COVID-19 UPDATES
Note: Public Health has changed the way it is reporting these data, in order to better show the trends. As of today, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these numbers – including data from the weekend -for the last seven and last fourteen days:
- 2,982 new positive cases of COVID-19 (includes 2,768 confirmed cases and 214 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 156,734). These numbers include 1,408 new cases since Friday, October 8, and a 7% decrease in the reported number of daily positive cases in the last seven days, as compared to the previous seven days before that.
- 39 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (1,925 to date)
- 95 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,186 to date)
To see the progression of the virus in King County since last Thursday’s Enewsletter, 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, 87.0% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 81.4% 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 606,593; the number of probable cases is 77,939, for a total of 684,532 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 8,064
- The total number of hospitalizations is 37,958
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “We must know what we think and speak out, even at the risk of unpopularity. In the final analysis, a democratic government represents the sum total of the courage and the integrity of its individuals.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, 1963
Monoclonal antibody treatments: Information and locations providing treatment
 According to the State Department of Health (DOH), “...intervention with monoclonal antibody therapy can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization for people with COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing more serious illness. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy is available in Washington state with a provider’s recommendation for certain high risk individuals.” Read the full story here from DOH.
Video: Press briefing featuring updates on COVID-19, boosters, and vaccination
 Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin held a press briefing last Friday, October 8th. He also took questions from reporters and community members. Dr. Duchin provided the latest information on COVID-19, vaccination rates, and guidance on booster shots. You can view the full press conference here.
COVID questions? There’s a hotline for that.
The State Department of Health (DOH) is reminding state residents that many questions about COVID can be answered by calling the state’s COVID-19 Assistance Hotline. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127, then press # or text 211-211 for help. New hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.
The latest news on COVID
 Photo by Noah on Unsplash
Note: For the latest on children and COVID, see the blurb below this one.
- Boosters are most likely on the way for recipients of the Moderna and J. &. J. vaccines – The New York Times
- Merck asks U.S. FDA to authorize promising anti-COVID pill – AP News
- Opinion: A likely new treatment for COVID-19 was made possible by government-funded innovation – Stat News
- Astounding’ new study shows using a pulse oximeter saves COVID patients’ lives – The New York Times / The Seattle Times
- UW Medicine to deny organ transplants to unvaccinated patients – Q13 Fox
- Hospitals brace for an onslaught this winter, from flu as well as COVID - NPR
- Vaccination rates rise at Washington Department of Corrections, other agencies in response to COVID-19 mandate - The Seattle Times
- UW Medicine OBGYN has message for pregnant women worried about getting the COVID vaccine – KOMO News
- Small businesses navigate ever-changing COVID-19 reality – AP News
- ‘Naively ambitious’: How COVAX failed on its promise to vaccinate the world – Stat News
The latest news on kids, COVID and schools
 Photo by Leo Rivas on Unsplash
- Inside the exhausting start to Washington’s school year: COVID outbreaks, school-bus cuts and more – The Seattle Times
- Kids are losing school days to quarantines. Here's a way to keep them in classrooms - NPR
- Whatcom County reports high COVID case rate among children ages 5-17 - MyNorthwest
- Millions of kids’ COVID vaccines ‘ready’ to go; initial doses to be shared on a population basis – The Washington Post / The Seattle Times
- ‘Go out there and enjoy Halloween,’ Dr. Fauci says. Some towns have canceled celebrations, but Dr. Fauci says outdoor trick-or-treating is perfectly safe. – The New York Times
- With masks on or off, schools try to find the new normal – The New York Times
- Washington was already seeing big dip in high-school officials returning from the pandemic. Vaccine mandates could push the numbers even lower - The Seattle Times
This Friday: Preparing for a Post-COVID Future: Implications for protecting the health of seniors
 The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on everyone’s lives, and seniors were profoundly affected. What have we learned so far? How can we best prepare to protect our health and safety as winter approaches? Join Dr. Robin Fleming, assistant teaching professor at the University of Washington Bothell, in a conversation with Dr. Vin Gupta, affiliate assistant professor of Health Metrics Sciences at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. They will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of health care and public health communications — and the implications this has for seniors. This event is co-sponsored by Northwest Neighbors Network and the University of Washington Bothell and will take place this Friday from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. A zoom link will be sent out prior to the event. This event will be ASL interpreted and captioned.
