|
|
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters provided updates Tuesday on the community’s response to COVID-19. They were joined by Brad Zaback, VP/GM for The Boeing Company’s 777/777X Program and the Everett Site.
The Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce on Feb. 3 stood up the first indoor mass vaccination site at Boeing’s Everett Activity Center. The site already has administered COVID-19 vaccine to more than 1,800 people and has a capacity to deliver up to 10,000 shots per week, Zaback of Boeing said.
“We couldn’t be prouder to team with Snohomish County,” he said. “They’ve always been a great partner. We will continue to do everything we can.”
The county has plenty of capacity to vaccinate people, but those efforts continue to be hampered by limited supply, the briefing was told.
Executive Somers said he understands the frustration that is creating among people who are struggling to get appointments when available supply is meeting only a fraction of demand.
“We absolutely know that vaccination is really our end game, and it’s how we most quickly get the pandemic behind us and provide protection for our residents and get our businesses back up and running fully,” he said.
So far, more than 70,000 people in the county have received a first dose of COVID vaccines and roughly 15,000 are now fully vaccinated with a second dose.
Case rates also have declined 60% from the peak in December, but the virus continues to spread in the community, Dr. Spitters said.
“Now is the time for buckling down and following all of the public health measures,” he said. “Every time. Every outing. Every get-together with friends or family that you don’t live with.”
And that remains is true if you have been vaccinated. Think of the vaccine like your bicycle helmet or seatbelt, a tool that reduces the risk of harm but can’t eliminate it altogether, Dr. Spitters said.
Watch the briefing: https://youtu.be/88WxkokwsL4
Or read the transcript: https://www.snohd.org/DocumentCenter/View/6541/020921-Media-Briefing
|
|
|
The Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce has received a number of requests to provide details on when appointments are made available at its mass vaccination sites. This has been challenging due to the unpredictability of vaccine allocation and the limited number of doses available. The taskforce is now able to provide general timing for when appointments are likely to be posted as well as when sites are open, if they have doses.
For those who do not have internet access or are otherwise unable to register online, the COVID-19 call center for Snohomish County is available at 425-339-5278. The call center can help answer questions and, if appointments are available, register people. However, call center staff cannot modify, verify or cancel an existing vaccination appointment.
When are appointments posted?
- Appointments for the Edmonds and Everett sites, when doses are available, will open for a week at a time, typically posting over the weekend or early in the week (Monday or Tuesday).
- Appointments for the Arlington and Monroe sites, when doses are available, will open for one or two days at a time, posting around 2 p.m.
Please note that exact timing for opening appointments may vary from the target schedule listed above based on vaccine availability.
When are the mass vaccination sites open?
As doses are available, the mass vaccination sites in Snohomish County are open (by appointment only):
- Edmonds: Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Everett: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monroe: Days based on doses available, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Arlington: Days based on doses available, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
|
More than 70,000 people in Snohomish County have now received at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, data released Tuesday show. That’s a population roughly equivalent to Marysville, the county’s second-largest city. Meanwhile, nearly 15,000 people are fully vaccinated, having received a second dose. During the week ending Feb. 6, roughly 23,000 were vaccinated. So far, more than 11% of adults in the county have received at least their first shot.
More information: www.snohd.org/covidvaccine
|
|
|
As more people receive their second dose of COVID vaccine, you may hear more about side effects. It is normal to experience side effects like mild fever, chills, muscle aches or fatigue after you get your second shot. It’s a good idea to be prepared to feel under the weather for a day or two, but don’t let that discourage you. This is a sign that your body is building its defense against COVID. It is important to get both doses for the vaccine to be as effective as possible.
More on what to expect after you get vaccinated: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
Facebook
Twitter
|
|
|
Gov. Jay Inslee on Monday signed legislation providing relief for businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. SB 5061 will increase minimum unemployment benefits for workers and provide significant tax relief for businesses over the next five years, to support recovery from the economic impacts of COVID shutdowns. The legislation, which was requested by the governor, is a critical piece of the state’s COVID-19 recovery plan. It passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers.
COVID-19 has caused deep economic hardship for many workers and businesses. This bill, along with other relief we’ve provided, is another step in helping to mitigate these very difficult impacts.
See the full press release for more details.
|
|
|
During the week of January 27, an incredible act of graciousness occurred as the Tulalip Tribes leadership chose to offer every single teacher and support staff of Marysville School District an opportunity to receive the potentially lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine.
Tulalip understands the invaluable role educators play in the lives of our youth and as such exercised tribal sovereignty in deeming all MSD staff a high priority, a Feb. 4 Tulalip News post said.
“After taking care of our own tribal members, we thought it was appropriate to take care of our teachers because they take care of our kids,” explained Chairwoman Teri Gobin. “We know the value of taking care of the community, especially those entrusted to educate our youth. This is awesome being able to help out local communities and Marysville School District.
