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:
- 2,030 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 1,899 confirmed cases and 131 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 176,124). These numbers include 455 new cases since yesterday, Wednesday, December 8th.
- 33 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,120 to date). That number includes 4 new deaths since yesterday, Wednesday, December 8th.
- 53 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,866 to date). That number includes -1 new hospitalizations since yesterday, Wednesday, December 8th (data adjustment).
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, 91.2% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 85.1% have received both doses. Among residents 5 years and older, as of today, 86.7% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 79.6% 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 693,335; the number of probable cases is 95,542, for a total of 788,877 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 9,535
- The total number of hospitalizations is 43,599
The graph below shows the cases in King County.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.” – Alice Walker, 2004
Update on King County Omicron case from Public Health
 Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) released this update yesterday: “Based on our investigation, we’re able to share more information about the case of Omicron identified in King County, announced on 12/4/21. The patient has experienced mild illness and has not required hospitalization. There is no evidence of widespread exposure from this case. The patient has not reported any recent travel, suggesting the Omicron variant has been spreading locally.” The patient is in her twenties and had been fully vaccinated and had received a booster. Read more here on the Public Health Insider blog.
Other news on the Omicron variant
- A first, small study suggests Omicron is a larger threat to COVID-19 immunity than other variants – Stat News
- Vaccine makers racing to update COVID shots, just in case – AP News
- King County COVID-19 patient infected with omicron variant has ‘mild illness’, had not traveled – The Seattle Times
- CDC zeroes in on anime convention to understand omicron variant – NBC News
- Beyond Omicron: what’s next for COVID’s viral evolution – Nature Magazine
More children and teenagers struggling with mental health: State DOH and U.S. Surgeon General
 The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has released new data from its behavioral health group that indicate more young people are seeking medical help in instances of emotional distress.
Based on early data gathered by DOH, the number of youth ages 5 - 17 seeking emergency medical help for suicidal ideation, suspected suicide attempts, psychological distress, and suspected overdoses has increased over the last several months.
According to the DOH, “State health officials are asking families, educators, mentors, and youth advocates to know the warning signs that signal when a child or teen is in crisis, and to talk with a healthcare or primary care provider for behavioral health support resources. This guidance comes at the heels of a public advisory and 53-page report from the U.S. Surgeon General on the importance of protecting youth mental health, and the “devastating” mental health impacts as a result of the pandemic. Read the full story here. You may also be interested in the following:
- For kids grappling with the pandemic's traumas, art classes can be an oasis – NPR
- Community support and well-being: Tools and resources to support your emotional health – King County webpage
- Tips for supporting youth mental health – Public Health Insider blog
Reminder: Sign up for WA Notify, find out if you’ve been exposed to COVID
Washington Exposure Notifications (also known as WA Notify) is a tool that works through smartphones, without sharing any personal information, to alert users if they may have been exposed to COVID-19. It is completely private, and doesn’t know or track who you are or where you go. Sign up here: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/WANotify
Massive Health through Housing measure approved by County Council
 The purchase of this hotel on Aurora Avenue North near 141st street was funded through the Health through Housing program.
The King County Council on Tuesday passed an implementation plan for King County’s Health through Housing program, which aims to house up to 1,600 people experiencing chronic homelessness. Health through Housing is a regional approach to homelessness that will purchase facilities with single-occupancy units (such as hotels and nursing homes) and turn them into emergency supportive housing and permanent supportive housing. It is funded with a 0.1% sales tax passed by the Council in 2020 as authorized by the Legislature.
In 2021, Health through Housing expenditures went to purchase nine properties in Seattle, Renton, Redmond, Auburn, and Federal Way. Three of the properties are in District 4. King County anticipates acquiring three additional locations. Read the full story here including a quote of mine.
Groundbreaking Metro Transit updates passed unanimously Tuesday by County Council
 The King County Council on Tuesday centered equity as a key factor in how we plan and prioritize future transit investments. I’m pleased to have voted in favor of this package. This is an important step that will allow more people to access transit and allow us to grow our system responsibly utilizing a solid framework. Click here to learn more about the new changes. You may also be interested in the following:
- Equity and sustainability central to Metro’s newly adopted policies – Metro Matters blog
- 'Groundbreaking day' as King County Council approves future transit plans – KING 5 News
County Districting Committee adopts final County Council district map
Yesterday the County’s Districting Committee adopted the amended draft districting map that was made public last week. The final County Council district maps as adopted can be found on this page.
Behavioral Health Forum update
 On Tuesday evening, I took part in the King County Behavioral Health Forum, which was, as always, interesting and informative. I shared with participants important updates about the Health Through Housing Implementation Plan (which we had approved earlier that day) and many of the investments in mental and behavioral health that we’ve made in the last several budgets, including restoring funding for grants in our MIDD program (Mental Health and Drug Dependencies). To see more information about the event, check out the website here.
Don’t flush trash - - even when labeled “flushable!”