Public-Private partnership releases VACCS report as a guide for future collaboration, highlighting milestones
Recognized as a national leader and model during the national vaccine rollout, the State Department of Health (DOH) Vaccine Action Command and Coordination System (VACCS) Center released a report highlighting milestones achieved during the last several months of the pandemic and as a guide for future collaboration. Read the full announcement from the DOH here.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
 Last year at the King County Council we included funding in the 2021-2022 biennial budget to make Indigenous Peoples’ Day an official holiday for county employees beginning in 2022.
As Budget Chair and as an individual, and given that we all live and work on the unceded ancestral lands of the Indigenous people of this region, I supported this language and an ordinance introduced by Councilmember Claudia Balducci. I believe that it is vitally important that we take the time to educate ourselves and each other about the colonial history of our region, and the many powerful traditions and contributions of our Indigenous neighbors.
It will take all of us to ensure that King County is a safe and welcoming County for everyone who calls it home.
There are 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington State, and King County is home to a thriving Native American population from Tribal nations across the country. We are on the ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, Puyallup, Tulalip, and Suquamish Tribes, and the Duwamish people. For more on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, see these articles:
- Tensions persist between legacy of Columbus, native people – The Seattle Times
- Goodbye, Columbus? Here's what Indigenous Peoples' Day means to Native Americans – NPR
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day, explained – The New York Times
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 12th at 9:30 a.m. – Government Accountability and Oversight Committee: Briefing on broadband in King County, discussion on County Dept. of Assessments, and environmental and health impacts of Boeing Field operations
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 12th at 1 p.m. – Full Council Meeting: Briefing from Public Health on COVID-19, Recognition of the University of Washington men's and women's rowing programs and other items.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 12th at 1 p.m. – County Flood Control District: Following the regular Council meeting, the King County Flood Control District will be meeting to discuss the Lower Green River Flood Hazard Management Plan and more.
Instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, the agenda and meeting materials, can be downloaded here.
Wednesday, October 13th at 3 p.m.: Regional Policy Committee: Discussion and possible action on the Best Starts for Kids implementation plan, discussion of initial Health Through Housing implementation plan, briefing on Best Starts for Kids governance.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Washington state may owe you some money! Really.
Go to claimyourcash.org and submit your name. This is absolutely legitimate. In fact, $273 million worth of unclaimed cash is waiting to be claimed by Seattleites alone, according to a story by KUOW, which quotes Patti Wilson, unclaimed property program administrator for the Department of Revenue: “If you had a utility deposit that you put down, and then you moved, and they sent you the deposit back, and for some reason they didn’t have your new address or your forwarding address, that becomes unclaimed property.”
City of Seattle redistricting
The Seattle Times is reporting that Mayor Durkan and the City Council have appointed community members to the City’s first redistricting commission. The Redistricting Commission's first meeting is this Wednesday, October 13th from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. More information is available here.
A downtown school for kids?
KUOW ran an interesting segment this morning on the Mayor’s efforts to create a school for kids living downtown that would be located in the grassy area by the now closed entrance to the Battery Street tunnel. I know that Belltown United would prefer to locate a park at that site. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on this question. See the article below:
- Can downtown Seattle attract families? The big question behind the debate about a new school. – KUOW
Honoring Tom Wales
 Planting Japanese Maple tree at Thomas C. Wales Park on west side of Queen Anne Hill with County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and newly confirmed U.S. Attorney for Western Washington Nick Brown.
I was honored to attend a ceremony today marking 20 years since the assassination of Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Wales. I served on the Queen Anne Community Council Board with Tom in the late 1980s and early 1990s and I chaired the Council’s Social Issues Committee which Tom was involved with that held public hearings on malicious harassment and discrimination against Black residents that occurred on Queen Anne Hill. Nowadays these are included as “hate crimes.” I also worked with Tom on issues of gun control during my time in the state legislature. Tom Wales was extremely well-respected and was known for his work on gun safety, among other issues. His death was a huge loss for Seattle and the region. I also think back on participating in the opening and dedication of the park ten years ago to the day. To learn more, see these articles in The Seattle Times:
- Reward increased to $2.5M for information on unsolved 2001 slaying of Thomas Wales, federal prosecutor in Seattle.
- 20 years after unsolved killing of federal prosecutor Thomas Wales in Seattle, details emerge about the FBI’s theory
 Amy Wales, Tom’s daughter, remembering her father. I'm standing behind her.