“To offer the vaccine to the teachers is phenomenal because it means our students will be able to get back to school and their teachers will remain safe,” she added. “By offering the vaccine to our teachers and other [essential service workers], we’re making our entire Tulalip community safer. It’s a means to get through this time together, so that we can again gather normally, have our traditional ceremonies and celebrate life again, together instead of apart.”
It’s been over a month since Tulalip received the much heralded Moderna vaccine. Over that time resources were directed at getting as many Tulalip tribal member households vaccinated as possible. Then emphasis was put on employees of Tulalip’s essential businesses. Now, the tribe is committed to its local educators as they prepare to reopen select grade levels in the coming weeks and hold in-person learning once again.
When the tribe reached out to MSD and informed them of the vaccination opportunity, the school district surveyed every staff member asking if they wanted the vaccine. Nearly 90% responded with ‘yes’.
From Wednesday, January 27, thru the following Friday, school district personnel travelled into the heart of the reservation to visit the makeshift vaccination distribution center that was the Tulalip Youth Complex. Highly excited and appreciative teachers formed a socially distanced line that wrapped around the building and went down Totem Beach road while waiting to be vaccinated.
For more information, see the full report.
|
|
The Everett Public Library launched two exciting new programs through BrainFuse! If you need help with your studies, HelpNow™ provides learning solutions, such as free online live tutors. If you’re looking for a new job or are ready to switch up your career, JobNow™ provides free live online coaches for resume and job interview preparation. Learn more about the free live tutoring and job coaching available at the Library via Brainfuse at epls.org/brainfuse or in the Library's blog, A Reading Life.
|
|
|
|
The Seattle Seahawks didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, but the team did finish the season without a single case of COVID-19. They’re the only NFL team to achieve this milestone. The Seahawks, who were this year’s division champions, are used to impressing fans on the field. But achieving a feat of this nature may have been the season’s biggest challenge.
In a new blog post, the state Department of Health explores the lessons that can be learned from the achievement.
 This image was taken Dec. 6, 2020 by AP photographer Elaine Thompson as Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll led his team against the New York Giants in Seattle.
|
|
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler on Monday announced an emergency order directing state-regulated health insurers to open a special enrollment from Feb. 15 through May 15 for people who are uninsured. The special enrollment aligns with President Biden’s executive order to re-open the federal health insurance marketplace during the same timeframe.
“Over 600,000 people in Washington state don’t have health insurance,” said Kreidler. “The more people who are insured, the better. The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on our state and expanding access to health insurance is an important step.”
Anyone who doesn’t have health insurance can buy a plan directly from an insurer or through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. The Exchange is also offering a special enrollment from Feb. 15 through May 15.
See the full press release for more information.
|
|
|
|
We all want to keep those we care about safe and help stop the spread of COVID-19. One of the best ways we can do that is to make sure that we isolate or quarantine for the recommended amount of time.
If you test positive for COVID-19, do you know how long to isolate yourself to keep others safe from infection? What if you learn you are a close contact of someone who tested positive — do you know how long to quarantine? What date can you point to on your calendar that will signal the end of your isolation or quarantine?
The Washington state Department of Health recently created an Isolation and Quarantine Calculator tool to take the guess work out of it.
Simply visit www.doh.wa.gov/CovidCalculator and follow the instructions based on your particular situation.
For more information, see the full press release.
|
|
|
U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen on Feb. 3 wrote the Biden administration urging progress on COVID-19 distribution challenges. He cited problems that limited vaccine supplies are creating in Snohomish and Island counties.
“The public health response must lead economic recovery, and the monumental task of vaccinating the American people is critical to that response,” Larsen wrote. “I look forward to working with the Biden administration to address vaccine distribution challenges, control the pandemic, keep families safe and get Americans back to work.”
|
|
|
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Local cities have created shopping guides and socially distanced events to help you find the perfect gift for that special someone.
Everett:
Find local deals on delicious food, tasty wine and unique gifts, and find COVID-safe date night ideas to make it a Valentine’s Day to remember. Learn more at visiteverett.com/valentines.
 Arlington:
Give your valentine a little love from Arlington! Shop local. https://shoplocalarlington.com/product-category/holiday-gifts/
 Monroe:
Come celebrate Valentines with our merchants and vendors along Main Street as we have our first Chocolate Crawl!
Boutiques and restaurants will be doing 10% off and valentines specials at participating locations when you have your wristband by purchasing a ticket! You will also receive your special sweet treat visiting each shop that participates. Visit Monroe Chamber of Commerce for details and how to participate.
|
|
|
Are you a COVID superstar? Show off your pandemic prowess with these printable merit badges. Go to www.snohd.org/activities to see how many you have earned so far. #InItTogether
Facebook
|
|
|
Cumulative from Jan. 2020 through Feb. 9, 2021.
|
|
|
ESSENTIAL LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
