COVID-19 Data Updates
For up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the County, see the Daily COVID-19 outbreak summary dashboard. The links to the data by demographics and geography are on the same page.
View all County COVID-related Data Dashboards here, including vaccination rates and outcomes according to vaccination status
View the most recent statewide COVID-19 data from the state Department of Health (DOH).
Quote of the Day:
“My friends, there is a spiritual vacuum in America's society today. There is too much what can I get, rather than what can I give. We are in need of a little more heart, a little more brotherhood, less personal greed, more personal good, more service to others.” – Antonia Novello, first woman and first Hispanic to serve as U.S. Surgeon General, at a commencement speech in 1992.
COVID News
State Dept. of Health’s ForWArd plan for long-term COVID response
 The state DOH last week released details of its “ForWArd plan” outlining how the state plans to move into the next phase of the pandemic. According to the DOH, the plan focuses on equity, empowerment, prevention, and readiness.
In announcing the plan, the DOH stated that, “To date, more than 13 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across Washington, leading to one of the highest state vaccination rates in the country and helping the state maintain one of the lowest COVID-19 death rates among states.”
“Over the past two years, Washingtonians have shown incredible resilience and strength, stepping up to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated, boosted, wearing masks, distancing, getting tested, and staying home when necessary,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “Together, we have saved tens of thousands of lives, but our work will continue. We aim to build on that success by empowering people to protect themselves, their families, and their communities, while ensuring our state remains ready for additional COVID-19 variants that may come our way.”
COVID vaccines may be on the way for children as young as six months
Both Pfizer and Moderna have been working on vaccines for young children, and from recent news coverage it appears Moderna may soon get an emergency use authorization from the FDA. For details, see the articles below.
- Moderna edges toward FDA emergency use authorization for pediatric COVID-19 vaccine – NPR
- Moderna to ask FDA to authorize Covid-19 vaccine in children 6 months to 6 years – Stat News
- EXPLAINER: What to know about COVID vaccines for little kids – AP News
- What parents should know about Moderna’s COVID vaccine for youngest kids – The Seattle Times
- Moderna says its coronavirus vaccine for young children is safe, but efficacy is a more complicated picture – The Washington Post
- Dr. Ben Danielson answers parents’ questions about vaccines for kids (of all ages) – Public Health Insider blog (March 3rd, 2022)
Omicron subvariant and potential new surge
 Cases are climbing in Asia, Europe and the UK. According to Dr. Fauci, as quoted in an interview with NPR (article below), "Over the last year or so, what happens in the U.K. usually happens here a few weeks later.” See the recent new coverage below for more information on the new BA.2 Omicron subvariant and an increase in positive COVID cases.
- Omicron’s subvariant found in 25% of cases tested at UW virology lab – The Seattle Times
- We just ditched COVID restrictions. Is stealth omicron going to ruin things? – Seattle Met
- U.K. COVID cases are rising. Health officials are watching to see if the U.S. is next – NPR
- Scientists worry virus variant may push up COVID cases in US – AP News
- Another Covid Surge May Be Coming. Are We Ready for It? – The New York Times
Student survey shows mental health challenges and declines in substance use in 2021
 The Washington State Health Care Authority reports that results from a statewide survey of young people focused on their health behaviors, the 2021 Healthy Youth Survey (HYS), is now available. Data suggest mental health concerns remain with some signs of improved health behaviors, including a decrease in substance use.
While the full impact of the pandemic is not yet fully understood, the results of the HYS will help in identifying the needs of students now and moving forward. HYS data underscores the importance of a continued focus on efforts in schools, families, and communities to support healthy youth development. You may also be interested in the following article.
- WA Teens More Anxious, But Less Likely To Abuse Drugs: Study – Patch
Housing insecurity and the social, economic, and overall health impacts of COVID-19
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. In early February 2022, adults in the King-Pierce-Snohomish county area reported housing concerns, including the following:
- 13% of adults reported they had "no" or "slight confidence" that they would be able to pay the next rent/mortgage on time or their payment was already deferred. June 2021 was when the highest percent of adults (18%) reported this.
- During December 2021 - February 2022, more than 1 in 4 Black residents, and more than 1 in 3 households making less than $35,000 a year reported "no" or "slight confidence" that they would be able to pay the next rent/mortgage on time or their payment was already deferred. For full details see this page.
Public Health under fire: CDC at the Crossroads
 Across the country, public health leaders are grappling with the loss of key staff, restrictions on their authority, public hostility, and the ongoing stress of operating with inadequate funding.
