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:
- 2,595 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 2,416 confirmed cases and 179 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 165,184). These numbers include 965 new cases since last Friday, October 29th, and an 8% decrease in the reported number of daily positive cases in the last seven days, over the prior 7 days.
- 51 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,012 to date). That number includes 5 new deaths since October 29th.
- 93 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,471 to date). That number includes 44 new hospitalizations since October 29th.
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, 88.4% of King County residents 12 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 82.9% 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 today:
-The number of confirmed positive cases is 644,254; the number of probable cases is 85,854, for a total of 730,108 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 8,659
- The total number of hospitalizations is 40,401
The graph below shows the cases in King County.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “Our addiction to fossil fuels is pushing humanity to the brink. We face a stark choice: Either we stop it — or it stops us. It’s time to say: enough. ... Enough of treating nature like a toilet. Enough of burning and drilling and mining our way deeper. We are digging our own graves." — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, yesterday, October 31, 2021
Options for verifying your vaccination status
 As you may know, King County’s vaccine verification policy went into effect last week on October 25th. Customers are now required to verify full vaccination status or a negative test to participate in outdoor public events of 500 or more people and to enter indoor businesses such as gyms, restaurants, and bars, as well as taking part in indoor events such live music or the performing arts. There are a few different ways to prove your vaccination status:
- A CDC vaccine card or photo of your vaccine card.
- Documented proof of vaccination from medical record or vaccine provider.
- Proof of vaccination from another state or county.
- Printed certificate or digital record from MyIRMobile.com or other apps.
- NOTE: Documentation of medical or religious exemptions not accepted.
In addition, the state Department of Health (DOH) is launching WA Verify in preparation for November 15th, when the state (in addition to King County) will require proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test at all large indoor and outdoor venues. For more information, see the following:
- King County vaccine verification webpage
- Toolkit for businesses to help with verifying customers’ vaccination status.
- Dining out? Be vaccinated or show a negative COVID test in King County – NW Asian Weekly
Public Health answers your questions about COVID vaccines for children
See this article from Public Health, answering questions it has received about the vaccine from kids and families in their own words.
New insight into COVID-19 outbreaks at Washington state schools
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has released the latest report on COVID-19 outbreaks in K-12 schools across the state, which covers the start of the 2021/2022 school year. The report includes data on both public and private schools that experienced a COVID-19 outbreak between August 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021. Among the notable data in the report: 189 COVID-19 outbreaks occurred in K-12 schools in this time period. Of those, 42 occurred in August and 147 occurred during September. Read the full story here.
New data dashboard on COVID-19 among youth provides clues for the trajectory ahead
 A new data dashboard provides information on youth cases, hospitalizations, and vaccination rates in King County. The data will help Public Health track the impact of COVID-19 on children and youth vaccination rates by geography, race, and ethnicity over time. Read the full story here.
Calling a Pandemic Ceasefire: Vaccinating in Conflict Zones
 If you missed the live-stream of this Forum from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health last week, key clips from the discussion are available online. The Forum focused on the obstacles and challenges of distributing COVID-19 vaccines to people living in conflict zones.
Tomorrow’s general election: Important links
 As I hope you’re aware, tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2nd is Election Day! Ballots must be in drop boxes by 8 p.m. sharp tomorrow (or postmarked by tomorrow). You can still register to vote, update your registration or signature, receive a replacement ballot, or use an assistive device at one of King County’s six Vote Center locations or at 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.
To view the election results as they are made available, see this page. King County Elections will begin posting election results tomorrow evening at 8:15 p.m. State election results can be viewed here. You may also be interested in this article from The Seattle Times: King County voting centers help you register, replace lost ballots and vote the old-fashioned way.
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2nd at 9:30 a.m. – Law, Justice, Health and Human Services Committee: Briefing on alternatives to policing and discussion and possible action on providing court services in unincorporated King County, reporting on housing-related investments, approval of Zero Youth Detention plans, and efforts to combat human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children (my legislation).
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2nd at 1 p.m. –Full County Council: Recognition of 50th anniversary of the citizen’s initiative to save Pike Place Market; action on several budget-related items, including Best Starts for Kids and WaterWorks grants; action on an ordinance to allow the public to access County GIS services, and other items.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday, November 3rd at 9:30 a.m. – Committee of the Whole: Briefings on County’s COVID response and on Health through Housing; Discussion and possible action on a judicial appointment and other items.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Update on capital improvements at the West Point Treatment Plant
 The County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks has provided an update on capital projects at the West Point plant. The projects focus on improving system (and power) reliability, protecting worker and public safety and the environment, and increasing efficiency. For a detailed look at the capital projects planned – and already in progress – at West Point, see this article.
