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Gov. Jay Inslee says he is set to remove most COVID restrictions June 30 -- earlier if the state hits the goal of 70% of adults 16 and up at least starting vaccination
Snohomish County will remain in Phase 3 for Memorial Day and school graduations ahead. In addition to all counties being in Phase 3 effective May 18, Governor Inslee announced at statewide reopening date of June 30. That reopening could come even sooner if 70% of Washington residents over the age of 16 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This comes on the heels the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saying that fully vaccinated people can now be mask-free in most settings. There are exceptions where required by federal, state, local, or tribal laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
For more than 383,000 residents, or 57% of those in Snohomish County that are 16 or older, this comes as welcome news. That's the number of people who have initiated vaccination and are either soon or now able to resume many of their pre-pandemic activities without a mask or social distance. However, masks are still required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation regardless of vaccination status.
The Governor’s Office and state Department of Health are working to update guidance documents to align with the CDC, with more clarity expected in the coming days on how people and businesses can implement the change. Governor Inslee indicated that this guidance does not apply to health care settings like hospitals, long-term care, or doctor’s offices; correctional facilities, homeless shelters, or schools. Staff, customers, students, and visitors in these settings should continue to follow existing requirements for mask usage.
People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Those who don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, are not fully vaccinated and must continue to follow all prevention measures.
What to keep doing after being fully vaccinated:
- Still follow guidance at workplaces and local businesses.
- Continue to take steps to protect yourself and others when traveling. International travelers arriving in the United States are still required to get tested within 3 days of their flight and should still get tested 3-5 days after their trip. Vaccinated individuals traveling domestically are no longer required to seek testing or self-quarantine upon return.
- Watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially after being around someone who is sick. If symptoms develop, get tested and stay home and away from others.
- Talk to a healthcare provider if there are medical conditions or medications that weaken the immune system. Some people may need to keep taking all precautions to prevent COVID-19.
- Choose to continue prevention measures like mask usage, social distancing and avoiding gatherings if so desired.
Even with the growing number of residents vaccinated, Snohomish County is still far below the level of immunity needed in the community to stop disease transmission from happening. There is some concern that some unvaccinated or partially vaccinated residents may opt to skip the mask, which would slow down recovery efforts. Individuals are encouraged to keep masks handy, as well as proof of vaccination if requested by an organization. The best path forward is for individuals to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and to continue wearing masks when around non-household members until fully vaccinated.
See the full press release for more information.
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Reopening can come sooner than the end of June if the state reaches 70% of people with at least their first dose. As the third most-populated county in the state, Snohomish County can play a big role in reaching that goal.
This is a great weekend to get vaccinated, with multiple sites open in Snohomish County. No cost. Appointments recommended but not required. Under 18 can only get Pfizer and must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. More: http://bit.ly/snocovaccine
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday announced that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID can now go without masks in most settings. There are exceptions, however, and it still makes sense to bring your mask.
Stay tuned for more information about where and when to mask up.
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Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Jason Biermann, the county’s director of the Department of Emergency Management, provided a detailed update Thursday about the county’s continuing efforts fighting COVID-19.
The presentation to Economic Alliance Snohomish County outlined the multiple ways thousands of people across more than a year have worked to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and to mitigate its impacts.
“It’s really been partnerships and the team,” Biermann said. “It’s been folks from all over the county who have pulled together to make all this happen.”
Executive Somers stressed the importance of residents getting vaccinated against COVID as the county moves toward recovery from the pandemic.
Getting people back to work and businesses again thriving are primary goals, as is making sure assistance is equitable and reaches every part of the community, Somers said.
“Recovery takes a while,” the Executive said. “There is a lot of work to be done and we are going to keep at it, with all of you.”
View a video of Thursday's briefing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQUtkSx_Jac
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Snohomish County announced Thursday that plans are being developed to open an 11-day Evergreen State Fair at the Evergreen State Fair Park in Monroe this year from August 26-31 and September 2-6. The Fair will be closed September 1. This year’s theme: “Back in the Saddle Again – Open for Fun in 2021” is a cheerful metaphor of dusting oneself off after the challenging ride that was 2020, and the anticipation of reuniting members of the community and fans of the Fair after making it through 2020 together. With increased sanitation, capacity limits and adherence to health guidelines like social distancing and mask usage, the Fair staff has plans in place to keep everyone safe and healthy while at the Fair Park.
Since health and safety guidelines and related metrics will ultimately guide decision-making, the Fair will feel and look a little different in 2021. Snohomish County officials are hopeful that the 2021 Fair will nonetheless bring a lot of joy and tradition back to the summer festivities.
“One mission of the Fair is to connect communities,” said Jeremy Husby, Division Manager, Evergreen State Fair Park. “Every year the fairgoers, volunteers, and our partners celebrate and showcase the hard work of our neighbors, friends and fair family. The 2021 Fair acknowledges the challenges and isolation the community faced during the last year. While respecting the challenges are not over, we are committed to offering an event that celebrates our fellow Washingtonians. Our event hopes to reconnect our communities and demonstrate we have so much to be thankful for now and into the future.”