According to Harvard’s Chan School of Public Health, COVID-19 revealed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the gold standard for global public health agencies, is in crisis. Problems include a broken budget process and a distrustful public. The CDC must be strengthened before the next crisis hits—but what will it take? Former CDC directors will gather to examine what has gone wrong and what needs to be done to rebuild the CDC’s capacity and restore its credibility. Moderated by STAT Executive Editor Rick Berke. Join the discussion on April 5th from 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. PT.
This panel discussion is the first in the Chan School’s “Public Health on the Brink” series, which you can learn more about in this trailer. You may also be interested in the following articles:
- President signs Health Care Provider Protection Act into law – Forbes
- “I fear the long-term effects”: Before his death, a nurse warned of the pandemic’s toll on health care workers – Stat News
- Nurses are frustrated by months-long delays to get licensed in some states – NPR
- Female nurses twice as likely to die by suicide as other women – WGNO / ABC News
It’s time to return to preventive health screenings
 Public Health is encouraging all of us to get any medical care and screenings we may have been putting off due to the pandemic. According to Public Health, “With the emergence of COVID-19, routine preventive care, including breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening, decreased dramatically to prioritize urgent care and reduce the spread of the virus in medical facilities.” So, make that appointment now! You may also be interested in this news coverage:
- Here's why the COVID pandemic will likely cause more cancer deaths in Washington state – KING 5 News
The number of TB cases in King County increased last year. They could have been prevented.
 Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health) wants you to know it is expanding the County’s TB control program to confront latent TB infection, with the goal of decreasing TB disease by 20% in the next 10 years. Read the full story here.
Improving air quality in overburdened communities
 Photo by Jacek Dylag on Unsplash
Our state’s Department of Ecology (DOE) is working to reduce air pollution in Washington’s overburdened communities. The Improving Air Quality in Overburdened Communities is an initiative of the Climate Commitment Act. While the Climate Commitment Act is focused on greenhouse gas reduction, it also creates an opportunity to address existing air quality concerns in communities most impacted by air pollution. As the state works to lower greenhouse gases and carbon pollution, it will also reduce other forms of air pollution, like fine particulates or ozone.
To accomplish this, DOE is building an expanded air quality monitoring network in overburdened communities around the state, and then conduct a periodic review of whether air pollution is being reduced in those disproportionately affected communities.
County Business and Other News and Events
This week at the Council
 At Tuesday’s Council meeting, Executive Constantine testified before the Council in support of “walk on” legislation he transmitted to study the feasibility of King County and other local entities developing their own concrete manufacturing facilities to ensure the future of critical infrastructure construction in our region. Lack of available concrete for crucial projects is affecting local governments and others in pursuing crucial projects.
Sound Transit, the Port of Seattle, the University of Washington, the City of Seattle and other local jurisdictions will join in the feasibility study. Each has projects delayed by the lack of available concrete, ranging from Link Light Rail, to a new University of Washington Behavioral Health Teaching Facility, to the West Seattle Bridge. I was one of three cosponsors of the legislation (along with Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Sarah Perry) that was passed by the Council unanimously. See this news release for more information.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting of the Full Council, my colleague Councilmember Reagan Dunn and I led the Council in recognizing National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. In 2021, King County sadly set a record of 718 overdose deaths. This was up 40.5% (511) from 2020, the previous record-setting year. Of the confirmed overdose deaths, fentanyl has been the leading cause in overdose deaths in King County, accounting for nearly 56% (391) of the total overdose deaths in King County, as well as the leading cause for overdose deaths among those 18 years of age and younger in King County. This proclamation also comes after the King County Council passed an Anti-Stigma Awareness Campaign for substance use.
Many of us, I included, have family members or friends who have died or been seriously impaired as a result of substance abuse. It is essential that we as a regional government continue to provide treatment services to assist those in need to recover and be able to live healthy and happy lives. Today’s proclamation recognizes this ongoing problem and should galvanize all of us to do more.
The proclamation is in coordination with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at the National Institutes of Health, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information on National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, see this page. And, see these resources for those experiencing substance use disorder:- Washington Recovery Helpline: 1-866-789-1511- FindTreatment.gov- King County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Division Client Services line:1-800-790-8049
Next week at the Council
Note: As next week will be the fifth week of the month, the full County Council will not be meeting directly, nor will most Council Committees, except for a special meeting of the Regional Policy Committee. Instead, the Council will be participating in an all-day Council retreat which will mark the first time we’ll be together in person in over two years.
