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, which are very worrisome:
- 14,757 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 14,308 confirmed cases and 449 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 211,531). These numbers include 10,658 new cases since December 30th.
- 16 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,165 to date). That number includes 3 new deaths since December 30th.
- 172 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (9,312 to date). That number includes 175 new hospitalizations since December 30th.
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, 93.0% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 86.2% have received both doses. Among residents 5 years and older, as of today, 89.1% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 81.9% 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 779,111; the number of probable cases is 103,033, for a total of 882,144 cases.
- The total number of deaths statewide is 9,853
- The total number of hospitalizations is 46,220
The graphs below show the cases, hospitalizations and deaths in King County.
  
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “To survive and even thrive in a changing world, nature offers another great lesson: the survivors are those who... adapt to change, or even better, learn to benefit from change and grow intellectually and personally.” - 2018 Nobel Prize winner in chemistry Frances Arnold, at a 2017 speech at Caltech.
Dr. Duchin’s New Years Eve tweets: Omicron updates
 Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash
Some quick updates tweeted out on December 31st by Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. You can read the full thread here.
- “Brief update Thread on the Omicron surge in King County, WA. We are seeing record-breaking numbers of cases - currently 2.5 times our previous peak incidence & rising. Hospitalizations began to increase a week after cases, but not at levels of past surges currently.”
- “Many more cases are unreported b/c asymptomatic (but can still spread infection), rapid tests not reported, or simply not tested. We don't know for sure how high the current surge will go or how long it will last.”
- “Unvaccinated at much higher risk, esp for hospitalization & death, while milder breakthrough infections also common in vaxxed. Booster when eligible = best protection.”
- “Even if the current trends w/lower % of cases hospitalized (Crossed fingers) hold, the extremely high number of cases could lead to overload of the healthcare system as happening elsewhere, compromising the medical care we need when we need it.”
- “In King Co, we have relatively high vax rates w/87% people 16+ completed primary series & most older adults boosted, increasing # of school-age children vaccinated (TY KC residents!). This will serve our community well by limiting serious illness, hospitalizations, deaths.”
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19
 The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is offering a detailed reminder about what people should do if they test positive for COVID-19. Cases are rising sharply, driven by the Omicron variant. Anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposures should get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection.
For full information on how to care for yourself or others with COVID-19, see this page from King County. The information is available in multiple languages and a video (in English) is also included. Many people with COVID-19 have milder illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, or a new loss of taste or smell, among others.
Public Health emphasizes the need for all of us to help prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. According to Public Health, “The Omicron variant is driving up cases of COVID-19 in King County...Soon, we will likely surpass the highest daily total seen throughout the entire pandemic. Our hospital ERs and ICUs are already near full, so even if just a fraction of these cases end up in the hospital, it could overload our already stressed healthcare system.”
You may also be interested in this article from The Seattle Times: Fully vaccinated and just got COVID? Here’s when you should get a booster, and what to do right away.
Up your mask game: Omicron is here
 Public Health is reminding everyone about the increased importance of using high-quality, snug-fitting masks and using them consistently. According to Public Health, the most effective masks are: N95, KN95 and KF94. Read the details from Public Health here. (Note: if you have difficulty accessing the Project N95 link in the article, it is included below.)
In addition, see the following resources and information on how to up your mask game:
- Counterfeit COVID masks are still sold everywhere, despite misleading claims – The New York Times
- For information on buying quality, non-counterfeit masks, visit Project N95. They have full information on finding all types of PPE (personal protective equipment), including legitimate KN95 and N95 masks.
- You may also be interested in the YouTube channel of Aaron Collins, a mechanical engineer who is testing mask effectiveness. He livestreams the tests from his bathroom (with an occasional kid interruption) and makes all his data available.
CDC mask guidance:
- How to select, properly wear, clean, and store masks
- Improve how your mask protects you
School updates: Omicron and weather
- Seattle-area school districts delayed or closed as rain adds to bad road conditions – The Seattle Times
- Seattle Public Schools begins mass testing effort for coronavirus before school resumes – The Seattle Times
- Seattle Public Schools plans for in-person learning after winter break – KING 5 News
- Omicron upends return to US schools and workplaces – AP News
- Some schools delay opening after holiday amid COVID surge – AP News
- Kent School District recommends students get COVID-19 test if have symptoms – Kent Reporter
- Here are the C.D.C. guidelines for students exposed to COVID – The New York Times
More opportunities for boosters and vaccines: FEMA’s community vaccination clinic comes to south King County
 The COVID-19 booster shot strengthens your protection against the virus. If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are 12 or older, you are now eligible to receive a booster to enhance your protection.
