COVID-19 UPDATES
As of today, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) is reporting these numbers for the last seven and last fourteen days:
- 2,653 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 2,465 confirmed cases and 188 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 159,585). These numbers include 992 new cases since October 15th, and a 15% decrease in the reported number of daily positive cases in the last seven days, over the prior 7 days.
- 37 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (1,949 to date). That number includes 7 new deaths since October 15th.
- 99 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,295 to date). That number includes 46 new hospitalizations since October 15th.
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, 87.4% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 81.9% 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 Friday, October 15th (NOTE: October 18, 2021: The DOH dashboard will not be updated today due to technical issues.):
-The number of confirmed positive cases is 614,932; the number of probable cases is 80,084, for a total of 695,016 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 8,234
- The total number of hospitalizations is 38,482
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” - United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 1, 1948.
Just in: FDA will allow ‘mix and match’ boosters
See this late-breaking news item, as reported in The New York Times: F.D.A. to allow ‘mix and match’ approach for COVID booster shots. The Times says, “The agency may act this week, when it is expected to authorize booster shots for recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.”
Tomorrow, October 18: Statewide vaccine verification requirement goes into effect for most state government, health care and school workers
As you may know, today is Governor Inslee’s deadline for most state government, health care and school workers in Washington to show proof of vaccination or risk losing their jobs. You can learn more about possible consequences in this article from The Seattle Times: What to know about Monday’s COVID vaccine deadline in Washington state.
Next Monday, October 25: Vaccine verification requirement begins in King County, tools available for businesses
 And, in two weeks, on October 25th, King County will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for many outdoor events and indoor venues. That includes bars, restaurants, clubs and gyms and outdoor events of 500 or more people. As of the 25th, King County businesses and events included in the vaccination verification local health order are required to display specific public health signs at all public entrances. Visit this page to learn more and download signs, which are available in 12 languages.
In addition, Public Health and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce worked together to produce this business toolkit to help businesses get ready to verify vaccination status. The toolkit includes training guidance, signage, and scenario planning.
For more information, see this news release from Executive Constantine: King County vaccine verification launches next week – new campaign provides businesses and customers with tools and resources to be prepared for October 25 implementation.
VIDEO - - Vaccine verification: What to expect
 Check out this short video by Public Health and King County TV about what to expect beginning October 25th, including: Where proof of vaccination will be required; Acceptable proofs of vaccination; Options for people who are unvaccinated or unable to prove vaccine status
Increases in domestic violence homicides and family violence in King County, continuing pandemic trend
According to the latest data, there was an 11% increase in calls from King County residents to the National Domestic Violence Hotline in August 2021 compared to January 2020. According to this coverage from Q13, “...domestic violence homicides in 2021 in the largest county in our state is on track to be possibly even worse than it was in 2020,” and we are on track to break records in the numbers of domestic violence deaths.
- Resources and information for victims of domestic violence from King County
You may also be interested in this 2020 report from Public Health on the impact of COVID-19 on domestic violence.
Latest updates to the COVID-19 Economic, Social & Overall Health Impacts Dashboard
Public Health added new unemployment data and updated the Social, Economic, and Overall Health impacts of COVID-19 data dashboard last week. A few of the highlights:
- There was a 63% decrease in the number of workers receiving unemployment benefits in mid-September 2021, after the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program ended. Workers in accommodation and food services industry represent the largest group of workers filing for unemployment benefits in September 2021. This has been the top industry for unemployment benefits throughout the pandemic.
- There was an 11% increase in King County households receiving Basic Food Assistance in September 2021 as compared to January 2020. See the dashboard for more on these trends.
King County Library System (KCLS) partners with FEMA to make it easier to register for funeral assistance
If you incurred COVID-19-related funeral, burial or cremation expenses on or after January 20, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be able to help you with some of those costs. A partnership between the King County Library System (KCLS) and FEMA is improving community access to the technology and resources needed to register for FEMA Funeral Assistance. For more information and details see this page.
The latest news on COVID-19
 Note: For the latest on children and COVID, see the blurb below this one.