Regional Policy Committee: Wednesday, March 30th at 3 p.m. Briefings on Restorative Community Pathways and on the County’s Public Health response to the opioid crisis. Discussion on a motion requesting the Executive to provide a report to inform Council deliberations on possible renewal of the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL). The agenda, meeting materials and instructions on providing public comment are available on this page.
Join me next Wednesday for the County Council’s Womxn’s History Month Panel
 Over the past several years, we have witnessed women here and throughout the world step into their power and demonstrate an incredible amount of resilience in the face of complex challenges. For each person, that power and resilience have looked different — including caregiving, running for office, advocating for their community, just trying to make it through relatively unscathed, and everything in between.
Please join me for the King County Council’s Womxn’s History Month Panel which I am convening and moderating next Wednesday, March 30th from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This year’s theme is “Resilience, Power and Healing,” and will be livestreamed on Facebook and King County TV. It is being co-hosted by the King County Equity and Social Justice Legislative Branch Team and the County’s Women’s Advisory Board. Council Chair Claudia Balducci will provide welcoming remarks.
Panelists include:
Karen Arlette Gamez Lopez, Immigrant Rights Advocate and Community Organizer, Career Pathways Navigator for the WA Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa, Port of Seattle Position 4
Cherryl Jackson-Williams, Family and Community Engagement Advocate, Member of King County Districting Committee
Councilmember Sarah Perry, King County Council District 3
Victoria Santos, Director of Strategic Development and Wellness Initiatives and one of the Co-Founders of the BIPOC ED Coalition of Washington State
King County supports immigrants and refugees
Over the past several weeks, we’ve watched horror unfold in Ukraine. I’m taking part in the Refugees Helping Refugees Campaign, coordinated by the Refugee Artisan Initiative, to demonstrate solidarity with and support Ukrainian relief efforts. I’m pictured above wearing the “StandWithUkraine” butterfly pin, symbolizing courage and hope.
While we’ve all been focused with the events unfolding in Ukraine, it’s also important to remember all refugee and immigrant communities, in particular the refugees who fled Afghanistan after the U.S. troop withdrawal last year.
Immigrant and refugee rights are critical pillars of the King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan. Ensuring that all King County residents have access to necessary services and benefits is essential for upholding our commitment to fair and equal access for all residents, especially those who have been marginalized. In 2018, the County adopted an ordinance to enhance the trust and fairness for King County immigrant communities. For information on King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Program see this page. Also, see the following articles for more on the status of Afghan refugees:
- Afghan refugees in US to receive temporary protected status – March 16 – AP / U.S. News and World Report
- Airbnb provides housing to nearly 1,500 Afghan refugees in Washington state – MyNorthwest
King County programs increasing numbers of women in construction
The County’s Department of Executive Services reports that “Seattle is ranked number one in median annual earnings by women in construction in the U.S., and number two in the share of female employment in the construction industry, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau.” Read the full story here.
How to recycle plastic wraps and bags that are not accepted in blue bins
 A new Seattle-King County pilot project will increase the recycling of plastic wraps and bags – known as film packaging – and convert it into new plastic packaging and products, creating a true closed loop system. The Seattle-King County pilot is part of the Wrap Recycling Action Program (WRAP), a public-private partnership that promotes recycling of plastic wraps and bags. Read the full story here and see this article from The Seattle Times: King County pilots film plastic recycling program at 10 Seattle-area grocery stores.
County planning expanded enhanced shelter and behavioral health services hub in SoDo
This week Executive Constantine shared his proposal for the expansion of critical shelter and behavioral health services in SoDo, including micro-modular shelters, a sobering center, and supports for RV residents. The services hub will be a partnership between King County, the City of Seattle, and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. The funding for this planned expansion comes in part from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, County investments, and $5 million from the City of Seattle. Read more details here.
Understanding Unsheltered Homelessness
 Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
Homelessness can happen to anyone, and the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic impacts have only intensified the crisis. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is conducting a research project to understand the current experience of living unsheltered and the barriers people face on the path to housing.
The qualitative research plan was informed by a series of 12 design workshops with nearly 200 participants, including people with lived experience, human services planners and city staff from across all the County’s sub-regions (Seattle, North, East, and South King County), service providers, and KCRHA staff – many of whom have lived experience. Also, see this article from today’s The Seattle Times: Seattle’s Rep. Frank Chopp moves $2M from Regional Homelessness Authority to nonprofit he co-founded.
