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:
- 2,007 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 1,821 confirmed cases and 186 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 165,184). These numbers include 359 new cases since yesterday, November 17th, and a 16% decrease in the reported number of daily positive cases in the last seven days (2,007), over the prior 7 days (2,390).
- 27 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,065 to date). That number includes 1 new death since yesterday, November 17th.
- 92 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,688 to date). That number includes 13 new hospitalizations since yesterday, November 17th.
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, 89.8% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 84.0% have received both doses. Among residents 5 years and older, as of today, 83.7% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 76.8% 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 today:
-The number of confirmed positive cases is 669,378; the number of probable cases is 91,104, for a total of 760,482 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 9,086
- The total number of hospitalizations is 42,055
The graph below shows the cases in King County.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “We differ, blind and seeing, one from another, not in our senses, but in the use we make of them, in the imagination and courage with which we seek wisdom beyond the senses.” – Helen Keller, 1910
Holiday travel tips from Public Health – travel guidelines, testing after travel, testing options
Wondering if you need to get tested before traveling for the holidays? And what about when you return home? Wondering whether it is safe to travel, and how to stay safe once arriving at your destination? Public Health has answersto your questions about holiday gatherings and how to travel safely.
Kids’ vaccines, kids and long COVID, Pfizer’s children’s vaccine
 - Q&A on kids’ COVID vaccines from Public Health’s “Ask Miss Rona.” Ask Miss Rona is a Q&A series started on Public Health’s Instagram to respond to community questions related to different topic areas of COVID-19. Questions come in from the public and are answered by subject matter experts at Public Health.
- You may also be interested in this video, “Can kids get long COVID?” from “Greater Than COVID,” an organization led by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Dr. Rhea Boyd talks about long COVID and protecting your child from the effects of COVID by getting vaccinated.
- Also, see this article from the state’s Department of Health (DOH): Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for kids ages 5 and older: What your family needs to know.
- And, see this article from today’s The Seattle Times: Seattle School Board urges Washington state Department of Health to make COVID vaccines mandatory for students.
This afternoon’s press conference with Gov. Inslee, Secretary of Health Shah
The Governor held a press conference this afternoon, at which he announced he will not impose mandates in addition to those in effect at the federal level. You can view the full press conference with Gov. Inslee and the state’s Secretary of Health, Dr. Umair Shah, here on TVW. Also, see this article from The Seattle Times: Gov. Jay Inslee says he won’t add stricter regulations to Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine mandate.
Over 60,000 Washington state children from 5 – 11 years old have received first vaccine dose
 According to the DOH’s twitter page, more than 60,000 children between the ages 5 and 11 have received their first dose of Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine. This information will soon be added to DOH’s data dashboard website.
Decline in pediatric flu vaccinations concerns state Department of Health (DOH)
According to the DOH, pediatric flu vaccinations are down about 25% from this time last year, compared to the previous two flu seasons. Now, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging families to get themselves and their children vaccinated as soon as possible to keep people safe and out of the hospital, especially as we head into the holiday season. Since last year’s flu activity was very low, DOH expects fewer people to have natural immunity this year due to a lack of exposure, especially in younger age groups. Read the full story here.
County districting committee update
Tonight at 7 p.m. is the last meeting of the County Districting Committee before it releases its final draft map for public review. It is a public meeting so there will be public comment opportunity provided at the beginning of the meeting. One map under consideration would remove Belltown from District 4, my district. The final draft map will be posted on the Committee’s website on Tuesday, November 23 by 2:00 p.m., and will be followed by a special meeting from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 30 at 2:00 p.m. will be the final public hearing/town hall meeting on the proposed map. Information on how to join the November 30th online meeting will be posted soon.
At today’s Board of Health meeting...
Members approved and adopted a resolution on the 2021 plan update for the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County and approved an R&R (rule and resolution) suspending the King County Secure Medicine Return program in accordance with the transition of the program to under the authority of the Washington State Department of Health Drug Take-Back Program. Members were also briefed on Public Health’s state legislative priorities for the next legislative session. Consideration of the repeal of the Bicycle Helmet law has been delayed until the Board’s January 2022 meeting.
Human Trafficking Prevention initiative approved by King County Council
Legislation reaffirming King County Council’s commitment to combatting human trafficking passed unanimously Tuesday. I sponsored the bill, along with my colleague, Councilmember Reagan Dunn. The legislation requests that the King County Executive support and take part in the upcoming statewide public awareness campaign to prevent human trafficking.
