 
COVID-19 UPDATES
As of last Friday, January 14th, Public Health -- Seattle & King County (Public Health) reported these numbers for the last seven and last fourteen days:
- 41,083 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days (includes 38,823 confirmed cases and 2,260 probable cases. Total number of cases to date is 269,431). These numbers include 5,224 new cases in the 24 hours between January 13th and 14th.
- 456 new hospitalizations in the last seven days (9,990 to date). That number includes 59 new hospitalizations in the 24 hours between January 13th and 14th.
- 50 new COVID-19-related deaths in the last two weeks (2,239 to date). That number includes 19 new deaths in the 24 hours between January 13th and 14th.
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 Friday, January 14th, 93.8% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 86.6% have received both doses. Among residents 5 years and older, as of today, 90.1% have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 82.7% 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 Friday, January 14:
-The number of confirmed positive cases is 914,570; the number of probable cases is 126,886, for a total of 1,041,456 cases.
- The total number of hospitalizations is 48,862
- The total number of deaths statewide is 10,196
The graphs below show the cases, hospitalizations and deaths in King County - AS OF LAST FRIDAY, JANUARY 14TH.
  
COVID AND OTHER UPDATES
Quote of the Day: “Deep down in our nonviolent creed is the conviction that there are some things so dear, some things so precious, some things so eternally true that they're worth dying for... A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.
So we're going to stand up right here amid horses. We're going to stand up right here, in Alabama, amid the billy-clubs. We're going to stand up right here in Alabama amid police dogs, if they have them. We're going to stand up amid tear gas! We're going to stand up amid anything they can muster up, letting the world know that we are determined to be free!”
– Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Address on Courage, at Brown Chapel in Selma, Alabama on March 8, 1965.
Updated mask information from the CDC
 Last Friday, January 14th, the CDC updated several items on its “Types of Masks and Respirators” webpage, including:
- Clarified that “surgical N95s” are a specific type of respirator that should be reserved for health care settings;
- Clarified that people can choose respirators such as N95s and KN95s, including removing concerns related to supply shortages for N95s;
- Clarified that some types of masks and respirators provide more protection to the wearer than others.
See the link above for more information and see the following articles:
- How to find a quality mask (and avoid counterfeits) – The New York Times/The Seattle Times
- CDC encourages more Americans to consider N95 masks – Associated Press/Stat News
Testing: Caution needed, avoid using ERs for testing, insurance coverage for home tests
See the articles below from Patch and The Seattle Times regarding the need for caution at certain pop-up testing sites. I want to emphasize that you do not need to have this concern with any site run by King County and Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health).
Public Health and King County-operated test sites are currently experiencing high volumes and longer than normal wait times. Advanced appointments are strongly recommended, and often required. Please do not go to emergency rooms or urgent care centers for testing as they are overloaded caring for ill patients. See below for more information.
- COVID-19 testing locations and guidance – King County webpage
- COVID testing company pauses operations amid investigations – Patch
(According to the article, “The Center for Covid Control runs 300 free testing sites nationwide. At least two in Washington were operating without business licenses.”)
- Pop-up COVID test sites have ballooned as demand surges. Officials warn consumers to be cautious – The Seattle Times
- Your COVID home test is covered now, but insurers aren’t ready. Here’s what to do – The Seattle Times
- Limited supply of COVID-19 test kits available at KCLS libraries – King County Library System news
Vaccine and booster pop-up tomorrow in Burien
Public Health will be at a COVID-19 vaccine and booster pop-up clinic located at Navos Mental Health & Wellness Center in Burien tomorrow, Tuesday, January 18th. Appointments are requested, though walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, please visit https://prepmod.doh.wa.gov.
News on COVID’s toll on health care workers
 - Inside a Seattle-area hospital, the COVID grind wears on staff – NBC News
- WA hospital workers filed record number of workplace safety complaints last year, unions say – The Seattle Times
- The solution to the wave of nurse resignations? Cold, hard cash – Stat News
Reminder: The economic impact of the pandemic on Washington state women: this Thursday, January 20th online
 Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash
The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions have disproportionately impacted women and especially women of color. In the US, from February to April 2020, women lost 12.1 million jobs. Recent data show that women hold 2.3 million fewer jobs than they did pre-February 2020.
Join the Center for Women & Democracy and the Washington State Women's Commission as they host leaders and experts in policy, law, public service, and education in a discussion on the impact of the pandemic on women in Washington state and actions needed to increase equity for working women. The discussion will take place on Thursday, January 20th from 5 - 7 p.m. See this page for details on the discussion and you can register here.
Reminder: What you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for children: this Thursday, January 20th online
Every child age five and older in Washington state can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Kids 12 and up are now eligible for a booster. Yet many parents and caregivers still have questions. How safe is the vaccine for children? What vaccine should I get and when should they get a booster?