The latest on rental assistance
As I mentioned in last Thursday’s e-newsletter, the County has distributed $63 million so far this year and $100 million since the beginning of the pandemic in rental assistance to help those at risk of eviction through the County’s Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program (EPRAP). The statewide moratorium on evictions is set to expire this coming Sunday, November 7th, although the City of Seattle has extended its moratorium on evictions through January 15, 2022. You may also be interested in the following:
- King County speeds up rental assistance, but with thousands in need some worry it still won’t be enough – The Seattle Times
- Gov. Inslee to let Washington state eviction limits expire Sunday - The Seattle Times
The 60th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1961 visit to Seattle
 On November 8, 1961, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968), the great civil rights leader, came to Seattle for his only visit. He was invited by the Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, then a young pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Seattle's Central District, who had been a classmate of Dr. King's at Morehouse College.
This November 6th – 8th, join the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) and community partners in commemorating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1961 visit. With keynote remarks by Dr. King’s eldest son, Martin Luther King, III, this community celebration will feature engaging and educational activities for youth and families that honor Dr. King's commitment to service, leadership, and legacy. NAAM is offering both in-person and online opportunities for attendance.
Happenings in District 4
- A naturalist’s virtual tour of Queen Anne, including the origin of hidden springs, odd curves and other features. Join author David B. Williams on November 11th at 6 p.m. to learn the geologic history of one of the oldest parts of the city. Register here for this free and public on-line event, sponsored by the Queen Anne Historical Society.
- Leary Way NW lane reductions start next week – My Ballard
- Community council gets win in fight over Magnolia viewpoint – Queen Anne and Magnolia News
- Plymouth Housing has announced the opening of Kristin Benson Place, located at 2nd & Mercer, which will house 91 formerly homeless individuals. The studio apartments are in a building that is staffed 24-hours a day and offers an array of vital supportive services. View a video of the new facility here.
- Fremont neighborhood First Friday Art Walk, this Friday, November 5th.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that, on this day in 1956, Dr. Walter Brattain (originally of Tonasket, Washington) was named as co-winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics for inventing the transistor? Bell Labs introduced the transistor into commercial use in 1953 and the device revolutionized electronics by replacing the vacuum tube with a smaller, cheaper, and more reliable means of amplifying electric signals. Compiled from HistoryLink.
Additional helpful and informative links
- COVID infection, hospitalization rates in Washington state begin to plateau — at levels that are too high, hospital leaders say – The Seattle Times
- Nearly 5 million people worldwide have died of COVID since the pandemic’s start – The Seattle Times
- COVID vaccines were rolled out 10 months ago in Washington state. Where do we stand now? - The Seattle Times
- FDA authorizes Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 – Stat News
- Global health experts weigh-in on putting the pandemic behind us – The Seattle Weekly
- U.S. prisons face staff shortages as officers quit amid COVID – The Seattle Times
- Public health officials declare victory against hepatitis A in Washington after successful vaccine push - The Seattle Times
- Washington’s mental health system is broken. Join us for a conversation about how to fix it - The Seattle Times
- Stressed out in Seattle: We’re the most anxious major metro in the U.S., new census data shows - The Seattle Times
- Watch five Washington residents tell stories about homelessness in their own words - The Seattle Times
- Leaders dial up doomsday warning to kick-start climate talks – AP News
- Women of color growing force as mom influencers – AP News
- Why many police traffic stops turn deadly – The New York Times
- Foss Maritime closes Seattle shipyard that employed 115 - The Seattle Times
- City launches $16 million Seattle Relief Fund: Who qualifies, and how to apply – Seattle P-I
- Rick Steves on the return of travel and why it matters – The New York Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Before: Pillicawarrina Bridge; Macquarie Marshes Environmental Landholders Association/Facebook/The Good News Network
This is a good time for a positive, hopeful story about environmental recovery. In 2019, drought, dust storms and fires choked off the Macquarie River and the Macquarie marshes in Australia. The marshes are considered wetlands of “international importance.”
Today, just two years later, according to this article on The Good News Network, “...the river is back to lazily meandering through the internationally protected Macquarie Marshes, and the reservoir behind the dam is more than 100% full... The 2021 waterbird survey by the University of New South Wales in Sydney found that most of the bird life was returning, including magpie geese, green teal, straw-necked ibis, intermediate egret, rufous night heron, royal spoonbill, and other ducks and waterfowl.” Read the full story here.
 After: Photo by Cameron Muir, CC license
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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