|
For the third week in a row, Snohomish County’s case rate has continued its climb in the wrong direction. The rolling two-week case rate now sits at 121 per 100,000 for the period ending April 6.
A review of recent cases and outbreaks finds that gatherings continue to be the leading contributor. These have included baby showers, camping trips, high school sports, and get togethers for church, in peoples’ homes, and at restaurants and bars.
“I know people are wondering how cases are rising while vaccination rates are also rising. But as we’ve been sharing for weeks, we are very clearly not out of the woods yet,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Snohomish Health District. “These recent cases are largely in settings where people let their guard down around friends, family and coworkers.”
With 38% of the population having initiated vaccination and 23% completed, Snohomish County simply hasn’t reached a sufficient proportion of the population to interrupt the transmission of this very difficult to contain virus. A real slowing of COVID cases may not be seen until 80% or more of the population is fully vaccinated.
“We still have several months where we are relying on everyone to remain vigilant in wearing their masks,” added Dr. Spitters. “There will soon come a day when this is all behind us. When we can enjoy hugs and parties and other favorite past-times. But today is not that day. Nor will it be tomorrow.”
Until then, a plea with people to think twice about non-essential gatherings, and to keep those masks on and that 6’ distance from people they don’t live with. It’s also important to have windows or doors open to increase ventilation. It’s not forever. Just for now.
Please hold on longer so Snohomish County can get to the other side.
Don’t wait to donate blood
Bloodworks Northwest is reporting that local blood supplies are running dangerously low at a time when blood use by Pacific Northwest hospitals is higher than normal and rising. Blood donors are urged to continue their vital role in sustaining community health by donating at Bloodworks centers or pop-up blood drives across the Pacific Northwest.
It typically takes 1,000 donors to meet community need. In recent weeks, Bloodworks needs an additional 300 donors a week to keep up with hospital requests for blood.
Not sure whether you’re eligible to donate blood? There are some basic qualifications to donate—typically you’ll need to be at least 18, at least 110 pounds and in good health. But many other factors, like travel, tattoos, and vaccinations people think might disqualify them aren’t true.
“Donating blood has no impact on your eligibility to receive the vaccine, nor do you need wait to donate blood after receiving the vaccine,” said Dr. Spitters. “Donated blood is critical for cancer patients, premature babies, and moms who experience complications during delivery need lifesaving blood transfusions.”
All donations are by appointment only. The one-hour donation appointment is a safe and essential action to support local hospitals and patients. The pop-up centers are being conducted in accordance with social distancing guidelines. No walk-ins, guests, or people under age 16 are permitted onsite. All donors are required to wear masks during their appointment. Bloodworks has posted information addressing questions and concerns for blood donors at bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus. To make an appointment, call 1-800-398-7888 or visit schedule.bloodworksnw.org.
Read the full release.
|
|
|
Snohomish County and other Washington communities will face a first evaluation Monday under the state’s revised Roadmap to Recovery plan for fighting COVID-19.
All counties are now in Phase 3. Depending on what the numbers show, it is possible that some communities will be going backward to more restrictive Phase 2, Gov. Jay Inslee told a press conference on Thursday.
“As you know, Monday we will be evaluating the status of counties, and are concerned about several counties that may be in a situation to go back to Phase 2. We will have more to say about that Monday. But whatever happens, this will be dictated by the numbers,” Inslee said.
“The tune here is played by the virus not the Governor’s Office,” Inslee added later. “It’s the virus’s numbers that direct these decisions at this point.”
The state Department of Health’s latest statewide situation report on COVID-19, shows increasing transmission and daily case counts. Some of the findings include:
- COVID-19 transmission is increasing statewide.
- Statewide daily case counts began increasing in late March following a plateau in mid-February.
- The biggest increases are in younger people, who are less likely to be vaccinated and can still get very sick or die of COVID-19.
- Hospital admissions remained flat overall over the first three weeks of March, but are increasing as of more recent, incomplete data.
- Vaccination is helping protect people from severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Below are the metrics guiding Monday’s decision. Snohomish County is in the larger county category. On Friday, Inslee made clear that no county will go backwards unless it fails both metrics.
|
|
In a week’s time, more than 50,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in Snohomish County. We are now closing in on 1 in every 4 adults being fully vaccinated. #InItTogether #vaxupsnoco
Beginning April 15, all people 16 years of age and older will be eligible to be vaccinated. There are a few important reminders when vaccinating minors:
-
Pfizer-BioNTech is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for those 16 years of age and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are authorized for people 18 and older at this time. Please verify what vaccine brand is available at a location prior to making an appointment.