The state DOH is convening a panel of medical and education professionals on January 20th at 5 p.m. that will answer as many questions submitted in advance by the audience as possible and discuss the latest guidance on vaccines and children, an update on variants, how Washington schools are adapting to the changing situation and more. For details and to register see this page.
This week at the Council
Note: Council meetings are still being held remotely.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 18th at 1 p.m. – Full Council - Agenda: COVID-19 briefing from Public Health and proclamations of January, 2022 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Month in King County. Discussion and possible action on ordinances relating to green building practices, the County’s Children and Youth Advisory Board, the Best Starts for Kids governance update, duties of the Communities of Opportunity-Best Starts for Kids levy advisory board, property tax collection, capital improvement and budgeting, solid waste fees, public benefit ratings for open space and agricultural land, classifications of “timberland” and “forestland,” and the Regional Wastewater Services Plan.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Wednesday, January 19th at 1 p.m. – County Flood Control District Executive Committee – Agenda: Final action on agreement for advisory committee facilitation services and action on recommendation of items to the Committee’s Board of Supervisors.
The agenda and meeting information, including instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input can be downloaded on this page and will soon be available on this page.
Wednesday, January 19th at 3 p.m. – Regional Transit Committee – Agenda: Briefing on 2022 Regional Transit Committee work plan, discussion and possible action on selecting a Vice-Chair for the committee and on Metro’s strategic plan, service guidelines and 2021 system evaluation.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Thursday, January 20th at 1 p.m. – Board of Health – Agenda: Update on COVID-19 in King County from Public Health. Discussion and possible action on a resolution encouraging the state legislature to address racism as a public health crisis, including addressing gun violence and the opioid crisis.
For instructions on viewing the meeting and providing your input, and to view the agenda and meeting materials, see this page.
Apply to serve on Re+ Community Panel
 Re+ is dedicated to fighting the regional impacts of climate change by preventing and reducing waste and keeping the 70% of materials that could be recycled out of the
King County’s Solid Waste Division is seeking diverse community members with a passion for environmental justice and waste reduction to serve on a new community panel to help reshape how King County manages trash and recycling. Community members are invited to apply through January 21st. For more information and to apply see this page.
Reminder: King Conservation District election: Ballots available tomorrow through February 8th
King Conservation District (KCD, not part of King County government) promotes the sustainable use of natural resources through responsible stewardship. A five-member Board of Supervisors is responsible for overseeing all KCD programs and activities. Four candidates are currently running for the Board and the election takes place January 18th through February 8th. Candidate statements can be found at kingcd.org/elections.
As in the last two years, the King Conservation District election will primarily rely on electronic ballot access, with alternative options for printing and mailing in ballots. Ballots will be available to eligible voters online beginning tomorrow, January 18th, at 8 a.m. through February 8th, at 8 p.m. For full information on voting in the KCD election see this page. King County Elections will tabulate all ballots and report all results.
For information about what else is on the ballot on February 8, 2022, see this page.
Tomorrow: Voting Rights and the Election Crisis – free online discussion
 Join Crosscut tomorrow, January 18 at 10 a.m. for a free discussion on the issue I mentioned above in my introduction, the current national debate over voting rights. In many states, Republicans have made changes they say will restore the integrity of elections. Democrats, meanwhile, have introduced The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in Congress to set national standards for access to the ballot box, a move they say will neutralize gerrymandering and prevent interference. Crosscut staff will sit down with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs to get his thoughts on this contentious debate and how he plans to stay above the partisan fray to uphold the state’s legacy.
Update and reminder: King County Metro service reductions continue this week, check your trip before traveling
King County Metro is recovering from recent winter storms and facing reduced workforce availability. Through January 21, Metro will operate more than 90% of scheduled service, however an increased number of trips will be canceled. For full details, please see this article. Before traveling, Metro wants you to make sure you know whether your trip is operating or canceled:
- Visit Service Advisories for information about your route.
- Sign up for Transit Alerts for route-specific and system-wide updates by email or text
- For real-time updates that show whether a bus trip is operating, when it’s due to depart, or if it’s been canceled: Use Text for Departures. Text your bus stop number to 62550 (Tip: Save 62550 in your phone in advance.)
- Another option is “Next departures” on the Puget Sound Trip Planner webpage
Note: Metro’s tools send updated information to OneBusAway, TransitApp and other third-party apps.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations continue...
 Join the Northwest African American Museum this evening for “The Poetics of Hope”
Join the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) for its virtual King Day program, "The Poetics of Hope," featuring keynote speaker, poet, and best-selling author Nikki Giovanni, who will provide inspiring remarks on the significance of cultural expression and hope in reflection of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The event will be held this evening from 7 – 8:30 p.m. It includes a line-up of civil rights children's stories read by local community leaders along with powerful music, dance, and spoken word poetry performances. Register for the virtual program here.
