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:
- 2,806 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 2,579 confirmed cases and 227 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 163,795). These numbers include 704 new cases since yesterday, October 27th, and a 2% increase in the reported number of daily positive cases in the last seven days, over the prior 7 days. I’m not happy.
- 50 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,002 to date). That number includes 4 new deaths since yesterday, October 27th.
- 80 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,403 to date). That number includes 10 new hospitalizations since yesterday, October 27th.
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, 88.3% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 82.8% 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 yesterday:
-The number of confirmed positive cases is 635,358; the number of probable cases is 84,172, for a total of 719,500 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 8,554
- The total number of hospitalizations is 39,849
The graph below shows the cases in King County.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all. ... Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat this warming.” - Pope Francis, 2015
Update from Gov. Inslee on COVID-19
The Governor held a press conference this afternoon to update the media and the public on the status of the pandemic in our state. Inslee addressed the continued stress on our state hospital system and the increase in vaccinations, especially among public employees. You can view the press conference here at TVW. You may also be interested in the following:
- Gov. Inslee says Washington’s plateau in COVID cases is ‘very worrisome’ - MyNorthwest
Lost your vaccination card? Here’s how to verify vaccination
 If you've misplaced or lost your card, don't worry! You can get official, verified proof of your COVID-19 vaccination online, for free. The MyIR website is an official state pathway to access proof of vaccination in Washington state. To get your copy, visit MyIRMobile to sign up for free. Please keep in mind that verification to your records through MyIR may not be immediate, and access is currently limited to English language only. For language assistance, or additional help getting your records, please call 833-VAX-HELP (833-829-4357) or contact by email at waiisrecords@doh.wa.gov. You may also be interested in these links:
- King County vaccine verification guidance
- Washington state quietly launches COVID vaccine verification tool – The Seattle Times
- State's online site to prove COVID vaccination status has technical issues, users say – KOMO News
Protecting your unvaccinated child
 If you’re a parent or caregiver of a young child, it can be hard to enjoy these occasions without the assurance of a vaccine for your child. Between July and September, cases of COVID-19 in children increased by about 240 percent in the U.S. And while childhood cases have since declined, children represented about 25 percent of all COVID-19 cases in mid-October. Our state Dept. of Health (DOH) has some tips and advice for those who are taking care of young children during this time.
Staying safe this holiday season
Tips from the state DOH on staying safe - and keeping others safe - this holiday season, including hints for safe Trick-or-Treating, and giving out candy safely. You may also be interested in this story from the Associated Press: Is it OK to go trick-or-treating during the pandemic?
Updates from the COVID-19 Economic, Social and Overall Health Impacts Dashboard
Public Health — Seattle & King County monitors changes in key economic, social, and other health indicators resulting from strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19. A few key takeaways from the most recent update in the data:
- As King County fully reopens and traffic volume increases, the number of motor vehicle crashes are also rebounding to pre-pandemic levels
- 2-1-1 call data shows BIPOC communities are disproportionately affected
- Basic Food assistance (SNAP) enrollment remains high
You can view the details and the full dashboard here.
Get your flu shot! Nine things to know about flu season
 Find out the top nine reasons why a flu shot is especially crucial this year. Public Health has put together a video and this very informative article.
Election reminders: General Election is next Tuesday, November 2
 As you probably know, the general election is next Tuesday. If for some reason you have not received your ballot or have misplaced it, please request one online.
Ballots must be in drop boxes by 8 p.m. sharp on Tuesday (or postmarked by Tuesday, November 2). Voters can still register to vote, update their registration or signature, receive a replacement ballot, or use an assistive device at one of King County’s six Vote Center locations or the Student Engagement Hub at the University of Washington’s Husky Union Building until 8 p.m. on Election Day, or give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683) during business hours.
Also, a Vote Center at Lumen Field Event Center and five other locations will open this Saturday, October 30th to provide in-person assistance from County Elections staff. Voters can register to vote, get a replacement ballot, or use an assistive voting device to cast a private, secure ballot through 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 2.