- Seattle touts 99% compliance with employee vaccine mandate hours before deadline - The Seattle Times
- Why COVID boosters weren't tweaked to better match variants – AP News
- Judge denies last-minute effort to block Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate – The Seattle Times
- Three lessons for the effort to scale up COVID-19 rapid tests – Stat News
- FDA panel unanimously recommends J&J boosters – The New York Times
- These are the experts who advised the F.D.A. on both the J.&J. and the Moderna booster shots. - The New York Times
- Should you mix and match COVID-19 vaccines? Experts weigh in. – National Geographic
- Audio: The FDA star search, more booster debates, & the future of mRNA – Stat News
- Fauci urges police officers to get vaccinated – The New York Times
- The pandemic and hate crimes are pushing more Asian Americans to seek therapy – The New York Times
- The CDC emphasizes COVID vaccinations as a key to safe holiday gatherings - NPR
- Vaccine proof or negative test soon required at large events – AP News
- Lawsuits demand unproven ivermectin for COVID patients – AP News
- Paper urges wealthy nations to delay COVID-19 boosters – UW News
- Feeling guilty about getting a booster shot? Here’s something you can do – Stat News
- This new pill treats COVID. Who will be able to get it? – The New York Times
- People with substance-use disorder may be at higher risk for breakthrough COVID cases, study finds – The Philadelphia Inquirer
- For Pike Place Market and its vendors, COVID was yet another test of survival – The Seattle Times
- Cities seek to loosen rules on spending federal pandemic aid – AP News
- Study: Alzheimer’s deaths spike during COVID pandemic - The Seattle Times
The latest news on kids, COVID and schools
 - Michigan schools with no mask mandate have 61 percent more COVID cases - Newsweek / MSN
- Seattle Public Schools cuts more than 100 bus routes – The Seattle Times
- Seventeen employees have died from COVID in a Florida school district since August – NBC News
- California school districts urge parents to keep kids in school amid Monday's vaccine mandate protest – abc10(California)
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 19th at 9:30 a.m. – Budget and Fiscal Management Committee: Discussion on mid-biennial supplemental County budget, along with several 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 19th at 1 p.m. – Full County Council Meeting: Public hearing on ordinance authorizing the executive to enter into agreements for the disposition of construction and demolition waste generated within the county's jurisdiction; Discussion and possible action on my motion requesting the executive transmit a report to the County Council that includes plans for assessing and addressing safety concerns relating to City Hall Park and the County Courthouse, providing shelter and services to any current and potential future occupants of City Hall park and assessing and recommending options for the county to acquire City Hall Park; Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service Awards - Countywide
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday, October 20th at 9:30 a.m. – Council Committee of the Whole: Discussion and possible action on the Best Starts for Kids implementation plan, the Health through Housing implementation plan, and a judicial vacancy
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday, October 20th at 3 p.m. - Regional Transit Committee: Discussion of a proposed ordinance to adopt updates to the King County Metro Strategic Plan for Public Transportation, King County Metro Service Guidelines, and Metro Connects long-range plan.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Thursday, October 21 at 1p.m. – Board of Health: Briefing on gender-based violence impacts of COVID-19, resolution recognizing October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and discussion and possible action on proposed amendments to the County’s bicycle helmet requirement.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Public County Districting Meetings this week: Help map out the new County Council districts, also participate at state and city level redistricting processes
The County’s Districting Committee is holding four town hall meetings this week to gather community input on the proposed draft maps. You can also take the community survey – available in several languages – on this page. The town hall meeting dates are this Tuesday, October 19 and Wednesday, October 20 at 2 p.m., and Thursday, October 21 at 7 p.m.
You can view an informative video explaining the County’s districts, process and how you can be involved here on YouTube. The County’s Districting Committee last month released three draft maps proposed new County Council district boundaries that will be the subject of public hearings next week. The draft maps can be found here.
At the City level, the Seattle Redistricting Commission will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, October 19th from 1 – 2 p.m. to discuss and narrow down candidates for the fifth and final Seattle Redistricting Commission position. For more information and to join the meeting, see this page.
At the state level, in addition to re-drawing the state’s legislative districts map, the state Redistricting Commission will also set new boundaries for Washington’s 10 congressional districts. The Washington State Redistricting Commission is looking for your ideas on the new district maps. The Commission is inviting the public to draw and submit their own state legislative and congressional district maps. To ensure Commissioners have time to consider your suggestions during their deliberations, you should submit your proposed maps no later than October 22.
TOMORROW: Belltown United to host Mayoral and City Council “Candidate Conversations”
Join Belltown United for a virtual conversation with the City Council and Mayoral Candidates tomorrow, Tuesday, October 19 at 6 p.m. Candidates running for city-wide Council Positions 8 and 9 and both Mayoral candidates are expected to speak. For more details, and to register and submit questions, see this page.
Request from County’s Wastewater division: Please don’t put Pumpkin seeds and insides down your kitchen sink, roast them instead
 Photo by Jason Rosewell at Unsplash
King County’s Wastewater division is reminding people not to put pumpkin seeds and the rest of the insides of the pumpkin down the kitchen sink. They are delicious roasted - - as well as healthy! Here’s a recipe and video on how to roast pumpkin seeds.