As the most populous county in Washington, it’s crucial that King County continue finding new and creative ways to combat trafficking and make the region a safer place for all to live and work. I appreciate Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) for coordinating this campaign, the Executive’s expressed support for implementing it, and my colleagues for joining Councilmember Dunn and me as we continue this work. You may be interested in this article from The Seattle Medium: Human trafficking prevention effort passed by King County Council.
King County and Port of Seattle to study waste-to-fuel feasibility
King County and the Port of Seattle recently agreed to jointly study the potential for converting municipal solid waste into renewable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Each government allocated up to $250,000 to pursue the technological and economic analysis by early 2023.
This study has the potential to transform the way we approach sustainable travel moving forward. I appreciate Port Commission President Fred Felleman working with Councilmember Rod Dembowski and me on this project and am looking forward to seeing what the report finds. For more details, see this press release.
King County launches new grant program: Open Space - River Corridors
 Funded by the 2020-2025 King County Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Levy, the County anticipates awarding $8.5 million for habitat restoration, open space acquisition, flood hazard reduction, and recreational opportunities over the next year. Grants applications will be accepted starting November 30 and will be due on January 31, 2022 by 5 p.m.
Eligible entities include cities and towns in King County; Metropolitan Parks Districts located in King County; Tribes or Tribal organizations County residents; Conservation, Diking, Flood Control, and Port districts; and salmon recovery forums and non-profit organizations. Learn more about this new program by visiting the Parks Grants webpage and viewing the Program Summary and FAQs under the Open Space - River Corridors section.
Developmental Disabilities Forum video available in four languages
If you missed the recent Developmental Disabilities Forum held by the County’s Department of Community and Human Services department (DCHS), it’s not too late. The forum video is now available on DCHS’s youtube channel. It was recorded in the four languages in which it was presented—Cantonese, English, Somali, and Spanish.
Wastewater education team wins award for inclusive youth employment
 Students in the Clean Water Ambassador teen intern program
King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) was presented with the Youth Employer of the Year Award from the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE) on October 26th. This award recognizes employers who make efforts toward inclusion of people with disabilities in employment and was presented to WTD’s Clean Water Ambassador teen intern program.
This year, the program partnered with the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind (DSB). Two youth from DSB’s Remote Internship Program for blind and visually impaired (BVI) teens joined the internship program, along with their job coach. Washington DSB staff continued to serve as a resource throughout the program. For more details, read the full story here.
Get ready for winter! Metro’s got tools for cold, wet, and windy weather
 It’s good to be prepared and, when it comes to taking transit in challenging weather, Metro has the tools to help. Visit MetroWinter.com for information on how to travel during snow and other difficult weather. Whether you’re taking bus, Access paratransit, the Water Taxi, or utilizing on-demand services, Metro has answers to your questions. For more information, see this article from the Metro Matters blog.
You may also be interested in this article from Mass Transit Magazine: King County Metro releases report outlining real-world examples of how to improve bus service.
Report on affordable housing progress in 2020
 Photo credit: King County Housing Authority / William Wright Photography
The King County Affordable Housing Committee (AHC) 2020 annual report was released recently, providing a snapshot of regional progress made last year to advance housing affordability. The AHC is an advisory body of 19 elected, nonprofit, and business leaders committed to the goal of eliminating housing cost burden for low-income households in King County. You may be interested in viewing the County’s Regional Affordable Housing Dashboard, a project of the AHC. For more information see this story.
A visit to Groundswell Northwest
 I recently met up with some board members with Groundswell NW, a local group dedicated to advocating for urban green spaces and empowering local groups and residents to expand green space through mentorship, microgrants, and more. I was delighted to meet with them in the gorgeous Salmon Bay Park in Ballard that has some absolutely gigantic and beautiful trees! I'd been able to obtain state funding for the organization a few times while I served in the State Senate and was pleased to now have secured $1,500 in county funds for them to continue their important work. Thank you to Sylvia Koodrich, Katie Roberts, Dennis Galvin, Dawn Hemminger and Dave Boyd for meeting up with me and for serving District Four!
Queen Anne Helpline hosting food drive to replenish supplies
 The Queen Anne Helpline is seeking donations of warm clothing for men, pants in smaller men’s sizes and winter coats for adults. It also needs pre-packed grocery donations - - for the list of items to include see this article in the Queen Anne and Magnolia News.