As always, full information on registering to vote, updating your registration, returning your ballot and more can be found at the King County Elections website.
New report available on Black women in politics
 Last week, the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) and Higher Heights released an updated status report, “Reaching Higher: Black Women in American Politics 2021.” The report contains the most recent data on Black women’s current representation in elected positions at the federal and state levels, as well as a look ahead at key races in the 2022 midterms. Among the many findings: A record number of Black women ran for and won congressional offices in 2020, but Black women’s congressional representation is not at a record high. Read the full report at the link above.
Council moves toward race-and gender-conscious affirmative action practices
I was pleased the Council voted unanimously on Tuesday in favor of a motion requesting Governor Inslee to immediately sign an executive order rescinding Directive 98-01 to restore race-and gender-conscious affirmative action practices in the state of Washington, and to declare that race- and gender-conscious affirmative action practices in the county are needed to combat discrimination. I was a cosponsor of the motion introduced by Councilmember Zahilay. You can view a copy of the motion here.
You may be eligible for a Septic System Maintenance Rebate
On stormy nights, rain can burden septic systems, resulting in sewage leaking into your backyard or house. King County is offering a rebate of up to $300 for septic maintenance activities performed in the areas of Northwest Vashon Island and Poverty Bay. Eligible maintenance includes maintenance inspections, riser installation, and pumping. You can receive $200 toward a septic system inspection, $50 toward a riser installation (up to 2 per property), and/or $100 toward septic tank pumping. The rebate program is being administered by the King Conservation District (not part of King County government). For full details, see this page.
First residents moving in at North Seattle Health Through Housing hotel this week
 King County and the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) are welcoming the first residents to a Health Through Housing site, the former Holiday Inn Express in North Seattle. When it reaches capacity, the newly-named Mary Pilgrim Inn will provide housing for nearly 100 people exiting chronic homelessness. The phased opening begins with 15 residents this week, with 65 more scheduled to move in by next week. This is in my Council district. Read the full story here, in which I am quoted.
New $63 million in rental assistance saves 12,000 households from eviction so far this year
King County continues to accelerate rental assistance payments, collaborating with local property owners and community-based partners to distribute $63 million so far this year and $100 million since the beginning of the pandemic providing housing stability to more than 12,000 households through the County’s Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program (EPRAP).
Federal Economic Injury Declaration opens loans for fire-ravaged small businesses in White Center
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) declared an Economic Injury Disaster this week, opening a loan application process for businesses and organizations that suffered “substantial economic injury” from the fire on July 5, 2021 in White Center. King County will support affected businesses and seek out more options for other fire victims. Read the full story here.
First year a success for Sovereignty Farm
 Located near Tukwila, Sovereignty Farm is a new project of the Chief Seattle Club’s Native Works program. The farm launched this year with the goals of providing a space for Native American residents of King County to grow culturally significant foods and employing several members of the Chief Seattle Club as apprentices. Read the full story here to learn about how the farm got started and how it is helping native communities in our area.
Sound Transit extends deadline to November 1 for applications to serve on Community Advisory Groups for West Seattle and Ballard link extensions
Sound Transit has announced it is extending to next Monday, November 1 the application period for serving on a Community Advisory Groups (CAGs) for the West Seattle and Ballard link extensions. If you, or someone you know who is interested in participating in this process, it’s not too late to apply. See this page for full information on requirements and expectations for potential CAG members. The feedback from the CAGs, taken together with all the comments received from the Draft EIS public comment period, will inform the decision of the Sound Transit Board in finalizing a preferred alternative.
People who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color, women, LGBTQ+, immigrant or refugee, low-income, or people with diverse abilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Interest forms are available in Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Somali. Submissions will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 1st.
Reminder – Tuesday at noon: Welcoming Refugees
You are invited to join Jewish Family Services (JFS) and HIAS (formerly Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) for “With Open Arms: Welcoming Refugees.” Join JFS CEO Rabbi Will Berkovitz and President and CEO of HIAS, Mark Hetfield, for a conversation about what must happen to evacuate those still in Afghanistan, and how we can help all refugees and immigrants transition once they arrive. Register here to receive Zoom link. The virtual event will take place next Tuesday, November 2, from noon – 1 p.m.
