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:
- 1,844 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 1,719 confirmed cases and 125 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 177,439). These numbers include 991 new cases since Friday, December 10th.
- 31 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,125 to date). That number includes 0 (zero) new deaths since Friday, December 10th.
- 63 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,908 to date). That number includes 25 new hospitalizations since Friday, December 10th.
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, 91.3% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 85.2% have received both doses. Among residents 5 years and older, as of today, 87.0% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 79.9% 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 697,562; the number of probable cases is 96,195, for a total of 793,757 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 9,580
- The total number of hospitalizations is 43,844
The graph below shows the cases in King County.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “The Constitution they wrote was designed to protect the rights of white, male citizens. As there were no black Founding Fathers, there were no founding mothers — a great pity, on both counts. It is not too late to complete the work they left undone. Today, here, we should start to do so.” – U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisholm, speaking in favor of passing the Equal Rights Amendment, August, 1970.
Update on County Omicron cases from Public Health
Graphic: PH mask graphic
Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) released this update on Friday, December 10th: “The Omicron variant has been identified in five additional residents in King County. Omicron is now circulating and we expect that infections from Omicron will continue to increase over the next several weeks. Among three cases with information available, none were hospitalized. The cases noted recent travel within the U.S.; none had traveled internationally. The three cases were vaccinated, one had received a booster.” Read more here on the Public Health Insider blog.
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 14th at 10 a.m. – Government Accountability and Oversight Committee Agenda: Confirmation of appointments, Briefings from the County’s Human Resources Department on Compensation for dentists and others dental professionals and on the Annual Report on 2020 Special Duty Assignments. Discussion and possible action on a proposal to amend King County Code relating to voters' pamphlets to align with state law.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 14th at 1 p.m. – Full Council Agenda: A briefing from Public Health on the pandemic response; swearing-in of Councilmembers Dembowski, Dunn and von Reichbauer; discussion and possible action on several items, including property taxes, transfer of City Hall Park to County ownership, wage increases for county employees, ratification of the Growth Management Planning Council motion, consideration of Sprint franchise renewal, school impact fees and comprehensive planning, property tax levies and other items. Discussion of my proposed ordinance to provide long-term financing for the capital needs of the county's sewer system. Also discussion of the creation of criminal court commissioner positions for the King County superior court, ratification of the 2021 King County Countywide Planning Policies and action on several appointments.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Other news on the Omicron variant
- Mass. hospitals see significant number of COVID breakthrough cases -- WBUR
- AP-NORC poll: Omicron raises COVID worry but not precautions – AP News
- The Omicron variant can likely outcompete Delta — and that could worsen the U.S. COVID-19 epidemic – Stat News
- What omicron's fast spread could mean for the U.S. – and the world -- NPR
- Fauci says Omicron-specific version of COVID-19 vaccines may not be necessary – Stat News
COVID-19 boosters now recommended for everyone 16 and older
 Last week the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) expanded booster dose eligibility to include everyone 16 and older following guidance and recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Eligibility expansion will further increase protection as omicron variant spreads. Read the full story here.
Updated FAQs from Public Health: COVID testing, international travel, booster shots
Public Health has updated some answers on two of its COVID FAQ pages. The first change updates testing requirements and recommendations after returning from international travel. See the COVID testing FAQ page, under Travel-related questions, #6: What should I do when I return from travel?
The second change is on Public Health’s page on FAQs about coronavirus, under the “Top 3 FAQs” the answer to the first question, “Who can get a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine?” was updated this past Thursday, December 9th.
COVID: A conversation on Trauma, Stigma, Grief, & Growth - Tomorrow
The South King Emotional Wellness League (SKEWL) will be hosting "Let's Talk COVID" tomorrow, Tuesday December 14th from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. PT to talk about race and racism during the pandemic as well as talking through other community issues. This is an emotional wellness community event focused on BIPOC and populations most effected by COVID-19. To register for this virtual event, visit: https://bit.ly/30oPdc3
Ventilation and indoor air quality
 Photo by Alistair MacRobert on Unsplash
With colder weather and a new variant on the loose, it’s important to keep your air quality clean, especially when gathering indoors. Improving indoor air quality is one strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (but it’s also important we continue to wear masks and get vaccinated!). Learn more about improving ventilation and indoor air quality on this page.
A life-saving tool celebrates its first year
When the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) launched WA Notify on November 30th, 2020, the hope was that at least 900,000 people would add the free alert to their smartphones, which notifies them if they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Within 72 hours of the launch, more than 1 million people had signed up, and today that number is at 2.6 million users. Read the full story here.
