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As a community, we are trying to stop the spread of a disease that is taking human lives. Snohomish County recently surpassed 250 deaths from COVID-19. Not from flu. Not from heart disease. Not from car crashes. Think about that number. That loss. We know we are asking you to step up and make uncomfortable changes, again. There’s a reason.
High hospitalization numbers, increasing outbreaks in long-term care facilities, and a nursing shortage are further compounding an already strained healthcare system. For these reasons and more, the Health District is again reminding Snohomish County to Give Thanks, Not COVID.
Read the full update from the Snohomish Health District here.
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Drive-thru testing at the 3900 Broadway site in Everett has been completely booked up most days this week, seeing 450-500 people daily. To accommodate the increased need, the Health District is expanding operations to include weekends at this location starting Saturday, November 21.
Beginning on Monday, November 23, the Health District will open an additional location in Everett. The second site will be at Everett Community College, located at 915 N. Broadway in the parking lot immediately south of the WSU Everett campus. Testing will be available at this location five days a week starting in December.
Both of the Health District’s testing sites will be closed on November 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving. However, additional testing locations around Snohomish County operated by the Health District will be announced soon.
All testing is offered 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., by appointment only. Registration is now open for appointments through the end of November. All information can be accessed at www.snohd.org/testing.
Those without internet access or needing language assistance can reach the Health District’s call center at 425-339-5278. The call center is staffed 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers after hours or on weekends can leave a message, which will be returned on the next business day.
Testing is open to anyone, regardless of symptoms, but remains strongly encouraged for individuals that fit the following criteria:
- Anyone with any of the following COVID-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea); or
- Close contact of a confirmed case; or
- Anyone who lives or works in a congregate setting; or
- Work in healthcare, EMS, law enforcement or other fields where work settings have a higher risk of catching or spreading COVID-19; or
- Part of a family or social network that has had a case.
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Since August of 2020, there have been four student suicides in Snohomish County reported to public health. These tragedies appear to be unrelated to one another and are an increase from recent months and from the same time period last year. Local data and disaster research suggest that suicide rates throughout our population may rise as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The Health District, in coordination with the local Child Death Review partners, issued a health alert to highlight best practices and support the community in promoting well-being and safety. The COVID pandemic and civil unrest in our country has increased uncertainty for all of us, including our youth, and we cannot underestimate the impact. Physical and social distancing, increased isolation as cold weather approaches, school concerns, changes in relationships, and worries for family and friend’s health and the future of our country all contribute toward increased anxiety and despair. We must work to mitigate this to prevent further tragedy. This health advisory addresses the increased behavioral health challenges during this disillusionment phase of disaster response and provides resources.
This is a difficult time for everyone. The on-going pandemic and the corresponding exhaustion and emotional fatigue that we are feeling continues, combined with seasonal changes and more difficulty connecting with the people and supports that typically help us cope. Young people may be even more at risk due to less access to their typical social networks. To learn more about prevention steps and community resources, see the health alert.
It’s okay to not be okay. If you’re struggling, reach out for help. Here are some resources:
- North Sound 211 – dial 211 or www.voaww.org/northsound211
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
- 24 Hour Care Crisis Line (VOA) 800-584-3578
- Care Crisis Chat 24/7 imhurting.org
- Catholic Community Services (mental health) 425-257-2111
- Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County 425-252-2873
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Crisis Connections: 866-427-4747
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 www.thetrevorproject.org
- WA Listens (crisis line for stress related to COVID-19): 1-833-681-0211
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Are you keeping your flock safe and small? Although we are doing our best to stop the spread of COVID-19, this virus is sneaky. It can pass quickly from person to person, often without showing symptoms until it's too late. We can do our part by not gathering indoors with people from outside our household.
https://bit.ly/safegatherings
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A Twitter thread from the Institute for Disease Modeling is being widely shared for its clear description of the risks of COVID-19 transmission during traditional Thanksgiving gatherings in Washington this year.
Mike Famulare, principal research scientist at the institute, explained how gathering with people outside your home can exponentially increase your risk of infection.
