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:
- 2,008 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 1,906 confirmed cases and 102 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 178,701). These numbers include 637 new cases since yesterday, Wednesday, December 15th.
- 27 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,133 to date). That number includes 4 new deaths since yesterday, Wednesday, December 15th.
- 53 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (8,924 to date). That number includes 11 new hospitalizations since yesterday, Wednesday, December 15th.
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, 91.8% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 85.6% have received both doses. Among residents 5 years and older, as of today, 87.6% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 80.8% 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 701,158; the number of probable cases is 97,081, for a total of 798,239 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 9,653
- The total number of hospitalizations is 44,067
The graph below shows the cases in King County.
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.” – Mathatma Gandhi, 1919
Video: King County Health Officer shares updates on COVID-19 trends and the Omicron variant
 King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin held a public briefing yesterday, Wednesday, December 15th. He provided updates on COVID-19 and vaccination trends in King County, as well as our evolving understanding of the Omicron variant. Dr. Duchin put the new threat from Omicron, as well as our continued struggle with the predominant Delta variant, into perspective. Read more and view the video here.
As depressing as it can be to be encountering another surge and another wave of this horrible global pandemic, it is important to be vigilant and do all we can to protect ourselves and others from this virulent virus.
More news on Omicron:
- Inslee: COVID hospital capacity a key measure as state prepares for Omicron variant – The Seattle Times
- Omicron is spreading in King County. Health officials expect a 'rapid increase' over the holidays – KUOW
- Omicron variant surging rapidly in Washington state, UW testing indicates – The New York Times/The Seattle Times
- New omicron cases confirmed in Washington state indicate spread, health officials say – The Seattle Times
- Editorial: Keep up the strong start to omicron response – The Seattle Times
- Researchers are racing to figure out if Omicron can beat our vaccines – Popular Science Magazine
- Poll: Omicron is forcing Americans to rethink some — but not all — of their holiday plans – Stat News
School COVID outbreaks, closures
COVID-19 outbreaks traced to high school wrestling tournaments
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with several local public health jurisdictions, is investigating multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, connected to high school wrestling tournaments. The number of cases linked to the events is estimated to be between 80 and 90, but as this investigation is ongoing, the total may change. As of yesterday, December 15th, DOH has confirmed three cases connected to the outbreaks are the omicron variant. The impacted wrestling tournaments all happened on December 4th.
Counties that had high school(s) in attendance include Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Skagit, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, Whatcom, and Yakima. A high school in Oregon also sent participants. You may be interested in this article:
- State investigating COVID-19 outbreak linked to wrestling meets, County ramps up vaccine availability – South Seattle Emerald
More news on school outbreaks, closures
- Kent School District closes two classrooms at Cedar Heights due to COVID-19 – Kent Reporter – Kent Reporter
- Teaching staff shortage closes Seattle’s Franklin High School – The Seattle Times
- COVID Update: Outbreak at Vashon High School unfolding – Vashon Beachcomber
DOH commemorates one year of COVID-19 vaccines in Washington
 One year ago today, the first COVID-19 vaccine shipment arrived in Washington. Since then, more than 11.3 million doses of vaccine have been administered across the state and more than 5.4 million Washingtonians have received at least one dose. These remarkable milestones could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of health care workers, public health providers, first responders, community members, and countless others. Read the full story here.
Public Health COVID update to County Council
Public Health Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday provided an update on the current state of the pandemic in King County to Councilmembers at the meeting of the full Council. You can view the presentation here. I found it particularly helpful.
Updates from the COVID-19 Economic, Social & Overall Health Impacts Dashboard
Public Health — Seattle & King County is monitoring changes in key economic, social, and other health indicators resulting from strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19. The economic, social, and health impacts data project helps inform strategies and policies to minimize those harms and maximize outcomes for all residents of King County. Below are a few highlights from the most recent update, focused on child care issues, or you can view the full dashboard here.
Between July 21 - October 11, 2021, King-Pierce-Snohomish adults with children in the household reported the following during the past four weeks:
- 1 in 4 adults experienced childcare unavailability because of COVID-19
- 37.6% of adults supervised children while working
- 36.5% of adults cut hours in order to care for children
Producing lasting results under extraordinary circumstances: Protecting and enhancing King County natural spaces in 2021
 I encourage you to take a look at this brief “highlight reel” video and check out the new interactive map from the County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP). It is worth reading this end-of-year message from DNRP Director Christie True and watching the video to see how department staff were able to deliver on a range of projects and services that “...produce benefits that are easy for people, families, and communities to see and experience firsthand.”