This Thursday: COVID-19, Women and Health: Global Impacts
 How have women globally been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? From their specific health needs -- including pregnancy -- to their roles in their families and communities, women manage myriad activities complicated by the pandemic. What policies and systems can help support women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, as the world begins a new year living with the pandemic? Dr. Ana Langer, Director of the Women and Health Initiative at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, will take your questions with The World’s Elana Gordon during this live-streamed Q&A this Thursday, December 16th at 9 a.m. PT (noon ET). Register here for free to join the discussion. You may also be interested in this article:
- Opinion: COVID-19 is fueling a pandemic of violence against women and girls – Stat News
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.”
Over 100 creative businesses and organizations will receive grants from the $19.5 million King County Arts & Culture Fund
 Photo from Seattle Children’s Museum
Executive Constantine announced today the award of $19.5 million from the Arts & Culture Fund to more than 100 businesses and organizations in the County’s creative sector. The creative sector has been greatly impacted by the pandemic over the last 20 months, with many businesses among the first to close their doors and the last to reopen as the economy recovers. The Council included the funding in COVID budgets this year. Read the details here, including a quote of mine.
Materials from December MIDD Advisory Committee December 9th meeting now available
The County’s MIDD (Mental Health and Drug Dependencies) Advisory Committee is a unique partnership of representatives from the health and human services and criminal justice communities. Recognizing that King County is the countywide provider of mental health and substance abuse services, the committee works to ensure that access to mental health and chemical dependency services is available to those who are most in need throughout the county. If you missed the Committee’s meeting last week, the materials and copies of the presentations are available here. Click on “2021 Meeting Materials and Minutes” and scroll down to “December” for access to the agenda, financial plan, draft equity definition, and presentations on “Domestic Violence and Behavioral Health Services and System Coordination” and on “Multipronged Opioid Strategies and Current Overdose Trends and Response.”
I’m pleased the Council was able to restore funding for MIDD grants in the mid-biennial budget, to make up for earlier reductions made in our 2021-22 Biennial Budget.
Webinar on the fentanyl crisis and toolkit from “Laced and Lethal” now available
King County and Washington state are experiencing the highest number of fentanyl-related overdoses in history. In King County alone, fentanyl-related deaths have increased from 3 in 2016 to 314 to date in 2021. In response to this crisis, King County developed Laced & Lethal, a public health campaign that educates teens and adults on the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs and ways to prevent a fatal overdose. We included $200,000 for this initiative in our Mid-Biennial Budget approved by the Council a couple of weeks ago.
A recording of the webinar “Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis: An Evidence-Based Toolkit” is now available here. To download your copy of the Laced & Lethal tool kit or to view other information mentioned in this webinar, please visit the Laced and Lethal webpage.
Inslee announces climate package for 2022
 Gov. Jay Inslee today announced his climate proposals for the 2022 legislative session. The governor is proposing a $626 million investment in a climate strategy with the goals of decarbonizing the building sector, successfully implementing the Climate Commitment Act, increasing investment in clean transportation, and building a clean energy future in Washington. You can find details of the proposal and read the full story here on the Governor’s blog.
Discussion with the Washington State PTA Roundtable
On Saturday, I was pleased to join the Washington State PTSA Region 6 Advocacy Roundtable focusing on school board advocacy at the local level, and share some of my advice on how best to advocate for change. As a former schoolteacher, Title IX expert witness, and state legislator, I was able to discuss many of the issues that came up at the Roundtable, as they are issues I care deeply about. Thank you very much for inviting me to participate and for your commitment to ensuring that schools are safe and inclusive places for students to learn and grow!
Holiday events in District 4
 A sample of past light artwork by Lusio, courtesy of Mollie Bryan.
- Winter lights installation at Pier 62 is back – “Electric Flora” is a light art exhibit created from sculpture, form, and light that re‑creates the wonder of Pacific Northwest flora in a reimagined way. Visit Pier 62 twice to see this inspiring exhibit in both its states — during the day and illuminated at night. Come for the lighting on December 15th at sunset, or anytime through the end of January. See this page for details.
- Holiday Night Market at Pike Place Market this Thursday – This Thursday, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the MarketFront Pavilion. Note this is a 21 and older event. Proof of vaccination and/or a negative Covid test is required upon entry. On this special evening, the open-air Pavilion will turn into a winter wonderland with seasonal cocktails, hand-made gifts, food and music. For more details, see the Pike Place Market blog.