Executive Constantine and Clean the World launch mobile shower for people experiencing homelessness in King County
 Executive Constantine today announced the launch of a new program bringing a mobile shower to people experiencing homelessness in Kent, Renton, and Seattle. The mobile shower by Clean the World, a global leader in water, sanitation, hygiene, and sustainability, brings health and hygiene to those currently unsheltered in our region.
The mobile shower was purchased with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This program brings clean water, soap, and washing facilities that reduces the risk of infection and illness like COVID-19. Currently, the mobile shower visits sites in North Seattle, downtown Seattle, South Seattle, and South King County. The program is slated to expand locations throughout the year. Read the full story here.
State Transportation Package Accelerates Eastrail
Thanks to the Washington State Legislature, construction of critical Eastrail projects has been accelerated. The nearly $17 billion package known as “Move Ahead Washington” includes $29 million to fund critical projects for Eastrail, the emerging 42-mile regional trail that will connect South and East King County cities to high-capacity transit. For full details see this page. For complete information on the Eastrail project see this page.
Metro transit alert: Third Avenue and Pine Street bus stop to temporarily close April 2, bus service to shift to nearby stop
 In partnership with the City of Seattle’s public safety efforts, the northbound bus stop at Third Avenue and Pine Street in downtown Seattle will temporarily close April 2, and bus service will shift one block south, near Third and Pike.
The stop (No. 578) serves routes 15, 125, and RapidRide C, D and E Lines. Riders for all affected routes will be able to board a bus or exit at the new stop (No. 575), located on Third Avenue just south of Pike Street next to the Ross Dress for Less store (301 Pike St.), until further notice. For more information on this temporary change see this page. Also, see this article from today’s Seattle Times: Third and Pike bus stop to temporarily close amid downtown Seattle safety concerns.
Making ‘potty talk’ entertaining and educational on World Water Day
 Children are often told “No potty talk,” but King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is encouraging more of it. To educate the public about wastewater and how it is treated, WTD teamed up with University of Washington to create fun, entertaining games that teach everyone about water. Read the full story here.
For information on World Water Day see this page.
You may also be interested in this recent news from WTD: On Tuesday, King County crews stop equipment malfunction and wastewater overflow at a Mercer Island pump station within 10 minutes.
Report on 2021 King County audits
The King County Auditor’s Office released its 2021 Annual Report entitled, “Advancing Government Equity, Effectiveness, And Efficiency.” It includes highlights of three high-impact audit efforts, including reports on safety in adult jails and contracting inequities. For details, see the report here.
County funding opportunities
- Funding Opportunity: $1.3M for Expanded Behavioral Health Services in Rural King County
The King County Department of Community and Human Services’ (DCHS) Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) has released this Request for Application (RFA) for the 2022-2023 Expanded Behavioral Health Services in Rural King County. Up to $1,300,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are available to expand access and utilization of behavioral health services in rural unincorporated areas of King County. Application are due May 3, 2022, by 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time. View the full RFA here.
- Deadline extended to tomorrow at 5 p.m.: RFA for Community Representative and Influencer for Farmers Market Promotion
 Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) is recruiting community representatives to promote the awareness and use of SNAP and SNAP Market Match at farmers markets in South King County. The community representatives will work with PHSKC, Farmers Market Managers, and a communications consultant to share digital information about SNAP and SNAP Market Match among their communities using methods that will be relevant and receptive for the audience. Up to 14 community representatives will be recruited. Full details are available here.
- Upcoming funding opportunities from Public Health
For a full list of all upcoming RFP, RFA, RFQ and other funding opportunities from Public Health see this page.
Free in-person tax help at the Seattle Public Library
The Seattle Public Library is offering in-person Tax Help at the Central Library in partnership with United Way of King County. Both United Way and AARP also offer free virtual Tax Help. The service is available February 14 through April 18 at the Central Library. Trained volunteers will answer questions and help prepare personal tax returns. Drop-in assistance will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The service is not available for business tax returns. For full details, including hours please see this page. Also, United Way Tax Help locations serve anyone who earned less than $70,000 in 2022. For eligibility details, contact United Way at 1-800-621-4636.
Community Celebration for Seattle Center Monorail’s 60th Birthday
 Join Seattle Center next Tuesday for a celebration of the Monorail’s 60th Birthday. Stop by the Seattle Center Station (near the Space Needle) for music, activities, raffle prizes, memorabilia on display, and to sign the birthday banner. The festivities begin at 11:30am, and the first 200 guests to arrive will receive a special commemorative monorail coin. For details on the event see this page.