Save the date: Solving homelessness on November 9 at 11 a.m. with Marc Dones
 No issue ranks higher than homelessness as the most vexing and pressing problem for our region. Marc Dones, first CEO of the new King County Regional Homelessness Authority, is at the center of the effort to unify the interests of Seattle and its suburbs, nonprofits and activists, politicians and people with lived experience of homelessness. We’ll hear how Dones plans take on the challenge and put us on the path to dramatically reduce - and maybe even solve- this wrenching and persistent problem. November 9th at 11 a.m. This is a free event. You can RSVP here.
Reminder: November 15th deadline: Applications for State Dept. of Agriculture Food Assistance program grants
 The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced it is now accepting applications for Flexible Funding grants, a new grant program to support Washington’s diverse hunger relief network. This grant program is funded by $4 million from an appropriation provided by the state Legislature during the 2021 session and the USDA. Applications are open to all food assistance organizations statewide, whether or not they currently contract with WSDA to distribute food. Applications are being accepted now through November 15. You can also view this pdf document for more information.
Ballard Food Bank celebrates grand opening of new facility
 I’ve included news in past e-newsletters about the Ballard Food Bank’s new facility, which just opened its doors for the first time, following a years-long fundraising effort. The new facility at 1400 NW Leary Way is larger, more functional and is most impressive, and will allow the Food Bank to continue serving clients for years to come. It’s a jewel in our community!
DID YOU KNOW?
...that, according to HistoryLink, on this day in 1969, “...barely three months after Apollo 11 carried the first astronauts to land on the moon,” Boeing won a $19.6 million contract to design and build a motorized "moon buggy" to give future astronauts far greater mobility on the lunar surface? Compiled from HistoryLink.org.
Additional helpful and informative links
- U.S. adds mental health conditions as COVID risk factor, expanding booster shot eligibility – The Seattle Times
- Three takeaways from the emergence of the ‘Delta Plus’ coronavirus variant – Stat News
- Cheap antidepressant shows promise treating early COVID-19 - The Seattle Times
- City to open new COVID-19 vaccination clinic in West Seattle - The Seattle Times
- With a 99% staff vaccination rate, SPS sets the standard for school districts in Washington state – The Seattle Medium
- Nearly 90% of Washington’s public school workers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 - The Seattle Times
- FDA panel backs Pfizer’s low-dose COVID-19 vaccine for kids- The Seattle Times
- More than 300,000 kid-sized Pfizer COVID vaccine doses expected in Washington state next week - The Seattle Times
- Exacerbated by pandemic, child care crisis hampers economy – AP News
- Starbucks and Costco raising wages in the nationwide competition for workers – NPR
- Report: More than 1,000 kids have lost a caregiver to COVID-19 in Washington – The Spokesman-Review
- Answers to your questions on the new Washington Cares Fund and the long-term care payroll tax - The Seattle Times
- UW rises to No. 7 in US News’ Best Global Universities ranking – UW News
- Schools debate: Gifted and talented, or racist and elitist? – AP News
- Ballard light rail extension environmental impact statement delayed until early 2022 – MyBallard
Today’s moment of inspiration
A watchful owl in Napa Valley. Credit: K. Schneider / Flickr
It’s always nice to hear a story of common sense winning out over industry lobbyists. According to this story in Reasons to be Cheerful, in the 1980s Napa Valley wineries first noticed a certain “toxic taint” in some wines, attributed to the pesticides used to control the rodent populations.
“In the decades since, Napa Valley’s wineries have been installing nest-like boxes among their grapes, creating cozy homes for the voracious birds of prey...A farmer with 20 owl boxes can expect those owls to catch some 70,000 rodents per year. In January 2021, California enacted a law restricting rodenticides, but industry lobbying created a loophole for agricultural use,” according to the story.
Despite the loophole, the owls are winning. “Today, 80 percent of Napa Valley winemakers control their rodent populations using owls, while only 21 percent use rodenticides,” according to the story.
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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