- Those age 16 or 17 may need consent from a parent or guardian to get the vaccine, unless they are legally emancipated. Providers may have different requirements for documenting consent, so please call ahead to find out what is needed. In general, Washington law does not allow unemancipated minors the right to consent to COVID-19 vaccination.
- Please do not seek or schedule appointments for ineligible minors.
For the mass vaccination sites operated by the Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce, people who are 16 and older may be vaccinated with parent or guardian consent for the Pfizer vaccine. An adult parent or legal guardian must accompany anyone under 18 to the vaccination appointment to sign the consent form on site. They should also bring identification showing proof of age for the minor, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate. The registration process is the same as for any other eligible patient – they can sign up via the registration links at http://bit.ly/snocovaccine or call the call center at 425-339-5278.
For minors who sign up for appointments at sites that are not administering Pfizer, they will be contacted by email with an appointment cancelation because the other vaccines are not yet authorized for ages 16 and 17. They provide date of birth during registration, which allows us to notify them if they have registered for a vaccine that is not authorized for their age group. Appointments for those under 16 at sites offering Pfizer will be cancelled, as well appointments for those 17 years of age and younger at sites offering Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. If a minor appears at a Snohomish County mass vaccination site unaccompanied or without consent from their parent or legal guardian, or without validation of age, they will be turned away without vaccination.
Read more about trials currently underway for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
|
|
|
The Snohomish Health District's COVID-19 testing schedule is as follows:
- Everett site located at 3715 Oakes Avenue – Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Lynnwood Food Bank site at 5320 176th St SW – open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Evergreen State Fairgrounds in the front parking lot off of 179th Ave SE in Monroe – open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments for testing are encouraged, and registration is available 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 to schedule a testing appointment. 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.
|
|
“I needed to be healthy and make sure I didn’t cause problems for other veterans and other seniors.”
- Kim Sharpe, falls prevention and veteran outreach with @SouthSnoFire
Why do you vax? Use #vaxupsnoco on social media to tell your story
Facebook
Twitter
|
|
The Edmonds City Council on Tuesday approved a measure that requires grocery stores in Edmonds to pay workers $4 per hour hazard pay for each hour worked for the balance of the COVID emergency.
Mayor Mike Nelson said, "Grocery workers are on the frontline working in a hazardous situation every day. Edmonds supports workforce practices that help ensure economic security and contribute to a fair, healthy, and vibrant economy."
The ordinance requires grocery stores that employ 500 or more employees statewide to provide their employees with hazard pay of $4 per hour for each hour worked in Edmonds until the Governor has declared the State of Emergency in Washington has been lifted. It applies to “grocery businesses” over 10,000 square feet in size primarily engaged in selling groceries for offsite consumption or businesses over 85,000 square feet in size with 30% or more of the sales floor dedicated to the sale of groceries. This ordinance does not apply to convenience stores, food marts, or farmers markets.
|
The City of Sultan and the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday announced the cancelation of the 2021 Sultan Shindig due to COVID-19 restrictions. A press release published on Facebook says that city and chamber officials spent two months trying to find a way to host the event and comply with guidance from the governor’s office, without success.
This is the second year COVID has canceled the Shindig. Sultan plans to offer other, smaller opportunities this year to celebrate the community, including a Farmer’s Market, Swap Meet and Music in the Parks events.
“While we are disappointed to make this announcement, I am excited about the prospect of new opportunities for our community,” Sultan Mayor Russell Wiita said. “Just like everything this past year, we are having to find new ways to do things and I hope the Farmers Market and Music in the Parks are here to stay even after Shindig comes back next year.”
|
|
|
The Snohomish Health District is providing a new COVID-19 course for teachers in our community, and the course offers one in-service hour (1.0 STARS credit which can be credited as a clock hour) at no cost for a limited time. Schools remain critical places for children to thrive, grow and develop. The intent of this training is to provide evidence-based information and practices for COVID-19. Topics covered will include how the virus is spread and specific guidelines for limiting exposure in out-of-home settings such as school. This training will provide guidance for engagement in typical school activities for children while practicing physical distancing, health screening and sanitation. Go here for more information or to take the course.
Note: This class is specifically designed for K-12 public and private school staff. School-age child care programs should take the COVID-19 Class for Child Care Providers for information most relevant to your setting.
|
|
|
Keeping your distance is a simple way to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Remember to wear a mask and follow the “Three Cs.” #InItTogether
Facebook
Twitter
|
|
Shellfish growers, farmers market organizations, agritourism farms, and small breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries can now make application for WSDA Relief and Recovery grants from the Washington State Department of Agriculture in coordination with the Washington State Department of Commerce.