Wednesday: Belltown United hosts Seattle city attorney debate
This Wednesday, October 13th at 6 p.m., Belltown United is hosting a debate between the two candidates for Seattle City Attorney. You can register and submit questions in advance here.
This Wednesday: Clearing the air: Why now is the time to tackle global air pollution
 Covid-19 lockdowns briefly showed us a world that could be: one with improved outdoor air quality thanks to reduced traffic and energy production. At the same time, the pandemic brought renewed attention to the under-examined issue of indoor air pollution. We must now seize this moment to address one of the biggest threats to the climate and to global human health.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the World Health Organization present a panel of leaders from academia, government, and the private sector discussing what must be done in order to reduce air pollution and tackle climate change. The event will take place this Wednesday, October 13th, at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) and will be moderated by CNN Correspondent Stephanie Elam. You can watch live on Facebook or on YouTube.
Reminder: Public forum on the climate crisis on October 14th
 The Council on Foreign Relations is holding a free virtual 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.
Reminder: Deadline for County Parks grants is this Friday, October 15th
 See this webpage to access the grant portal and review program summaries. These grants cover a wide array of efforts to preserve and expand our parks and aquatic facilities from land acquisition to development of new or renovated indoor or outdoor recreation facilities or open space. For program questions, please contact Butch Lovelace, 206-477-4577 or butch.lovelace@kingcounty.gov
Reminder: Orca Recovery Day is this Saturday, October 16
 There are a wide variety of activities to help Orcas, preserve their habitat, improve salmon habitat (Orca’s main food source is Chinook, aka, “King” salmon) and help clean up Puget Sound this Saturday! To find an activity near you, see this page and you can also learn more here.
Reminder: Parks survey for County partner organizations – Sunday deadline
Has your organization partnered on a project with King County Parks? Scheduled your events on a County trail? Used County parks as the location of the programs you offer? Does County funding help your organization carry out its mission? If so, the County Parks Department wants your feedback and the deadline is this Sunday, October 17th.
Please take a few moments to fill out the Partner Survey for the Parks Department. Your feedback will, in part, shape the County’s 2022 update to the King County Open Space Plan: Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that on this day in 1972 Chicano activists, led by Roberto Maestas (1938-2010), occupied an abandoned school in Seattle? The school site eventually became El Centro de la Raza, a Chicano/Latino civil rights organization, which now owns the land. Read the full story of its transformation here at HistoryLink.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Downtown Seattle group asks City Hall, King County Council to 'take action' on safety – (I’m quoted) KOMO News / MSN
- Downtown Seattle businesses urge city council to improve safety and curb 'rampant' crime – (I’m quoted) KING 5
- Councils react to letter from businesses, locals calling for action on public safety in downtown Seattle - MyNorthwest
- Indigenous families on the epidemic of missing and murdered women - Crosscut
- Facing drought, wildfires, scorching heat, bay area wineries are changing how they grow grapes - KQED
- Opinion: Make relief for health coverage premiums permanent – The Seattle Times
- Seattle mayor, council appoint community members to first redistricting commission - The Seattle Times
- Trick or Streets are back! Here’s how you can participate this year – SDOT blog
- Podcast: Alicia Garza on the power of the movement for Black lives - Crosscut
- Soderbergh shot ‘Kimi’ in Seattle, so why aren’t more big Hollywood movies made in Washington state? - The Seattle Times
- Renovated Seattle monorail station opens Monday to serve arena crowds - The Seattle Times
- New UW program to bring ‘uncommon partners’ together to tackle youth incarceration - The Seattle Times
- Can downtown Seattle attract families? The big question behind the debate about a new school. – KUOW
- Where does your Seattle neighborhood fall in this ‘diversity index’? Check the map - The Seattle Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Photo by Carbios
The Good News Network is telling the story of an amazing new, enzymatic method of recycling plastic, that will help increase the markets for the recycled material, since the new method produces an end product that is “...actually far closer to the original material manufacturers use with petroleum to make new bottles, than if they bought chopped-up plastic.”
The company that came up with this method, Carbios, “... has the capacity to process around 100,000 ground up plastic bottles in just 10-16 hours—that’s around two tons of ground-up PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the most common form of plastic bottle.
It breaks down the polymers—long complicated molecules, into monomers—smaller, simple building blocks, separating the two major components of polyethylene glycol from terephthalic acid, in a matter of hours...” For more details on this innovation, see this article from The Good News Network.
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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