“On average in WA, if you have dinner with 15 people, the risk of at least one bringing COVID is around 15% - 1 in 6. The same odds of catching a bullet in Russian roulette,” he wrote.
State health officials delivered a similar message at a telebriefing Wednesday. An audio clip has been excerpted on Twitter.
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Tulalip Tribes Chairwoman Teri Gobin on Wednesday announced a temporary closure of tribal government offices because of rising COVID-19 cases on the reservation. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until after Thanksgiving.
Gobin earlier in the week released a separate video explaining how new and current COVID restrictions will affect other aspects of tribal operations, including Quil Ceda Village, and gaming. Find it here:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=708814670051589
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With the recent restrictions from the Governor, and the continued challenges with the pandemic, the City wants to do what it can to help our local businesses. Therefore, the City is accepting up to 25 applications on a first come first serve basis. The minimum grant amount is $2,000.00 and each business who wishes to receive the funds must have a physical storefront within Sultan city limits. Deadline to apply is November 23, 2020. The City is doing everything it can to reach eligible business and assist them with the application.
More information and application.
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To show love for Lynnwood businesses, the City of Lynnwood is compiling a list of businesses still offering full or limited services during this time. We encourage Lynnwood residents to support our business community by continuing to patron businesses while still maintaining social distancing guidelines. Grab take out from your favorite restaurant or purchase a gift card to use in the future.
Does your business continue to offer products or services while maintaining social distancing guidelines? Let Lynnwood know at https://www.lynnwoodwa.gov/Government/Mayor-Nicola-Smith/Business-Resources/Open-for-Business
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Now through December 24, the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce will be highlighting local businesses and special offers they have for the holiday season. Businesses who sign-up on the Chamber website will have their business listed on their Shop Local webpage, along with contact information, an interactive map, and gift ideas.
Businesses: sign up here. Shoppers- don't forget to check the Chamber's website before you start shopping.
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The City of Arlington announces the availability of additional funds for Arlington small businesses through the Arlington Business Rent and COVID-19 Relief Program. Funding is possible through the Federal 2020 CARES Act and distributed to Arlington through Snohomish County.
This grant program focuses on small businesses that are critical to supporting our community’s broad-based recovery.
The City has $117,000 to distribute to qualifying small businesses for grants up to $3,500 to cover expenses related to COVID-19. Eligible costs include payment or reimbursement of existing and current lease/rent/mortgage payments, or increase in expense related to COVID-19, improvements necessary to meet safety requirements, or other COVID-19 related expenses. Documentation of expense is required.
Businesses must meet the eligibility criteria: have a physical location in Arlington city limits (not including home occupancy businesses), have a current City of Arlington business license, have 50 or less full time employees (including owner, not including part-time employees), have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, are applying for eligible lease/rent/mortgage payments or other qualifying expenses, be at least 51% majority owner in the business, and have a business recovery/sustainability plan.
Businesses who have received a City of Arlington Business Rent/ COVID Relief grant or Snohomish County Small Business Relief, Recovery, and Resiliency (R3) grant are ineligible for this grant.
The grant application opens November 20 at 1 p.m. and closes November 30 at 10:00 a.m.
Apply here: https://arlingtonwa.seamlessdocs.com/f/rentgrant
Questions: Call Sarah Lopez at 360-403-3448
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The City of Edmonds is partnering with Verdant Health Commission and Medical Teams International to provide free, non-invasive COVID-19 testing Monday, November 23rd from 10am–5pm at the Edmonds Woodway High School South parking lot (enter off of 76th Ave W). This is a drive-thru event, but walk-ups will not be turned away.
“The goal is to test as many people in the community as possible,” said Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson. “You may not be showing symptoms, but could still spread the virus. Getting tested protects your loved ones.”
The City encourages residents to put the family in the car and get everyone tested.
See the full Facebook post for more details.
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The Snohomish County Superior Court announced on Wednesday the suspension of jury trials until at least January 8, 2021.
In announcing the suspension of jury trials, the Honorable Bruce I. Weiss, Presiding Judge, Snohomish County Superior Court, stated:
“The rising number of COVID-19 cases in our state and local community causes great concern to our court. Effective immediately, Snohomish County Superior Court will suspend jury trial activities through January 8, 2021. This has been a very difficult decision to make, but it is the right decision based on the extraordinary circumstances that we currently face.”