These four sectors were selected for assistance as a way to bolster the health and diversity of the Washington state economy by providing support to disproportionately impacted and previously underserved agricultural sectors. The grant program opens Apr. 9 and runs through Apr. 26.
WSDA will provide nearly $15 million in small business assistance grants to help agriculture businesses and organizations in sectors that have been economically hurt due to marketplace disruptions created by the necessary public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant recipients are expected to receive $15,000.
Visit https://agr.wa.gov/services/grant-opportunities/covid-grants for more information or to apply.
|
|
Unemployment claims in Snohomish County climbed 2.5% during the week of March 28 through April 3, the Employment Security Department said Thursday. There were 1,193 claims filed in the county, 30 more compared to the week before, according to state data. Weekly claims totals in the county have moved up and down slightly in recent weeks, but overall have been largely unchanged since late February.
Statewide, there were there were 11,863 initial claims during the most recent data collection period, up 3.6% from the prior week. Initial regular claims are down 93% compared to the same period last year when the pandemic began creating economic mayhem.
For more information, see the full press release.
|
|
The state Department of Health reports that as of April 5, nearly 3. 8 million doses of vaccine have been given across the state, which is nearly 85% of the 4.5 million doses that have been delivered to our providers and long-term care programs. Washington is currently averaging nearly 60,000 vaccine doses given each day.
The three-week forecast from the federal government shows a substantial decrease in Johnson & Johnson vaccine starting next week. The forecast is an estimate that helps with planning at the state and local level. The numbers are subject to change as vaccine availability from the federal government may change. It is not uncommon for additional doses to be added later in the week before orders are placed.
- Week of April 11: 386,810 total doses (191,560 first doses, 195,250 second doses)
- This includes 225,810 doses of Pfizer, 148,100 doses of Moderna, and 12,900 doses of Johnson & Johnson
- Week of April 18: 355,980 total doses (182,960 first doses, 173,020 second doses)
- This includes 203,580 doses of Pfizer, 148,100 doses of Moderna, and 4,300 doses of Johnson & Johnson
- Week of April 25: 356,940 total doses (180,620 first doses, 176,320 second doses)
The includes 201,240 doses of Pfizer, 151,400 doses of Moderna, and 4,300 doses of Johnson & Johnson.
See the full press release for more information.
|
|
|
The state Department of Health has updated its guidance for local governments in establishing best practices standards for people who are ill with COVID-19 and depend on a service animal or emotional support animal. The 10-page guidance document outlines the legal definitions, patient responsibilities, safety and support information, and potential funding resources.
|
|
The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) is scheduled to begin accepting applications Monday for financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. FEMA says it plans to use a dedicated call center, going live April 12.
The funding is available under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
To be eligible for funeral assistance:
- The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
- There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
See the funeral assistance FAQ for more information.
|
|
|
Normally, any unemployment compensation someone receives is taxable. However, a recent law change allows some recipients to not pay tax on some 2020 unemployment compensation.
The IRS will automatically refund money to eligible people who filed their tax return reporting unemployment compensation before the recent changes made by the American Rescue Plan. These refunds are expected to begin in May and continue into the summer.
Under the new law, taxpayers who earned less than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income can exclude some unemployment compensation from their income. This means they don’t have to pay tax on some of it. People who are married filing jointly can exclude up to $20,400 – up to $10,200 for each spouse who received unemployment compensation. All other eligible taxpayers can exclude up to $10,200 from their income.
This law change occurred after some people filed their 2020 taxes. For taxpayers who already have filed and figured their 2020 tax based on the full amount of unemployment compensation, the IRS will determine the correct taxable amount of unemployment compensation. Any resulting overpayment of tax will be either refunded or applied to other taxes owed.
The agency will do these recalculations in two phases.
- First, taxpayers who are eligible to exclude up to $10,200.
- Second, those married filing jointly who are eligible to exclude up to $20,400, and others with more complex returns.
Taxpayers only need to file an amended return if the recalculations make them newly eligible for additional federal tax credits or deductions not already included on their original tax return.
For more information see the full IRS tax tip.
|
|
|
COVID-19 vaccines are new, and it’s normal to for people to have questions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The sheer amount of information—and misinformation—about COVID-19 vaccines can be overwhelming to anyone. Here are some suggestions for talking with friends and family about the vaccines:
- Listen to their questions with empathy
- Ask open-ended questions to explore their concerns
- Ask permission to share information
- Help them find a reason to get vaccinated
- Help make their vaccination happen
See the CDC’s full post more.
|
|
ESSENTIAL LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|