Queen Anne Helpline accepts bags from noon to 3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at its loading dock, 311 W. McGraw St. People should not leave items at other times or overnight. To confirm a drop off, email lbarnes@queenannehelpline.org, or call 206-282-1540.
Happenings in D4 this weekend
- United Indians Native Art Market returning: After a two-year pause, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation is reopening its biannual Native Art Markets at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way in Discovery Park. The markets will take place from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., November 20th and 21st, and from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. December 18th and 19th. Admission is free and United Indians is following all recommended Covid standards to keep all guests safe, requiring proof of vaccines or of negative tests for all vendors and attendees. For details, see this page.
- Magnolia Harvest Market: This Saturday, November 20th, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 33rd Ave. West and West McGraw Street.
- Queen Anne Harvest Market: This Saturday, November 20th, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at West Crockett St. and Queen Anne Ave.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that, on this day in 1961, the Seattle Public Library Board voted to close six branch libraries evenings because of "rowdyism" by teens? According to HistoryLink, “The action [was] triggered by an incident at the Greenwood Branch in which approximately 200 youths jammed the library following rumors of a gang fight. Public outcry forced the board to reverse its decision two weeks later.”
Additional helpful and informative links
- Roughly 3,000 hospital workers lost jobs over Washington’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate – KING 5 News
- More people over 65 are going to emergency rooms as COVID-19 cases increase, CDC says – The Washington Post
- Cases surge in new COVID hot spots of Michigan, Minnesota – The AP/ The Seattle Times
- Opinion: COVID cases are surging in Europe. America is in denial about what lies in store for it – The Guardian
- CDC adds more European destinations to its level 4 travel list – The Washington Post / The Seattle Times
- Pfizer, U.S. ink $5.29B deal for possible COVID-19 treatment – AP News
- US offering investment to boost COVID-19 vaccine capacity – AP News
- Free Seattle webinar provides de-escalation training for businesses enforcing proof of vaccination - KING 5 News
- Opinion: Vaccine mandates should cover the incarcerated, too, not just prison guards and workers – Stat News
- Cash incentives, ethics, and COVID-19 vaccination – Science Magazine
- Boosters for all adults in U.S. closer with panel meeting set – The AP/The Seattle Times
- Inslee picks advisory board for Washington’s new police accountability office – The Seattle Times
- In a first, court will decide new WA redistricting plan as commission falters – Crosscut
- Despite missing deadline, commission did draw a map for Washington's congressional districts - KUOW
- NEW MAPS: Who’ll be joining us in King County Council District 8? – West Seattle Blog
- Human trafficking prevention effort passed by King County Council – The B-Town Blog
- King County crisis responders struggle with backlogs – Crosscut
- Dunn proposes ‘Re-Fund The Police’ budget package – The Seattle Medium
- More than 50 cases faced sentencing in King County last week – My Northwest
- Seattle’s divide on public safety is fueling a fight over next year’s police budget – South Seattle Emerald
- Heavy rains bring flooding and mudslides to the Pacific Northwest and Canada – KUOW
- How Americans’ appetite for leather in luxury SUVs worsens amazon deforestation – The New York Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Skye Neville with the plastic toys she’s fighting against. Credit: Hannah Neville
This story from Reasons to be Cheerful focuses on solutions to cutting waste, and includes an inspiring 11 year-old, as well as a common sense, easy to implement solution to get rid of unwanted junk mail.
Skye Neville, an 11 year old in Wales, is a comic book fan, but is not at all a fan of plastic. After receiving a comic book by mail that was double-wrapped in plastic and included a free plastic toy, she wrote to the publisher.
According to the article, “When the publisher tried to brush her off with the response that kids love free plastic toys, she started an online petition that garnered more than 65,000 signatures. Waitrose, one of the U.K.’s largest supermarket chains, stopped carrying the magazine as a result. Even the Welsh parliament took up her request and is now considering a ban on plastic wrappings and gifts.”
Another innovative solution comes from the City of Amsterdam, which in 2018 decided to get a handle on its junk-mail problem by requiring people to opt-in to receive junk mail (several countries have an opt-out system in place, which does not appear to be effective). “Instead of opting out of each individual mailer as you have to in the U.S., Holland reversed the system. In order to receive junk mail, you need to put a “Ja-Ja”-sticker on your mailbox that declares that you want it...As a result, Amsterdam is saving 6,000 tons of paper and 700 trash runs per year.” Read the full story here.
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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