With changes such as advance purchase admission and parking e-ticketing, electronic building capacity message boards and other innovations, Fair staff are working hard to make a 2021 Fair safe, fun and possible.
“Snohomish County welcomes some celebration after a year of struggle and sacrifice,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “While the Evergreen State Fair may be a bit different this year, we’re looking forward to getting everyone ‘Back in the Saddle Again!’ We have no doubt that our agriculture community, vendors, guests, and Fair family will be excited to have the opportunity enjoy the end of summer festivities the Fair offers.”
“Everyone looks forward to the Evergreen State Fair, and after the cancellation in 2020, we couldn’t be happier to see this important community event come back,” said Snohomish County Council Chair Stephanie Wright. “With the proper health and safety guidelines, it will be a fun, festive, and safe fair.”
Information about entertainment, exhibits, vendors and more will be announced in the coming months. It will be crucial to “Know before you go” to enjoy a safe and fun fair. With COVID-19 information changing frequently, the guidelines and state recommendations for fairs could shift. Stay connected with the Fair Park and updates through their website, newsletter and social media at www.evergreenfair.org.
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The state Department of Health on Thursday released guidance for the 2021 summer school session and 2021-2022 school year. The guidance was welcomed by Chris Reykdal, state Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity for all students who want to learn in-person full-time next year, to return to our buildings full-time,” Reykdal wrote. “We have outstanding public schools and passionate educators; our road to a full recovery continues!”
Under the updated guidance, schools must plan to provide full time in-person education for all interested students for the 2021-2022 school year with the following mitigation efforts:
- All students, school personnel, volunteers, and visitors must wear at least a cloth face covering or an acceptable alternative when indoors, as well as outdoors where a minimum of six feet distancing cannot be maintained.
- Schools must have basic ventilation, cleaning and infection control plans updated to reflect what is currently known about COVID-19.
- In preparation for the potential of COVID-19 infections while at school, schools must have a response plan in place that includes communication with staff, families, their school district, and local health jurisdiction.
- Schools should prepare to provide instruction for students who are excluded from school due to illness or quarantine.
- Physical distancing of at least three feet or more between students in classroom settings and at least six feet or more in most situations outside of the classroom to the degree possible is recommended. However, physical distancing recommendations should not prevent a school from offering full-time, in person learning to all students/families in the Fall.
- While COVID-19 testing programs and vaccinations are not required for providing in-person learning, these measures can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools and the broader community.
“Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being. They provide children with academic instruction, support for developing social and emotional skills, safety, reliable nutrition and more,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health.
The guidance is being released early to give school districts time to plan, Shah added.
See the state health department’s full press release for more information.
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The schedule for drive-thru COVID-19 testing through the Snohomish Health District 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.
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Unemployment claims in Snohomish County climbed 31% during the week of May 2 through May 8, the state Employment Security Department said Thursday. There were 1,446 initial claims filed in the county, 344 more compared to the week before, according to state data.
Statewide, there were 16,605 initial claims during the most recent data collection period, up 58% from the prior week. Initial regular claims were down 85% compared to the same period last year when the economic impacts of the pandemic were sharply increasing. The four-week average for initial claims statewide remains elevated at 12,989. That’s more than double the usual rate, and similar to the levels seen during the Great Recession, the state says.
For more information, see the full press release.
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"There’s a lot of peace of mind once you’ve had that shot.”
-- John Lovick, Washington State Representative
Why do you vax?
#vaxupsnoco
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Getting a COVID vaccine is quick and easy at Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce mass vaccination sites. Just watch this video to see for yourself. #VaxUpSnoco
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While there are plenty of reasons for optimism, the pandemic continues to bring challenges. Close relationships with friends and family can help us weather difficult times. Choose people who encourage and motivate you. #youmatter
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The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General last year with the mission of identifying evidence-based lessons and insights from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group’s findings were released Wednesday. The full report is available online. So is an 8-page summary of key findings.
“The Independent Panel has found weak links at every point in the chain of preparedness and response,” the summary says. “Preparation was inconsistent and underfunded. The alert system was too slow—and too meek. The World Health Organization was under-powered. The response has exacerbated inequalities. Global political leadership was absent.”
Even as the world continues to wrestle with waves of COVID outbreaks and deaths, its focus must be beyond COVID-19, the panel urges.
“It must learn from this crisis, and plan for the next one,” the panel says. “Otherwise, precious time and momentum will be lost. That is why our recommendations focus on the future. COVID-19 has been a terrible wake-up call. So now the world needs to wake up, and commit to clear targets, additional resources, new measures and strong leadership to prepare for the future.”
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ESSENTIAL LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
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