COVID-19 Update from Executive Somers

Snohomish County, Washington sent this bulletin at 04/06/2021 02:20 PM PDT

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Snohomish County Responds: April 6, 2021 Update

Case rate still climbing, now at 121 per 100,000 population

In just under a month, we’ve surrendered the ground gained on COVID since February. This path leads back to restrictions on business and activities. Please mask up. Avoid crowds, particularly indoors. Maintain a 6’ distance and wash your hands. #InItTogether

Line graph of Snohomish County case rate through 4-5-2021

County Executive and Snohomish Health District Give Latest Update on COVID-19

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Snohomish Health District Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters give updates on the response to COVID-19 in Snohomish County.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UNBy4ryNNs

Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce opens sixth mass vaccination site

The newest mass vaccination site in the county opened today, Tuesday, April 6.

The site is located at Boom City, 10274 27th Ave. NE in Tulalip. It is the sixth mass vaccination site coordinated by the Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce. This site is in partnership with the Tulalip Tribes.

The Boom City site is set up for drive-thru access. Like the other mass vaccination sites, it is by appointment only for those eligible under the phased approach to vaccination. The phases are set to open on April 15, expanding eligibility to all adults (including 16 and older for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the only vaccine so far authorized for those younger than 18).

The other five mass vaccination sites in the county will continue operating, as well, though exact days vary based on vaccine availability. The locations are listed, along with the type of vaccine provided and registration links for appointments, at http://bit.ly/snocovaccine. For people who do not have internet access, need language assistance, or have other barriers to online registration, the COVID-19 call center for Snohomish County is available between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 425-339-5278.

The Moderna vaccine is set to be administered at Boom City on its first day of operations, followed by the Johnson & Johnson vaccine later in the week. The vaccine is specified in the clinic information at the sign-up link, and people should check that information before signing up for their appointment.

The vaccine taskforce also has added a waitlist feature to the online registration for mass vaccination sites. That feature is in use starting with this week’s appointments. If appointments are full, people can now sign up for a waitlist for that day only. If there is a cancellation or additional doses are otherwise available at the site that day, people on the waitlist will be notified. The waitlist does not roll over, so people will need to sign up again for the next day.

Nearly 333,000 doses of vaccine had been administered in Snohomish County and more than 132,000 people were fully vaccinated as of March 30. That’s one in every five county residents over 16. Updated information is posted weekly at www.snohd.org/covidvaccine. The Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce has administered more than 156,000 doses of vaccine since early January.

The taskforce also has mobile teams of emergency medical staff with local fire agencies who are working to vaccinate homebound individuals. These teams are going out to vaccinate people who are unable to access an appointment outside of their home. These efforts are focused on people who are homebound by necessity, not those who would prefer to be vaccinated at home but can access care outside of the home.

In order to vaccinate as many eligible people as possible, it is critical that the first option is to direct people to a vaccination site, medical provider, clinic or pharmacy. If the barrier to vaccination is transportation, assistance is available in the community to help them get to an appointment. If access to technology, devices, or internet to register for vaccination is the barrier, community partners or the COVID-19 call center for Snohomish County can assist with registration.

Homebound individuals who cannot access vaccination outside of the home may contact the call center at 425-339-5278 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The call center makes referrals to mobile EMS teams and vaccination providers when the only way for someone to access the vaccine is through in-home vaccination.

Mobile teams also have been assisting with vaccination clinics at senior housing complexes, senior centers, and shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

Work is moving forward on community-based clinics to increase access for historically marginalized communities, as well. An electronic survey was provided last week to service organizations that work with these communities to gather information that will assist in planning for specific clinics. Resources continue to be limited, and these clinics aim to focus on communities that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. Data on vaccination as well as disease rates from the Snohomish Health District and Washington State Department of Health will inform planning. Those community-based clinics are expected to be underway later this month.

Even after being vaccinated, people should continue to wear a mask in shared spaces, avoid large gatherings, stay home if they feel ill, wash their hands, and clean and sanitize surfaces. It is important to keep up with preventive measures while work continues to vaccinate more people.

Vaccines Available for More Groups in Washington State

Vaccine supply is still limited, and it will take time to vaccinate everyone who is now eligible. We ask everyone to be patient as work continues to get Snohomish County residents vaccinated as quickly as possible.

Who is currently being vaccinated?

There is a phased approach to vaccinating against COVID. At this time, Phase 1a and 1b are being vaccinated, which includes:

Phase 1a

Workers in health care settings
High-risk first responders
Residents and staff of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other community-based, congregate living settings where most individuals over 65 years of age are receiving care, supervision, or assistance

Phase 1b1

All people 65 years or older
People 50 years or older who live in multigenerational households (2 or more generations)*
Teachers and childcare workers

Phase 1b2

Workers in agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit and public safety
People over the age of 16 who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high-risk

Phases 1b3 and 1b4

Anyone with two or more comorbidities
Anyone aged 60-64
People who work in restaurants, food manufacturing and construction jobs
Anyone in who lives in congregate settings, including group homes, jails and prisons
Anyone experiencing homelessness who seeks services in group settings

*Example: An older adult who cannot live alone and is being cared for by a relative or in-home caregiver, or an older adult who shares the home with a grandchild.

If you are a member of these groups and have not been vaccinated please contact your primary care doctor or email: COVIDVaccine@snohd.org or call 425-339-5278.

We appreciate the strong interest being shown to register for vaccinations. However, due to limited supply coming into Snohomish County, you should understand your preferred location and slot may not be immediately available. We are working as hard as possible to increase availability but are currently limited by low supplies from state and federal authorities.

If you do not fall within the above categories and are older than 16, you will be eligible on April 15, 2021.

Veterans are Eligible for Vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines are available for all veterans and their spouses. VA Puget Sound is providing COVID-19 vaccines at Seattle, American Lake, Silverdale, Mount Vernon, Chehalis care sites and its Mobile Medical Unit. No walk-ins, by appointment only. Call 206-716-5716 to schedule your appointment. Visit www.pugetsound.va.gov/emergency/index.asp for more information.