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The case rate for COVID-19 in Snohomish County is up to 448 cases per 100,000 population for the period of November 29 to December 12. Last week, Snohomish County saw a record number of cases – more than 2,000 new cases reported in one week.
As of Monday, December 14, there are 93 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County hospitals, and 17 patients are relying on mechanical ventilators. Please note that, due to the large number of tests statewide, there is a backlog from the labs. Because of this, data from the Washington State Department of Health has been delayed today. We anticipate numbers tomorrow catching up to that backlog.
More info: www.snohd.org/casecounts
 COVID-19 vaccines are on the ground in Washington state, and this week, the first doses will be administered to high-risk health workers, as well as staff and residents of long-term care facilities.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, given 21 days apart. Clinical trial data show the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection starting 7 days after the second dose. Individuals will not be considered fully protected until 1 to 2 weeks after they receive the second dose. The clinical trials revealed no major unanticipated adverse events. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in people aged 16 and older Friday.
The state expects to receive 62,400 doses of vaccine this week. The first doses of vaccine will go to people in Phase 1a. This phase includes high-risk workers in health care settings, high-risk first responders, and patients and staff of long-term care facilities, estimated to be around 500,000 people in Washington. Read more details about phase 1a here.
The federal government has given Washington an estimated total distribution of 222,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine by the end of December. Regular weekly shipments should begin in January.
A second pharmaceutical company, Moderna, submitted an EUA application November 30. This application will be reviewed December 17. If the EUA is granted and the Moderna vaccine approved by the Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, we should get about 183,800 doses by the end of December as well.
Read the full release from the Washington State Department of Health.
 Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, Snohomish Health District Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters, and Snohomish County Emergency Management Director Jason Biermann give updates on the response to COVID-19 in Snohomish County.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSkkpJCHKuA
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