For more background on the monorail – and attempts to expand it – see these articles by HistoryLink: Monorail (Seattle)and Elevated Transportation Company (ETC) publishes the "Green Line" Monorail plan on August 5, 2002.
Ballard Food Bank operates free community cafe
 You’re invited to a fun, virtual happy hour to hear more about the Kindness Café, operated at the new home of the Ballard Food Bank (BFB). BFB Operations Director Anthony Anderson and Kindness Cafe Manager David Ronquillo will share stories of the impact the cafe has had on food bank clients. The Kindness Café has already served thousands of warm and delicious no-cost meals to our community. Executive Director Jen Muzia will share the moving reason behind the café’s name. Happy hour attendees will also hear about the Community Chef program and learn about fun and important ways to get involved. Register here for this no-cost event, which takes place next Wednesday, March 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Haller Lake Community Club hosts panel on new behavioral health teaching facility in north Seattle
The Haller Lake Community Club will host a virtual panel discussion on the six story Behavioral Health Teaching Facility being built at UW Medical Center's Behavioral Health Teaching Facility (the former NW Hospital). The discussion will take place Thursday, April 7, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Hear about what the facility will offer, and about the architecture and building process for the center. For more information and to register see this page.
New girl-centered school to open in Seattle
The Hatch School, a girl-centered independent high school, will be opening its doors to its first class of 9th graders in September.
Nordic Museum Executive Director awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star
 Last week the National Nordic Museum was pleased to host His Royal Highness Prince Daniel of Sweden, along with a delegation from the Prince Daniel Fellowship. The evening also saw the attendance of numerous elected officials, including Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, Sen. Reuven Carlyle, Sen. Marko Liias, former Rep. Gael Tarleton, City Councilmember Dan Strauss as well as myself. Executive Director Eric Nelson was presented with the Royal Order of the Polar Star on behalf of the King of Sweden. Congratulations, Sir Eric! View photos of the ceremony here and watch a video of the presentation here.
Did you know?
…that, on today’s date in 1948, according to HistoryLink, “…in a Spokane speech, State Senator Thomas H. Bienz, a Democrat, declared that at least 150 of the approximately 700 University of Washington faculty members were Communists?”
Today’s moment of inspiration
 This is another inspiring story of people taking things into their own hands and using common sense to help their neighbors.
According to reports from CNN, Good Morning America (ABC News) and the Good News Network, strangers are leaving strollers, car seats, diapers, winter coats and toys at the Polish border for Ukrainian refugees.
ABC news reports that the number of spare carriers and strollers from Polish mothers has been particularly inspiring, with many donors leaving handwritten notes behind.
“We see on the television and hear on the radio what happened, and we say ‘okay we can help,'” one Polish mother and volunteer told ABC.
According to the Good News Network, “The rooms of the train station are now being transformed from waiting rooms into warehouses, for food, diapers, and clothes. Beyond the station, people from across Europe have been seen waiting in cars offering to drive incoming refugees to wherever they have relations, or a place to stay.”
I encourage you to watch this inspiring video from Good Morning America, for a glimpse of this grassroots “mutual aid” effort happening in Europe.
Additional helpful and informative links
- Seattle students walk out of school, demand mask mandates be reinstated – The Seattle Times
- Federal judge sides with 12 disabled kids seeking masks in schools – The Seattle Times
- For immunocompromised people in WA, return to ‘normal’ threatens mental and physical health – The Seattle Times
- Opinion: Biden administration (finally) elevates healthy buildings as part of national Covid strategy – Stat News
- Woodland Park Zoo administers COVID vaccine for the first time to primates, big cats and others – The Seattle Times
- Opinion: Covid-19 vaccine policy should be made by public health experts, not company executives – Stat News
- Homeless Authority Funds Pallet Shelter, JustCARE, and Just One of Three Proposed Tiny House Villages – PubliCola
- New data shows remote work surges, transit use collapses among workers in downtown Seattle – The Seattle Times
- WA courts Hollywood with new movie studio and film tax incentive – Crosscut
- New movie shows off (real) Seattle thanks to County support – King County Department of Executive Services Express blog
- Businesses challenge Oregon’s new climate program – AP News
Keep in touch
Thank you again for taking the time to read my updates, which I am now sending out once a week. 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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