehouses and manufacturing – Horseneck Farm is just one of five King County-owned farms leased to area farmers through the Leasing Program. It now helps increase access to farmland for diverse marginalized and beginning farmers. Read the full story here. For more on agriculture in King County, see this page.
New County COVID recovery program connects people experiencing homelessness to jobs and housing
 A new County COVID-19 recovery program connects people experiencing homelessness to jobs and housing support, starting with crews that are restoring and enhancing regional parks and trails. The County’s Jobs and Housing Program held recruitment events at emergency shelters to offer residents the opportunity to join County Parks Beautification Crews, earning salaries that can help them transition to permanent housing. The new program applies the Rapid Rehousing model developed by the King County Department of Community and Human Services to connect participants with housing.
The County is working to expand the program to other county services, including logistical support for emergency management, sanitizing fleet vehicles, and providing customer support for animal services. For more on this, see this coverage from KIRO 7 news: New King County program connects the homeless to jobs tending parks.
Gov. Inslee allows ban on single-use plastic bags to begin tomorrow
Gov. Jay Inslee has rescinded the emergency proclamation that delayed the start of Washington’s ban on single-use plastic bags due to compliant bag supply shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Plastic bags are a major contaminant in Washington’s recycling facilities, waterways, roadways, and environment. Washington's Plastic Bag Ban will reduce pollution by prohibiting single-use plastic carryout bags and charging a fee for acceptable bags in businesses beginning tomorrow. For more information see this page.
Seattle Against Slavery seeking applicants for its Youth Leadership Board
Seattle Against Slavery is a grassroots coalition working to end sexual exploitation in our communities by changing culture through prevention, intervention, and transformation. It is now accepting applications for its Youth Leadership Board. Youth Leaders must be between the ages of 13-18 and live in Washington State. This is a great opportunity to meet other young people who are interested in activism and creating real change in their communities. Youth Leaders work together to choose and complete semester-long projects related to ending trafficking and exploitation. All meetings will take place virtually over Zoom. This session begins October 20th. See this page for more information and to apply.
Seattle election candidate forum on October 4th: Race for City attorney
The Ballard District Council (BDC) is hosting its next Seattle candidate forum next Monday, October 4th, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the National Nordic Museum at 2655 NW Market Street. It will also be broadcast live on the BDC’s YouTube channel here.
Seattle’s next City Attorney will have a huge impact at a critical time for the city. The program will last one hour, with some time for a candidate meet-and-greet afterward. The BDC reminds the public that the space at the National Nordic Museum allows for socially distanced seating and attendees must be vaccinated and wearing masks. See this page for more information.
Some good news: an update on Seattle travel industry recovery
 Visit Seattle recently provided an update on the state of the recovery of the tourism and hospitality sectors, that provide many jobs in our city. A pdf of the full presentation is available here, but I am including the following overview, courtesy Visit Seattle:
“Despite the frightening increase in hospitalizations, slower than hoped-for progress in vaccinations and new county guidance on masking and vaccine requirements – there has been no shortage of good news. Although shaken, consumer travel sentiment continues to look strong and according to Destinations Analysts – the majority of travelers support vaccine mandates. After a 15-month ban, our nation is closer to opening travel from the UK and EU – and we expect positive news about the Canadian border in November... This week we welcomed our first business related convention to the Washington State Convention Center since March 2020.”
Save the date: Virtual public forum on the climate crisis on October 14th
The Council on Foreign Relations is holding a free forum on Thursday, October 14th, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. PT. Speakers will discuss current and projected climate change, options for reducing emissions, and policies to help communities adapt to a changing climate. The conversation will feature experts on climate and the environment, including Katharine Mach, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Miami, and Arun Majumdar, Jay Precourt Provostial Chair Professor, Stanford University and the former Founding Director, Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy, U.S. Department of Energy (2009-2012). To register and for more information see this page.
A visit to the S.S. Virginia V
 Last week, I was pleased to be able to visit the S.S. Virginia V, the largest operating wooden steamship in the nation that first launched in 1922 as well as being the only remaining one in Puget Sound. Now, the mission of the Steamer Virginia V Foundation is to promote the Puget Sound's maritime heritage through the restoration, preservation, operation, and interpretation of the National Historic Landmark vessel S.S. VIRGINIA V. The Foundation provides regular tours, hosts a youth maritime internship each summer, and importantly works to provide education and exposure about what a maritime career might look like. Here, I am pictured with my chief of staff, Adam Cooper, as we learn about the ship from the Director of Engineering, Joe Schmitt. The ship is currently being worked on at the Pacific Fishermen Shipyard in Ballard. Thank you for showing us around! And thank you to the Foundation’s ED, Debra Alderman, for arranging and accompanying us on the tour.
 The Virginia V in 2011, from Wikipedia
Reminder: This Saturday, Grand Opening of Northgate light rail service and pedestrian and bicycle bridge
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 open the new John Lewis Memorial Bridge and the start of Sound Transit’s Link light rail service at the new Northgate light rail 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 officials on Friday for a preview ride to visit all three new stations opening on Saturday, including the University District and Roosevelt stations in addition to the Northgate station.
Also, 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 these articles from The Seattle Times: Roosevelt light-rail station fuels rapid growth in North Seattle neighborhood and New U District light-rail station reorders how people move through the neighborhood.
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.
DID YOU KNOW?
...that King County’s Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) began in 1979 when the voters of King County approved an initiative authorizing the County to preserve rapidly diminishing farmland by purchasing the development rights? During the 1980s, the County acquired the rights on 12,600 acres of high quality farmland within its boundaries. The County is continuing to purchase development rights on select properties and there are now approximately 15,500 acres permanently protected. See this page for more information.
Additional helpful and informative links
- King County crisis services ask for clarity on police intervention – Crosscut
- Flu could have a comeback this fall in Washington – KUOW
- Seattle ranks as fifth fastest-diversifying big city of the decade – The Seattle Times
- GeekWire interview: Seattle mayoral candidates on tech, talent, taxes, startups, homelessness, and favorite apps - GeekWire
- Why climate change is making it harder to chase fall foliage - AP News
- This new Canadian holiday reflects on the legacy of Indigenous residential schools – NPR
- Congress might allow frustrated landlords to seek rent relief – Pew Stateline
- Melinda French Gates: Our economy is powered by caregivers. That’s why it’s time for national paid leave – Time Magazine
Today’s moment of inspiration
Photo from EmergencyRV
In 2018, watching the coverage of the nation’s deadliest wildfire to date, the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, Woody Faircloth was struck by the words of one of the survivors, according to this story by the Associated Press. Faircloth and his daughter watched a man fleeing in an RV as his home burned. According to the story, “Despite losing his house, the man was grateful to have the RV to call home for Thanksgiving.”
Faircloth and his daughter felt the need to help, and bought a $2,500 RV on craigslist to give away. They drove it from Denver to Paradise, and according to the AP story, “As social media posts about the trip spread, donors started offering Faircloth their RVs. Some offered to deliver the vehicles themselves, but Faircloth makes many of the drops personally.”
That first RV delivery in 2018 was the beginning of EmergencyRV.org, which to date has helped hundreds of victims and expanded its mission to help many more victims of wildfire and other natural disasters. I encourage you to read the full story of how this enormous effort was pulled together.
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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