Film festival continues through 5 p.m. this evening
The public is invited to join Dr. Clayborne Carson, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Centennial Professor Emeritus at Stanford University, and his team at The World House Project have been holding a free virtual film festival this weekend, continuing into today, and ending at 5 p.m. this evening. For details on the event see this page. To register, go to this page. The event is sponsored by the World House Project at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law within Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.
Details on Dr. King’s visit to Seattle in 1961
I mentioned above Dr. King visited Seattle one time – in 1961. He spoke at the University of Washington, Temple de Hirsch, Garfield High School and the Eagles Auditorium. For details on the visit, see the links below.
- AUDIO: Seattle Now: When MLK came to town - KUOW
- In his lone trip to Seattle, Martin Luther King Jr. came to the UW – UW Magazine, June, 2000
- Martin Luther King Jr. arrives for his sole Seattle visit on November 8, 1961 – HistoryLink
- Celebrate Martin Luther King’s life by retracing his footsteps from his 1961 visit to Seattle – The Seattle Times
Reminder – this Thursday: What the pandemic is changing
 ArtsFund has been studying the pandemic’s impacts on Washington cultural nonprofits since March 2020. Now, nearly two years of data collection and research in collaboration with partners from around the state will culminate in the release of its new COVID Cultural Impact Study, compiling data from over 200 cultural organizations and 1,500 individuals. Join ArtsFund for a live community conversation on the research findings. Sign up here to join the conversation.
Today’s moment of inspiration
 King Day volunteers with Volunteer Memphis
For today’s Moment, we took a look at twitter for a sampling of the different types of acts of service volunteers have been organizing across the country in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day of Service. Some activities took place over the weekend, some today. Here are just a few examples:
- In NewYork, AmeriCorps members and volunteers are distributing winter clothing & food items to those experiencing homelessness in Utica.
- In Tennessee, volunteers are building and maintaining local gardens.
- In Connecticut, community leaders and organizations are connecting generations & tackling food disparity in the area by establishing a community garden.
- In South Dakota, volunteers are hosting an event on MLKDay called “Bring your child to serve Day,” where kids 11+ years and their families help package food for those in need.
- In West Virginia, a Coats4Kids Drive hopes to collect 1,000 winter clothing items for West Virginians in need.
- In Milwaukee, families with small children are making a difference. Kids Impact Community will host virtual story times, along with art projects and kid-friendly discussions about race, racism and MLK's legacy.
- New York, the UJA Federation and volunteers of all ages are assembling packages of toys for Afghan refugee children at military bases, packing nonperishable goods and canned food for local pantries, and sorting food with Rise2030 and Citymeals.
And closer to home, in addition to rallies, webinars, musical performances, poetry readings, discussions and virtual classes:
- The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), Seattle Sounders FC and Public Health — Seattle & King County hosted an in-person, outdoor pop-up featuring a vaccination clinic, a “Knowledge is Power” book giveaway (free African American civil rights children’s books and soccer balls) and a Hygiene for Humanity supply drive today.
- The city of Lynnwood and volunteers cleared invasive species and beautified the park at Scriber Lake Park for a “Day On Not A Day Off” in celebration of MLK Day of Service this morning.
- Volunteers with Mid Sound Fisheries, Green River Coalition and the City of Auburn planted native trees and shrubs, removed nonnative invasive species and spread mulch to help insulate plants through the winter this morning.
- The Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia hosted special art activities and collaborative projects. Activities included writing letters of kindness, silk-screening a peace print, learning about Black history STEAM heroes and more.
- The city of Kirkland and the Green Kirkland Partnership hosted park restorations at Juanita Beach Park and South Rose Hill Park.
I am grateful to see that although we are still debating voting rights in the other Washington, people across the country are getting on with “A day on, not off.”
Additional helpful and informative links
- Expect more worrisome variants after omicron, scientists say – AP News
- Federal testing website launches next week, 4 tests per home – The Seattle Times
- Contagiousness may linger beyond five days; COVID-19 worse for vapers – Reuters
- Most of Seattle area’s 200,000 unvaccinated adults say they will ‘definitely not’ get COVID shots – The Seattle Times
- COVID deaths and cases are rising again at US nursing homes – AP News
- Essential workers face a tough choice: Find a test or miss work – NPR
- Rising costs add to pandemic pain for small businesses – AP News
- Head of corrections union calls for 2-week quarantined shutdown of King County jails – The Seattle Times
- Spate of Puget Sound region K-12 schools return to remote learning – MyNorthwest
- Opinion: Public health is missing crucial data on LGBTQIA+ people. It’s not hard to collect – Stat News
- COVID’s invisible toll on Seattle’s trans community – The Seattle Times
- Seattle police will no longer enforce bike helmet law and other minor traffic violations – PubliCola
- Seattle's 'green' power violates salmon's legal rights, tribe says – KUOW
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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