- Queen Anne Harvest Market this Saturday - Join the Queen Anne Farmer’s Market for a special “Harvest Market” this Saturday, December 18th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy the market day, prepare for holiday feasts, and shop a wonderful selection of gift ideas! At West Crockett Street and Queen Anne Avenue North. For more information see this page.
- Seattle Center Winterfest – Winter Train and Village, and more - Delight in viewing a late 19th-century model train and village display, installed inside the Armory Food & Event Hall. This annual tradition has been on display for over 40 years! The public is invited to interact by participating in our Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your entry sheet at the Train Station, and see how many clues you can spot. The train operates 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily through December 31st. Donations are accepted to keep the train operating. For more on Winterfest see this page.
- Waterfront birding for beginners – January 8 - Learn about birds that inhabit Puget Sound with Seattle Audubon. While the January 8 session's first 30 minutes are "sold out" via Eventbrite ticketing, note that the second half of the session will focus on drop-in visitors to jump in and spot fall migrants and winter residents, so come by around 10:30 a.m. You will also have the chance to learn what you can do to protect and help birds thrive. Created in partnership with Seattle Audubon. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. Read more here.
DID YOU KNOW?
...that, according to HistoryLink, Thomas Edison's Kinetoscope — a forerunner of projected motion pictures — was demonstrated in Seattle on December 13, 1894?
Additional helpful and informative links
- COVID cases continue to decline in Washington state, but hospitals remain stretched thin – The Seattle Times
- Across the world, COVID anxiety and depression take hold – The New York Times
- WATCH: What is the most effective kind of mask? – CBS News
- Independent group for western states signs off on COVID boosters for older teens – KOMO News
- COVID has killed 1 of every 100 older Americans as U.S. nears grim milestone – The Seattle Times
- Massachusetts joins other states in distributing free at-home tests – The New York Times
- We have enough COVID vaccines for most of the world. But rich countries are stockpiling more than they need for boosters. – Stat News
- Opinion: Biden’s highly selective travel ban doesn’t make sense – The New York Times
- The conservative Supreme Court that embraced vaccine mandates – The Hill
- Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine – Science Magazine
- What happens next in abortion providers' fight to challenge the Texas law -- NPR
- Federal cash windfall to Washington state to detect, remove carcinogenic ‘forever chemicals’ – MyNorthwest
- How PNW salmon could benefit from Biden's infrastructure plan – Crosscut
- Seattle Children’s shares first progress report since releasing anti-racism action plan this fall – The Seattle Times
- Citing need for affirmative action, local leaders urge Inslee to rescind old directive – South Seattle Emerald
- Many King County residents likely to move, survey finds -- Patch
- King County unemployment is down after COVID-fueled recession – Auburn Reporter
- Most 911 services restored after major outage hits King County and six others – The Seattle Times
- Is it time for you to drive a new or used electric car? Here are some incentives in Washington state – The Seattle Times
- The AP Interview: 'We want justice' on climate, Nakate says – AP News
- PNW scientists find ruin and resilience after summer heat wave – Crosscut
- Seeking space for solar farms, cities find room at their airports – The New York Times/The Seattle Times
- Sheriff’s deputies evict squatters from Hillside Motel on Aurora Avenue North – The Seattle Times
- Eighty-six affordable housing units planned across from Ballard Commons Park – MyBallard
- Seattle sues King County in garbage fight – The Seattle Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
Shirley Raines. Photo from The Sun.
This is the story of a remarkable woman named Shirley Raines. She turned personal tragedy – the loss of her young son – into real, hands-on, meaningful help for people living on the streets. She just won CNN’s “2021 CNN Hero of the Year” award. In accepting the award, Raines said, "This surely hasn't been easy. I stand before you a very broken woman. I am a mother without a son and there are a lot of people in the streets without a mother -- and I feel like it's a fair exchange."
Raines put together a team of volunteers and formed a non-profit called “Beauty 2 the Streetz.” For the past six years, once a week Raines and volunteers turn part of Skid Row in Los Angeles into an outdoor beauty salon. They also provide toiletries, food, clothing and hugs. Raines and her team have helped thousands of people and are now a staple on Skid Row.
Her journey began after the death of her son, when Raines' twin sister urged her to find a purpose for her pain. In 2017 Raines joined a church group on a feeding mission in Skid Row and felt she had found her purpose.
"I went to Skid Row, I'm like, 'Oh, this is where all the broken people are? Oh, I've been looking for y'all all my life," she told CNN. "I never wanted to leave. It's a place where people have amazing hearts, but nobody can see it because they can't see the forest for the trees." You can read more here and here, as well as see an inspiring video about Raines’ work.
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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