Tomorrow, 1 - 3 p.m.: The public is invited to an Eastrail Leadership Meeting
 You are invited to attend the Eastrail Regional Advisory Council meeting on October 18 from 1 - 3 p.m. The Eastrail will be an uninterrupted 42-mile trail that will connect the Eastside like never before and provide the communities of Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Snohomish, and Redmond with new opportunities for non-motorized recreation and transportation. For more information on the Eastrail project see this page.
At this quarterly meeting, elected leaders from Eastrail jurisdictions and partners will hear project updates and discuss coordination. View the agenda for the meeting. If you would like to make a public comment at the meeting please email Eastrail@kingcounty.gov. Registration is required for attendance.
Reminder: Join King County Executive Constantine and King County – Cities Climate Collaboration (K4C) tomorrow
Join Executive Constantine and other elected Officials at a virtual Town Hall, tomorrow, Tuesday, October 19th from 6 – 7 p.m. Leaders will discuss K4C actions to build climate equity and climate resilience into long-term planning. The event will include presentations, a panel discussion, and Question & Answer opportunities for attendees. Please click here to join the webinar. The Passcode is 644147.
Reminder: Thursday, October 21st at 6 p.m.: Seattle’s next Mayor
 Join Crosscut this Thursday, October 21 at 6 p.m. for “Northwest Newsmakers”, featuring the two candidates who are vying to lead Seattle as it faces enormous challenges - from an ongoing pandemic to a crisis of homelessness and housing to calls to reimagine policing and public safety. Hear how each candidate identifies solutions in dueling one-on-one interviews. To RSVP and for more information see this page.
Save the Date: With Open Arms: Welcoming Refugees – November 2
 Since August 1, 25 families, comprised of 113 individuals (including several children) were able to leave Afghanistan with the help of Jewish Family Services (JFS) and HIAS (formerly Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society).
JFS and HIAS invite the public to join JFS CEO Rabbi Will Berkovitz and President and CEO of HIAS, Mark Hetfield, for a moving and meaningful conversation about what must happen to evacuate those still in Afghanistan, and what we can do to help all refugees and immigrants transition smoothly to life in the US once they get here. With open arms, we can create a place to call home for our new neighbors. Register here to receive Zoom link. The virtual event will take place November 2, from noon – 1 p.m.
DID YOU KNOW?
...that, on this day in 1899, according to HistoryLink, a 60-foot totem pole from Fort Tongass, Alaska, was unveiled in Seattle's Pioneer Square? “The totem had been stolen from a Tlingit village several weeks before and was presented to the City of Seattle by the Chamber of Commerce "Committee of Fifteen" -- the group of Seattle vandals (who were prominent citizens) that had taken the totem.”
Additional helpful and informative links
- Flu vaccine offers best defense for people, healthcare system this season – DOH press release
- Man incarcerated at King County Jail dies after being hospitalized - The Seattle Times
- Seattle elementary school cancels Halloween parade, says it has historically marginalized students of color – The Seattle Times
- Georgia murder trial in killing of Ahmaud Arbery seen as test case for racial justice - NPR
- Internal memo says King County sheriff’s employees won’t be immediately fired on vaccine deadline – KING 5
- In King County, rent relief is flowing but funds are drying up - KUOW
- Rental assistance programs target tenants, landlords – CountyNews, National Association of Counties
- Over 100 King County Metro bus trips canceled – KIRO 7
- New Ballard Food Bank makes asking for help feel more like a day at the supermarket – KUOW
- Social Security COLA Set at 5.9 Percent for 2022 – AARP
- Washington wineries considering dramatic changes for climate change – Crosscut
- New Sound Transit program helps South King County students learn through the arts – Federal Way Mirror
- Why is it so hard to find a bathroom in Seattle? - The Seattle Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
Photo: Jamie J. Hagen / Flickr
According to an article in Reasons to be Cheerful, the wooden cat homes of Istanbul began “... in 2008 with a local architect named Didem Gokgoz, who began designing portable plastic houses for the homeless cats she saw on her commute to work.” But city officials were not amused, and tossed out the houses. Following some redesigning in wood, and meetings with city authorities, they reached agreement. There was positive press coverage, the city requested additional houses, and soon, according to the article, “...other Turkish cities followed suit. Today, across the country, there are thousands of cat houses, built out of everything from shipping crates to ballot boxes, offering refuge for cats in need.”
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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