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:
- 2,341 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 2,151 confirmed cases and 190 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 167,659). These numbers include 987 new cases since last Friday, November 5th, and a 14% decrease in the reported number of daily positive cases in the last seven days, over the prior 7 days.
- 48 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,043 to date). That number includes 9 new deaths since last Friday, November 5th.
- 84 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,569 to date). That number includes 38 new hospitalizations since last Friday, November 5th.
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 eligible King County residents 12 years and older, as of today, 89.2% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 83.5% 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 654,922; the number of probable cases is 87,997, for a total of 742,919 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 8,827
- The total number of hospitalizations is 41,110
The graph below shows the cases in King County.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “We are, after all, the greatest problem solvers to have ever existed on Earth. If working apart, we are a force powerful enough to destabilize our planet. Surely working together, we are powerful enough to save it.” —British broadcaster and documentary maker David Attenborough last week at COP 26 in Scotland.
FAQs on state vaccine mandate
No matter the question, if it is regarding our state’s vaccine mandate, you can probably find the answer on this page.
State Department of Health (DOH) can help with scheduling COVID vaccine appointments
 If you need help scheduling a vaccine appointment, or if you have questions about COVID vaccines, DOH’s COVID Hotline team can help. You can reach them at 1-833-829-4357 (1-833-VAX-HELP) and press #. Language assistance is also available. Hotline hours are Mondays from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Tuesday – Sunday, from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
This Wednesday: UW Medicine Webinar “Let's Talk About COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids”
This Wednesday, November 10th, at noon, join UW Medicine for webinar community conversation that will provide need-to-know info about COVID-19 vaccines for kids, ages 5 to 11. An impressive panel of medical and pediatric experts will take your questions, which you can submit in advance at: https://bit.ly/3ohjSRR. For more information see this page.
County distributing PPE for restaurant employees; next event is November 23
The King County Emergency Management team is working to keep restaurant employees safe. By the end of last month, King County Emergency Management had distributed more than 200,000 pieces of PPE to help 11,289 workers at local restaurants and food service businesses. Examples of PPE include masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and other protective items.
The Emergency Management team has another PPE distribution event for King County restaurants and food service businesses coming up on Tuesday, November 23rd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3417 First Avenue South in Seattle. Registration and RSVP are required, see this page.
Open enrollment is here! Find your best options for health insurance
 Open enrollment has started and runs through January 15th, 2022. See this story in the Public Health Insider blog for details on recent changes in health insurance and how to find the plan that is best suited for you.
According to the article, “Expanded tax credits mean that more people can qualify for a subsidy to reduce the cost of insurance [and] Washington’s Cascade Care is a new category of plans that make it easier to compare plans and avoid hidden costs.”
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 9th at 1 p.m. -- Full County Council: Briefing from Public Health on COVID 19; presentation of Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service Awards for Districts 1, 4, and 9; discussion of ordinance establishing a commercial property assessed clean energy and resiliency financing program; action on a judicial appointment; funding for the Eastrail project; action on appointments to County boards, commissions and task forces; and action on updating home industry regulations to account for changes related to COVID-19 pandemic and other items. District Four’s Medal for Distinguished Service award this year will be presented to Carlye Teel, Executive Director of the Ballard NW Senior Center.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tuesday, November 9th following the 1 p.m. Council meeting -- King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors’ meeting: Action on the district’s 2022 budget, authorizing a property tax levy 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 10th at 3 p.m. -- Regional Policy Committee: Briefing from Superior Court judges on COVID-related court backlog, discussion and possible action on the Health through Housing implementation plan, briefing on Best Starts for Kids levy governance.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Finding and using sandbags to fight flooding
 King County and several local jurisdictions provide sandbag materials to the public free of charge. Property owners are responsible for removing sandbag installations in compliance with their local jurisdiction's regulations. For information on sandbag distribution and detailed information on how to use them, see this page. Sandbag distribution information is also recorded on the King County Flood Warning Information Line: 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263. For more information on flooding and sandbags, see the following links:
- Flood Fighting: How To Use Sandbags (pdf) – King County / Army Corps of Engineers
- King County Flood Services
Applications for County Festivals and Events grant program closes THIS Thursday
Since March 2020, at least 700 events in King County have been cancelled, including music festivals, cultural festivals, community events, parades, fireworks celebrations, heritage events, film, food and craft festivals, agricultural events, and more. Of course, this has impacted not only communities, but the income of vendors and employees.