 Flushing personal care products -- including wipes labeled "flushable" -- down the toilet can lead to backups in your home and problems at the County wastewater treatment facilities. Flush only toilet paper and protect your home, the sewer system, and the environment. For more information see this fun video about what not to flush, or learn more at this webpage from the wastewater treatment division.
Working together to increase Safer Healthy Homes practices among King County immigrant and refugee families
 The County’s Hazardous Waste Management Program works toward a healthy Puget Sound region free from hazardous chemical exposure, and in partnership with local organizations. In this article spotlighting partner organizations, the Haz Waste program is highlighting the work of Mother Africa, a community-based organization that works to advance racial equity by supporting African and Middle East refugee and immigrant women and families to reach their highest potential through innovative, community-led approaches. Last year, Mother Africa and the Haz Waste Program worked to raise awareness about safe use and disposal of household hazardous materials. Read the full story here.
A visit to Sound Foundations NW’s Tiny House “Hope Factory”
 A few weeks ago, I stopped by Sound Foundations NW's Hope Factory, where volunteers, (including from Rotary organizations), assist in building tiny homes that are then used by LIHI-operated tiny home villages (Low Income Housing Alliance). The operation is very impressive--they have a construction process that is easy and accessible for volunteers whether they have years of building experience or have never held a hammer before. Each tiny home is built with its own unique name, a strong ventilation system, and a community of people that want to make transitional housing available for folks experiencing homelessness. Barb Oliver, the Director of Operations and Volunteer Coordinator, did an incredible job showing me around. Thank you for all of the work you do!
Events in District 4 this weekend
 - Trollstice: Saturday, December. 11th from 12 – 5 p.m. Take a stroll to Seattle’s newest winter market underneath the Fremont Bridge for a festive holiday bazaar this Saturday. Over 65 makers, vintage and purveyors for all your holiday shopping this December. DJ, Food Trucks and more. Learn more here.
- Holiday Market, sponsored by “For North Seattle”: this Saturday, December 11th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Oaktree Village shopping center. Featuring handmade and local gifts. The first 100 guests will receive a free tote bag and gift card to Pilgrim Coffeehouse. More information here.
- REMINDER: The Belltown Art Walk Night Market is tomorrow evening, Friday December 10th from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Belltown Night Market is a FREE, all-ages group show featuring 15 Seattle-based Black artists and creatives. (This venue is one of the locations on Belltown Art Walk map. Find the other locations here.)
DID YOU KNOW?
...that on today’s date in 1851 the first shipment of exported goods (logs, of course) left King County, bound for San Francisco? Many of the male settlers at Alki (then named “New York”) who cut down and loaded the lumber on the ship Leonesa had familiar last names, such as Denny, Boren, Terry and Bell. Compiled from HistoryLink.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Live: Coronavirus daily news updates, December 9: What to know today about COVID-19 in the Seattle area, Washington state and the world – The Seattle Times
- FDA expands Pfizer COVID booster, opens extra dose to age 16 – AP News
- The coronavirus attacks fat tissue, scientists find – The New York Times
- Opinion: Vaccine equity is essential. Vaccine makers need to drop barriers to reaching refugees and other displaced people – Stat News
- How will the world decide when the pandemic is over? – AP News
- See how many people received an additional COVID vaccine dose in each Washington state county – The Seattle Times
- King County appeals $7M jury award to former public defender stalked by ex-client -- The Seattle Times
- Two large North Seattle homeless encampments are being removed this week -- The Seattle Times
- Inslee letter to FEMA requests swift consideration for flood aid – Governor’s office press release
- How Cascadia can fight climate change in 2022 — and get back on track -- Crosscut/Investigate West
- The UW works on “The Boys in the Boat” film adaption – UW News
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Though Umuganda is a national phenomenon, the mobilization of it takes place at the community level. Credit: Paul Kagame Press
I found this story fascinating. I’ve mentioned before that in my view, there has been a silver lining to this pandemic – and that is the fact people have newly recognized the importance of community, the satisfaction of helping neighbors and the difference that one person or one neighborhood can make.
This story illustrates how working together as a community not only goes back centuries, it has helped a nation heal from a devastating genocide. Reasons to be Cheerful is telling the story of Umuganda, a Kinyarwanda word that means “coming together in common purpose.” In Rwanda, according to the article, “On the last Saturday of each month, everyone stops what they’re doing and works together to improve their communities. It’s called Umuganda.”
Although in the 1970s and 1990s Umuganda was exploited for the purposes of forced labor and genocidal acts, according to the article, “Following the Rwandan genocide, the government re-established Umuganda in 2001. In 2009, it was institutionalized as a government policy under the Ministry of Local Government, Good Governance, Community Development and Social Affairs. Today, Umuganda projects range from helping a neighbor construct a shelter to building a community hospital. Sometimes it’s as simple as a community coming together to pick up litter. Other Umuganda projects are more unexpected — for instance, it has been used to collect voice data from Rwandans in an initiative to make voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant more inclusive.”
I encourage you to read the article – and view more photos – to get an idea of the variety of ways communities across Rwanda are using this community-driven method to get things done. During the pandemic it has also been used to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
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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