To help increase capacity, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sending its Mobile Community Vaccination Center to Federal Way, Kent and Auburn this month. Read the full article here, available in English, Spanish, Dari, Vietnamese and Russian.
Also, see this article from the Associated Press: FDA expands Pfizer boosters for more teens as omicron surges.
Changes to isolation and quarantine guidance for COVID-19
You may have heard that the CDC has changed its guidance for the length of time needed to isolate and quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. For all people who test positive, regardless of vaccination status, the CDC shortened the recommended time for isolation from 10 days to five days. Read more about the changes here from Public Health.
Following the CDC’s announcement, our state Department of Health (DOH) updated its isolation and quarantine guidance to align with the new CDC recommendation.
King County purchases 300,000 COVID-19 test kits for residents
Executive Constantine announced the purchase of 300,000 home COVID-19 testing kits to be distributed to King County residents, with the first 100,000 scheduled to arrive in King County in the next two weeks. Read the full story here. There is an enormous demand for tests, and obviously, this won’t cover the entire population so the County will be prioritizing and communities that are in most need. This will help protect the most vulnerable and our region's hospital capacity.
Welcome to our newest Councilmember!
 With this new year, the King County Council and I warmly welcome Sarah Perry, our newest Councilmember. She joins the council representing King County District 3 and can be contacted at sarah.perry@kingcounty.gov. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/council
21 Successes in 2021
I, like many of you, have been reflecting on 2021. While it was a stressful and sorrow-filled year in many ways, there were some bright spots. Here are 21 successes among many others from this year on the County Council. I look forward to achieving many more in 2021 and look forward to getting past this horrid COVID-19 global pandemic!
- Led the Council in passing five budgets in 2021, including two biennial supplemental budgets and three "COVID budgets" that invested in our COVID response, local community organizations and businesses, rental and food assistance, vaccines, gun violence prevention, restoring previous cuts, such as for mental illness and substance abuse services, and much more.
- Spearheaded through my legislation the County's acquisition of City Hall Park from the City of Seattle.
- Called on the Board of Health to review the disparate enforcement of the King County Helmet Law and secured funding for helmet education and awareness.
- Sponsored (with Councilmember Zahilay) a transformative tenant protections package that passed to prevent unnecessary evictions.
- Introduced legislation that passed banning government use of facial recognition technology in the interest of protecting the civil liberties of King County residents.
- Cosponsored the renewal of the Best Starts for Kids Levy, which was approved by voters and will support children, youth and families at key stages of development.
- Cosponsored the Health Through Housing Implementation Plan, which will provide 1600 safe shelter alternatives by the end of 2022 with wraparound services to support individuals exiting homelessness.
- Allocated funding for our arts and cultural organizations, including investing in our burgeoning film industry through the opening of Harbor Island Film Studios.
- Secured funding for three tiny home villages in King County.
- Sponsored legislation that passed requiring the building of electric vehicle infrastructure along with certain development activities in unincorporated King County.
- Sponsored a $65 million funding package for critical upgrades to the West Point Wastewater Treatment Plant to improve the plant's power supply systems and prevent future bypass of untreated wastewater.
- Led the Council in allocating $2.6 million to community-based water quality improvement projects.
- Collaborated with waterfront stakeholders to help bring back the Free Waterfront Shuttle and allocated $500,000 in funds to support it.
- Called on the Executive, through a motion that passed, to participate in a statewide human trafficking awareness campaign beginning next month to help raise awareness of the issue.
- Awarded the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service to Carlye Teel, the longtime Executive Director of the Ballard Senior Center.
- Transferred four retired Vanpool vans to local organizations, including Evergreen Treatment Services, Low Income Housing Institute, The Arc of King County and Seattle Union Gospel Mission.
- Secured $250,000 to support the restoration and preservation of the only remaining steam ship in Puget Sound, the National Historic Landmark vessel S.S. VIRGINIA V
- Attended the opening of the Kraken Community Iceplex and allocated $50,000 in funding for youth sports at the facility.
- Hosted my annual Women's History Month panel, focusing on "Amplifying Womxn's Voices: Challenges, Inequities and Moving Forward."