“Changes in behavior are needed from everyone to combat the current spike in COVID-19 cases. The Superior Court is not exempt from the need to take steps to push the curve down and keep people safe. Temporarily suspending jury trials is the most responsible course of action for our court to take at this moment. The safety and well-being of our community demands it. The court has made significant modifications to jury trial operations in order to keep jurors safe, but the current rate of COVID-19 cases in our community will test those measures to their breaking point. It is simply not worth the risk.
“The court would in particular like to recognize and thank everyone who has participated in jury duty since July 2020 when our court resumed jury trial operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be carefully monitoring COVID-19 cases this winter and will continue to keep the community informed of any other modifications that are necessary to keep our residents safe, while also providing access to justice.”
Read the full release from the Superior Court.
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On Wednesday, County Executive Dave Somers extended his directive for remote work through at least July 2021 for all departments that report to the County Executive.
In an email, he wrote “Your safety and the safety of the public we serve is our highest priority. By working remotely, you are contributing to keeping our community safe and our health care system functioning. As you know, the governor has issued an order to stop social gatherings for the next four weeks. I urge you all to take this to heart. If we don’t bend the curve back down, the Governor may be forced to impose even more restrictions. Teleworking, wearing masks, and not gathering with people from outside your household are the best ways to do your part and help push the curve back down.”
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Everett Community College has adopted additional safety protocols to fight COVID-19.
The protocols were announced in a post Thursday from EvCC President Dr. Daria J. Willis.
EvCC leaders carefully reviewed the new statewide restrictions that began this week as well as guidance provided by the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Based on that information, the college adopted additional EvCC safety protocols covering a wide range of campus activities, including athletics, instruction, student housing and more. The full protocols can be found here and are in effect through January 2, 2021.
“For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, please stay home as much as you can, including this Thanksgiving,” Willis wrote. “The better we do now, the faster we’re back at the table with everyone we care about.”
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The Governor’s office has released additional information for impacted businesses and activities related to the November 15 Statewide restrictions. Information has been released for fitness, indoor activities, in-store retail, miscellaneous venues, outdoor recreation, personal services, professional services, real estate, religious and faith-based organizations, restaurants and taverns, and sporting activities.
For all businesses and activities not addressed above, previous phase guidance still applies.
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October jobs report
Washington’s economy added 1,000 jobs in October and the state’s preliminary seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for October decreased from 8.3% to 6.0%, according to the state Employment Security Department.
The state released the preliminary job estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics as part of its Monthly Employment Report.
For more information see the full press release.
Weekly initial unemployment claim filings drop by a third
Unemployment claims dropped more than 33% statewide Nov. 8-14 compared to the prior week, the state Employment Security Department reported Thursday. There were 16,837 initial regular unemployment claims brought during that period, still 123% more than filed during the same week last year.
Snohomish County initial claims filings decreased 39.3% during the week of Nov. 8 through Nov. 14, from 2,715 to 1,648.
See the full press release for more information.
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Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter on November 13 to the Trump administration requesting an extension of federal authority and funding for Washington National Guard employment in support of COVID-19 pandemic emergency response operations through March 31, 2020. The current federal funding authorization runs through Dec. 31.
Currently, more than 800 members of the Washington National Guard are continuing to support the state’s pandemic response, including more than 500 members who are supporting nearly 50 foodbanks across the state. To date, they have assembled and have helped deliver more than 3 million meals, or 62.3 million pounds of food, to struggling families.
Additional Guard personnel continue to help operate community-based test sites and build test kits. Together they have helped test nearly 61,000 individuals and assemble more than 300,000 test kits since the beginning of the pandemic.
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You can still celebrate Friendsgiving this year and be COVID-safe. Here are some tips on how to still be there for your friends. Make this Friendsgiving the one where no one gets COVID! #friendsgiving
Facebook
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Cumulative from January 2020 through November 20, 2020.
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ESSENTIAL LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
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