The King County Festival and Events Grant Program aims to address the needs of event and festival producers seeking to reestablish community activities, events, festivals, and celebrations in a safe environment, while engaging residents and tourists throughout the County and employing event workers and others. The window to apply for assistance ends this Thursday. See the link above for details.
Access Paratransit seeking Advisory Committee members, apply by December 3
 Do you use Access Paratransit? Or are you interested in advising the County on equal access to public transportation for people with disabilities? Then consider joining the Access Paratransit Advisory Committee (APAC). The committee advises King County Metro, the King County Executive, and King County Council on transit issues and policy around equal access to transportation for people with disabilities. Metro’s Access Paratransit program serves people who can’t use our conventional bus system, helping them lead more independent lives. Apply by December 3rd to be considered for the 2022 committee. For more information see this page.
Funding available for transportation projects from Puget Sound Regional Council
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is seeking applications for project funding for both the Transportation Alternatives Program (due December 3rd) and the Rural Town Centers and Corridors program (due December 13th). About $13.5 million is available for community-based transportation improvements, such as bicycle/pedestrian facilities, historic preservation of transportation assets, or environmental mitigation. Over $5 million is available to recognize and support the needs of the region’s rural areas.
Moving anti-racism front and center in child welfare: November 19th
There are few places in which state authority is demonstrated more clearly than through its ability to remove children from their caregivers if there is suspicion of violence, abuse, or neglect. Highly unfortunately, the child welfare system demonstrates persistent disproportional racial representation and racial disparities in desired outcomes, such as reunification and adoption.
Join the UW’s Evans School’s Fall 2021 Dean’s Forum on Race & Public Policy and the UW School of Social Work for a discussion focusing on the historical legacy of racism within the child welfare system and initiatives that both de-center children’s removal from their homes and support family-strengthening activities in explicitly anti-racist ways. The discussion will take place on Zoom on November 19 from noon – 1:30 p.m. Early registration is encouraged as attendance is limited. Register on this page. Registrants will receive the Zoom link via email prior to the forum.
This Wednesday: Workshop on sports and social change for youth ages 13 - 18
Seattle Against Slavery is hosting a virtual workshop for young people between the ages of 13 to 18 this Wednesday, November 10, from 4 – 5 p.m. Entitled “In Our Court: The Power of Sports for Social Change,” the event is a discussion on sports in our communities and its power and influence on social change. Join Seattle Against Slavery to learn a new perspective on the sports that often hold a lot of space in our lives. For more information see the above link.
KCD partners with King County Housing Authority to restore streams
 The King Conservation District (KCD -- not part of King County government) has been working with King County Housing Authority on habitat restoration on two KCHA properties in Kirkland, Casa Juanita and Juanita Court, which provide subsidized housing for families, seniors, and disabled persons. Through this partnership, KCHA residents will see firsthand the progression of streamside habitat restoration projects -- from the removal of invasive species to the installation of native species. Together, the two projects will add 1,380 native plants to the Juanita Creek corridor and further connect KCD habitat restoration projects along Juanita Creek.
State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) seeking candidates to serve on Commission
The Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) is currently accepting applications for candidates to serve the diverse ANHPI constituency of Washington State. The Commission’s role is to advise the Governor, state legislature, and state agencies on services, programming, and changes to law. Together with staff, Commissioners work in partnership with communities and state leaders to respond to public concerns and bring about positive, long-term solutions to issues impacting ANHPI communities. Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 19th to be considered. Visit https://capaa.wa.gov/about/serve-on-the-commission/ for information on CAPAA and how to apply.
Is democracy dead? UW panel discussion on November 16th
 Join the UW for its Autumn Faculty Panel on the future of democracy, featuring faculty political theorists Noga Rotem, Jack Turner, and Jamie Mayerfeld. The panel will look at how democracy will fare in the face of multiple threats, old and new. The online event will be held on November 16th, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. For more information and to register see this page.
A visit to Waterfront Park
 On the waterfront with Maggie Walker Board Chair and Thatcher Bailey, Interim Executive Director, Friends of Waterfront Seattle. Also with us was Ryan Smith, Board member for Alliance for Pioneer Square.