- Hosted a joint town hall with Councilmembers Dembowski, McDermott, and Zahilay on a wide range of topics.
- Sent twice-weekly eNewsletter updates to about 13,000 subscribers and social media followers, keeping them apprised of COVID-related developments, County updates, and more.
 Photo by Tarryn Myburgh on Unsplash
My hopes and resolutions for the new year
So, I feel good about the successes we had last year, but as always I look ahead as well. I will be coming out with my specific policy priorities soon.
My New Year’s resolutions are to: 1) lose my COVID weight, which I acknowledge will be tough as I have found it difficult to avoid eating “comfort food” such as Nestle Toll House milk chocolate morsels and homemade breads. I walk and hike a lot, but doing so, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to balance the extra calories; and 2) reduce the stress associated with serving as King County councilmember for District Four, which likely will occur as I’m stepping down from serving as Budget Chair, which I have been for the past two years. Under my leadership we’ve approved a record 13 budgets, including eight COVID budgets, one biennial budget and four supplemental budgets. I’ve enjoyed doing so but two years are enough. Instead, I’ll likely be chairing the Committee of the Whole.
My hopes for 2022 are, of course, for COVID to end completely but perhaps more realistically to have a minimal number of people be seriously affected by it. I also hope that what we’ve learned from the past two years will be transformative in positive ways, including but not limited to the importance of public health, work flexibility with remote options and needs of essential workers, emergency preparedness, climate change remedies, race/ethnicity equity, affordable housing and permanent supportive housing for those in need, access to affordable quality child care, community needs and public safety, and the importance of all sectors to our economy.
I also dare hope to spend time inside without wearing a mask with my family and friends; drinking the bad coffee when returning to the King County Courthouse for in-person work; taking my two-year-old granddaughter Frances Fern on outings; visiting my 1½-year-old grandson, Eli, in Ithaca, New York; eating out with friends at the wonderful restaurants in my district; attending sports, music, theatre and other large events, including HempFest at Myrtle Edwards Park; eating popcorn at the movies; traveling with my husband. In other words, living freely again.
And, finally, I wish for all my 252,000+ D4 constituents and all of our 2.3 million+ King County residents a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous 2022!
My hopes – and resolutions – for the new year are included in this article in the Queen Anne & Magnolia News.
Metro working to restore weekday bus service following winter weather disruptions
 As fleet recovery work continues, many trips are being canceled. At this time, it is not possible to send individual trip cancelation alerts. Riders should use the following tools for canceled trip information:
- The Next Departures tool in Metro’s Online Trip Planner
- Text your bus stop number to 62550, Metro’s Text for Departures tool
Every effort is made to provide trip cancelation information to these tools as soon as it is known.
Tomorrow at 5 p.m.: Information session on County parks grants
 Healthy Communities and Parks Fund grants are available up to $250,000 for programs, capacity building, land acquisition, and capital projects that increase access to recreation, parks, and open space in underserved communities. Eligible applicants include: Tribal organizations serving residents of King County, non-profit organizations, fiscally-sponsored community organizations, and cities and towns in King County.
To join the information session tomorrow at 5 p.m., register here.
For full details see the County Parks grants website and click on “Healthy Communities and Parks Fund.”
MIDD Advisory Committee Meetings: Public access is easier than ever
King County MIDD (the acronym stands for “Mental Illness and Drug Dependency”) is all about supporting behavioral health and recovery. The public is able to access the meetings of the MIDD Advisory Committee (AC), which is a partnership of representatives from the health and human services and criminal justice communities, and works to ensure that implementation and evaluation of the strategies and programs funded by the MIDD sales tax revenue are transparent, accountable, collaborative, and effective. I am pleased to represent the Council on the Advisory Committee.
MIDD AC members meet on a near monthly basis. Currently, all meetings are held virtually. Members of the public who are not members of the AC can access and engage in MIDD AC meetings using PublicInput. PublicInput meeting access is available through the MIDD website, on the 'Advisory Committee' page. (For Members and their designees: MIDD AC members and designees are provided direct meeting access by King County MIDD staff.)
State ferries to host virtual community meetings
Attendees will hear updates on ferry service challenges and the alternate service plan. Commuters, occasional riders and community members are invited to attend Washington State Ferries’ upcoming virtual community meetings designed to provide updates and answer questions about the ferry system.