At the same time the department does crucial work behind the scenes. According to True, “...our Solid Waste Division...continued to provide outstanding customer service even as the pandemic created unprecedented challenges for our staff and partners.” And the Wastewater Treatment Division began making improvements to the West Point Treatment Plant, the start of a decade-long series of improvements planned for the site.
New analysis of integrated data provides a clearer representation of people experiencing homelessness
You may have heard that the County decided to forego the annual physical “Point in Time” count of our unhoused population for the second year in a row. This article from the County’s Department of Community and Human Services explains how its new “DCHS data insights” series provides more accurate data than the “Point in Time” count. I anticipate there’ll be a lot of discussion on this.
Gov. Inslee announces homelessness proposals and other budget proposals for the 2022 session
The governor yesterday put forward a $800 million investment in addressing homelessness that aims to help people remain in their homes, provide permanent supportive and affordable housing, increase services for people with behavioral health needs, transition encamped people to permanent housing, and expand the range of affordable housing types in our cities. The proposals also include utility assistance and aid to landlords.
Several of the Governor’s proposals and investments line up with the County’s recently passed state legislative agenda, which is a hopeful sign! Read the full story here. You can also read details of all the governor’s budget proposals here.
Youth Homelessness Prevention Webinar
 Photo by Mihály Köles on Unsplash
The Office of Homeless Youth in the Washington State Department of Commerce is hosting a webinar to review its recent work to reimagine support systems for young people and caregivers in an effort to prevent youth housing instability. The conversation will take place Thursday, January 6th, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. PT.
The webinar will include a panel discussion with the Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative and Communities of Color Coalition and the Office of Homeless Youth’s Prevention Steering Committee. You can register for the free webinar here.
To learn more about the complex root causes of youth housing instability, see this report from the State Department of Commerce.
Reign women’s soccer team returning to Seattle!
 The OL Reign announced yesterday that the club will be returning to Seattle from Tacoma, with Lumen Field serving as its new home, beginning in 2022. OL Reign (formerly Seattle Reign FC) was established in 2012 as a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League. The twelve-team NWSL is widely considered to be the most competitive women’s professional soccer league in the world. Over its first nine seasons, the club twice captured the NWSL Shield while making five appearances in the NWSL postseason. In 2019, the club was acquired by Olympique Lyonnais, one of Europe’s most iconic football clubs (hence the “OL”). And who can forget super star Megan Rapinoe!
County Executive Dow Constantine had the following to say at yesterday’s press conference held at Lumen Field about the imminent return of the Reign to Seattle: “OL Reign are returning to Martin Luther King Jr. County, and bringing one of the best women’s professional soccer franchises in the nation - further bolstering the future of our soccer community here in Puget Sound... I’m looking forward to being in the stands with my family to cheer them on as they fight to bring home the NWSL Championship next year.” It was an exciting press conference which I was pleased to attend. Also among those speaking were Seattle Mayor Durkan and Mayor-Elect Harrell, the current and new owners, the team’s head coach Laura Harvey, and Seattle Sports Commission President Beth Knox.
 Shown here with County Executive Dow Constantine, Dylan Ordonez, Rachel Smith and April Putney.
Upcoming virtual events
 Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) Presents: NIA - A Kwanzaa Celebration
Join the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) for its virtual Kwanzaa celebration featuring powerful poetry, music, and dance performances. The event will take place online Thursday, December 30th from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
According to NAAM, “The fifth principle of Kwanzaa is Nia (purpose) which means “to make our collective vocation, the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.” On Thursday, December 30th, NAAM presents Nia: A Kwanzaa Celebration of Spoken Word and Song. For information and to register see this page.
 Rockin’ Rockfish at the Seattle Aquarium: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve”
The public is invited to join the Seattle Aquarium for its second annual, all-ages “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration featuring animals, music and dances. It takes place, of course, at noon on December 31st.
Hosts Diana Cardiff and Jasmine Williams invite you to join in dancing a farewell to 2021 with music from Mikey the Rad Scientist. You will also learn amazing facts about some of the animals at the Seattle Aquarium. For more information see this page. To register click here to receive an email with a link to the Rockin’ Rockfish live event stream on the Seattle Aquarium YouTube channel on December 31st.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that on today’s date in 1965, in Juvenile Court in Seattle, Judge Stanley C. Soderland ordered haircuts for three boys accused of burglaries? The young men, two aged 17, one 15, were chastised by the judge, who likened their looks to that of young girls.