On Friday, I visited part of the waterfront, including the new Waterfront Park on Pier 62, with representatives from Friends of Waterfront Seattle. I found it very exciting to envision the possibilities of what’s coming as our tourism and travel sectors pick back up. The waterfront is a jewel in Seattle and I think it’s going to be very important for our economic recovery going forward.
You may be interested in this presentation, created by consultants for Friends of Waterfront Seattle.
 Rendering : Pier58-PLAYGROUND AERIAL 2-CREDIT:Image by James Corner Field Operations courtesy of the City of Seattle
Happenings in District 4
- Belltown Art Walk – This Friday, November 12. View the map and choose your own path. The art walk locations are generally open from 6 — 9 p.m. every second Friday of each month. Please check venues ahead of time — a few of them are 21+.
– North Seattle Sock Drive! The North Precinct Advisory Council (NPAC) of the Seattle Police Department is collecting new socks, hats and gloves at several north end locations to distribute to those in need throughout our city. View the full list of drop-off locations here.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that, on this day in 1910, some Washington state women won the right to vote? According to HistoryLink, “On November 8, 1910, Washington state's male electorate ratifie[d] Amendment 6 to the state constitution granting women the right to vote. Breaking a 14-year gridlock in the national woman suffrage crusade, the state [became] the fifth in the nation to enfranchise women.” The 19th amendment to the U.S. constitution, which enfranchised many women in the U.S., was finally ratified and adopted nearly ten years later.
Additional helpful and informative links
- How a vaccine mandate divided a rural Washington hospital’s staff – The Seattle Times
- Not all COVID waves look the same. Here’s a snapshot of the Delta surge – Stat News
- Winter is coming, again: What to expect from COVID-19 as the season looms – Stat News
- Feds urge schools to provide COVID-19 shots, info for kids – AP News
- Seattle Public Schools opens 54 student COVID vaccine clinics - MyNorthwest
- Demand for vaccines for kids skyrocket after approval, doctors urge patience – KIMA TV/ KOMO News
- The U.S. is reopening. Here’s what travelers need to know about testing, boosters and more. - The Seattle Times
- How does a pandemic start winding down? You are looking at it. - The Washington Post
- Analysis: Country by country, scientists eye beginning of an end to the COVID-19 pandemic – Reuters
- As rules ease, travelers head to U.S. for emotional reunions – AP News
- Opinion: Make COVID-19 testing an empowering choice rather than a draconian punishment – Stat News
- COMIC: If history is a guide, schools will start requiring COVID vaccines – NPR
- Dia de muertos artwork at Seattle Center honors loved ones who died from COVID - The Seattle Times
- UW Medicine director: Flu strain ‘could be going extinct’ thanks to pandemic precautions – My Northwest
- ‘Public health emergency’: King County on track to set new record for deadly drug and alcohol overdoses in 2021 - The Seattle Times
- Federal infrastructure package is an $8.6 billion ‘game changer’ for Washington state - The Seattle Times
- What it’s like to work on the front lines of mental health emergencies in the Seattle area - The Seattle Times
- Seattle rainy season brings on seasonal affective disorder. Here’s the deal with SAD - The Seattle Times
- Here’s what the 2020 Census tells us about King County’s homeless population - The Seattle Times
- City, County officials want to keep Seattle’s hotel-based shelters open next year. providers aren’t so sure. – Publicola
- Glasgow climate negotiators seek to resolve four key challenges – AP News
- After drinking water crisis, Newark is winning war on lead – AP News
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Screenshot from CNN
According to this story from CNN, Jenifer Colpas co-founded the non-profit Tierra Grata in 2015. Tierra Grata provides access to clean water, solar-powered lights and electricity, eco-toilets and showers for remote rural communities throughout Colombia. The Tierra Grata team currently serves 35 communities and has helped improve the quality of life for more than 10,000 people.
According to the CNN story, “Over 50 years of war have made Colombia the country with the highest internal-displaced population in the world. These rural communities were taken over by the FARC and other paramilitary groups. Because of all the years that those communities were in a conflict zone, they were totally forgotten...They are the hardest to reach and less likely to have access to any basic service. These areas are so remote that there are no roads to get there.”
These rural communities are where Colpas and Tierra Grata decided to focus their efforts. Read more here about the groups’ work, and find out why they decided it was important to put local women in leadership positions to assist with the projects.
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I am now sending out on Mondays and Thursdays (though NOT on this Thursday, Veteran's Day). 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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