On Wednesday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 11, members of WSF staff will discuss the ferry system’s service and ongoing efforts to mitigate challenges as well as progress on key projects.
To register for the January 5 meeting, click here. To register for the January 11 meeting, click here.
Events in District 4
Fremont Bridge Winter Market - Seattle’s Fremont Street Market returns weekly on Sunday, January 9th, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. for winter operations at the Hyper Market and at a new Fremont Bridge location one block Southeast of the 34th Street location. Brunch and shop from over 100 vendors curbside in the Center of the Universe, Fremont.
The market is located at 3401 Evanston Ave North. For more information, see this page or this Facebook page.
Saturday, January 8, 6 – 9 p.m. – Ballard Art Walk.
The Ballard Alliance invites you to the Second Saturday Ballard ArtWalk. The Ballard Alliance, Ballard businesses and local artists are producing a safe and engaging in-person community-focused event.More information is available at visitballard.com/artwalk.
DID YOU KNOW?
... that on this day in 1900, railroad magnate James J. Hill sold 900,000 acres of Washington state timberlands to Frederick Weyerhaeuser for $5,400,000? It was called “one of the largest single land transfers in American annals.” Soon after the purchase, Weyerhaeuser formed the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company. Compiled from HistoryLink. Read the full story here.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Fauci: CDC mulling COVID test requirement for asymptomatic – The Seattle Times
- How will pandemic end? Omicron clouds forecasts for endgame – AP News
- As Omicron uncertainty mounts, return-to-office plans are being revised again – The New York Times
- As omicron washes over America, much of the country still isn’t using exposure notification apps – The Seattle Times
- King County COVID cases soar by nearly 200% over holiday weekend, hit record levels – MyNorthwest
- As Omicron cases surge, King County jail vaccination rate reaches new high – PubliCola
- Covid cases quadruple in the Seattle area in a single day, where omicron dominates – KUOW
- Ten lessons I’ve learned from the Covid-19 pandemic – Stat News
- How Do You Spell Snomicronageddon? (Snowmicronageddon? Snow-omicronageddon?) – The Stranger
- Q&A: King County Executive Dow Constantine on priorities for 2022 – KING 5
- New criminal trials in King County Superior Court suspended due to omicron – The Seattle Times
- King County suspends in-person jury trials through January 14 – KUOW
- Seattle bartender attacked with sharpened broomstick after asking for COVID vaccine card – The New York Post
- Report outlines technical details of King County Water Taxi expansion, detailed costs to come – Future Tides blog
- With rising gun violence, south King County mayors ask to pause criminal diversion program – KING 5 News
- Survey shows most King County residents likely open to ditching single-family zoning – The Seattle Times
- For Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks and Seattle, 2021 was a weird year. Just how weird? Take our quiz – The Seattle Times
- Seattle experiences coldest day in 31 years (December 27) – KING 5 News
- Washington state minimum wage to increase 80 cents Saturday – The Olympian
- King County scientists work to save chinook salmon – Bothell Reporter
- Climate change in the Northwest: What we learned in 2021 and a sociological solution – KUOW
- What we learned this year about human waste and Puget Sound – Crosscut
- Coming soon to this coal county: Solar, in a big way – The New York Times
- Climate change, new construction mean more ruinous fires – AP News
Today’s moment of inspiration
 Photo: Matías Rebak.
Today’s Moment takes a look back at all the wonderful things that happened in 2021. Yes, really! There were 192 of them, to be exact (at least as calculated in this story from Reasons to be Cheerful).
The story is a must-read, especially at a time like this, and highlights good news successes such as (to list just a few):
- A Vancouver company has upcycled 33 million chopsticks since 2016 into everything from cutting boards and shelves to dominos and furniture.
- Sanitation workers in Turkey have rescued over 6,000 books from the trash — and they’ve opened a library so the public can check them out.
- A solar-powered fridge that can last for up to two weeks without electricity is being used to transport vaccines to over 50 countries.
- Milan is saving 260,000 meals per day as the first major city to enforce a citywide food waste policy.
- Overfishing has been eliminated in 91% of U.S. fish stocks.
The above are just a small sample of the stories gathered together in this end of year review, which includes success stories on energy conservation, land preservation, carbon capture, job training, green building, and so much more. Don’t miss this story -- you’ll feel much better about 2021 and our prospects for the future.
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I am now sending out on Mondays and Thursdays. 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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