The three miscreants, each with a history of drinking, curfew violation, and hell raising, stood before the judge with page-boy haircuts that almost reached their shoulders. The judge ordered haircuts for all three, and they were escorted from the courtroom. Compiled from HistoryLink.org.
Additional helpful and informative links
- CDC recommends Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 shots over J&J’s – AP News
- Pfizer data shows that its COVID-19 pill is effective against severe disease – KUOW
- Will we always need COVID-19 boosters? Experts have theories – Stat News
- One in five nurses say they’ll quit their careers as pandemic takes steep toll on mental health, WA study shows – The Seattle Times
- The unvaccinated are pushing hospitals past the brink – Bloomberg News
- Too many patients, too few staff members create unsafe conditions, unions announce – South Seattle Emerald
- The C.D.C.’s first coronavirus tests were contaminated and poorly designed, the agency says. – The New York Times
- Washington Gov. Jay Inslee proposes $61.8B budget focused on COVID, climate change and homelessness – The Seattle Times
- Amid growing concern over teen mental health, Seattle-area youths create their own resource – KNKX
- Seattle Children's works to combat adolescent mental health crisis – KING 5 News
- A cautionary tale of teen fentanyl abuse prompts advice for parents and friends – KUOW
- A year later, Seattle Children's remains troubled by racism issues – Crosscut
- Swinomish Tribe wants to resurrect U.S. clam gardening – Crosscut
- Seattle’s ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Rosebud Motel is back on Queen Anne — with new additions – The Seattle Times
 Photo by Alan Berner/The Seattle Times
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Judge Calvin Williams meets Claudette Colvin after he had her arrest record expunged. Photo by CBS NEWS
This is a story about the power of history and also about justice delayed. In 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks’ well-known act of defiance, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin was sitting on another bus in Montgomery, Alabama with three of her classmates. The bus was crowded when a white woman boarded and went to the back of the bus (the “colored” section) looking for a seat.
According to the story on CBS news, the bus driver asked the school kids (all African American) to move and three of them did. Colvin refused, and here’s how she explains why:
“I said I could not move because history had me glued to the seat," she recalled. "And they say, 'How is that?' I say, 'Well, it felt as though Harriet Tubman's hands were pushing me down on one shoulder, and Sojourner Truth’s hand was pushing me down on the other shoulder.'"
The bus driver flagged down a patrolman, and eventually Colvin spent some hours in the local jail. According to CBS, “She faced three charges. Those for disturbing the peace and breaking segregation law were dropped. But a charge for assaulting a police officer had stayed with her for more than 60 years.”
According to CBS, “After the incident, she continued to fight for civil rights, and was one of four plaintiffs who successfully ended bus segregation in Alabama in the landmark Browder v. Gayle Supreme Court decision in 1956. Fred Gray was her attorney. Gray... went on to defend Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.”
At 82, Colvin filed a petition to have the record of the incident wiped clean, and a judge in Montgomery recently granted the request. “I'm no longer a juvenile delinquent at 82," Colvin said. Colvin now lives in Texas and last week, Judge Calvin Williams, who expunged her record, flew to Texas from Montgomery, Alabama, to surprise her and offer apologies for the injustice she suffered.
Colvin wanted her record cleared for the sake of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "Because when they go out into the world, the struggle of being African American is still going on," Colvin told CBS. "So I want my grandchildren to know that their grandmother stood up for something when she realized that she was an American at a very early age, and she wanted equal rights... that's what I want my grandchildren to know."
There’s more to this story, including an inspiring video, which can be viewed here.
Colvin at 15 years old. AP Photo.
A holiday treat: “Amazing Peace” by Dr. Maya Angelou
Dr. Angelou wrote this poem for the 2005 White House tree-lighting ceremony. I hope it inspires you as much as it does me. It seems particularly appropriate for these times, and goes well beyond the celebration of Christmas. In fact, I like it so much that I recited it at our legislative branch’s holiday party last week.
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I am now sending out on Mondays and Thursdays, although we are taking a hiatus from the e-newsletters for the next two weeks. You can click here to visit the archive page where you can find all of my previous enews updates. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here.
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