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The rate of COVID-19 infection in Snohomish County has hit 69 new cases per 100,000 population, the lowest level since autumn 2020. But the decline may be slowing, a virtual press conference was told Tuesday.
County Executive Dave Somers and Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Snohomish Health District, briefed reporters about the community’s COVID response.
The drop in new COVID cases corresponds to the rising numbers of people here who have at least initiated vaccination against the virus. Roughly 400,000 county residents age 12 and up are now fully vaccinated. Unfortunately, data modeling suggests that likely is too low a percentage to thwart spread of the virus should unvaccinated people opt to stop wearing masks, engaging in social distancing and other COVID-fighting behaviors, Dr. Spitters said.
It is “conceivable” that the community could see a resurgence in COVID cases, but also preventable, if only more people get vaccinated, he said.
Executive Somers said he is excited about the state reopening soon, but also has concerns. He agreed that more vaccinations are key.
“We need to celebrate the progress we’ve made and try to avoid a fifth wave,” he said.
The state is preparing to relax COVID restrictions by June 30, or earlier, if 70% of adults have at least initiated vaccination. Meanwhile, county government is planning on July 6 to transition to more in-person services at county buildings, Somers said.
Find a video recording of the full briefing here: https://youtu.be/69-bkZGomBI
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The other epidemic in Snohomish County received public attention Tuesday.
A virtual press conference focusing on the county’s response to the COVID crisis also provided an update on community efforts to address havoc associated with substance abuse disorder, a problem largely fueled by opioids.
Opioid-related overdose deaths in Snohomish County increased during the COVID pandemic, especially in the latter half of 2020, said Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Snohomish Health District.
Much of that loss is due to increasing prevalence of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl. Dr. Spitters showed data tracking the opioid epidemic’s shift from abuse of prescription opioid pain killers, then heroin, and now synthetic opioids.
“As you can see, fentanyl-related deaths have increased dramatically, with preliminary numbers for 2020 showing 126 deaths linked to fentanyl—more than twice what it was just two years prior,” Dr. Spitters said.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers in late 2017 partially activated the county’s emergency management system to address the opioid epidemic. In the years since, people from the county’s Department of Emergency Management have joined forces with colleagues in Human Services, the Health District, the Sheriff’s Office, area cities, the fire service and others. The Snohomish County Opioid Response Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MAC Group) continues to use innovation and collaboration to address the challenge, said Jason Biermann, the county’s emergency management director.
One key initiative has been encouraging people to learn how to use Naloxone, also known as Narcan, a lifesaving medication that blocks or reverses the effects of opioids, including potentially fatal overdoses.
“We need to have people know the signs and to be able to save a life,” said Amy Hill, Opioid Outreach Specialist with the Behavioral Health Division of the county’s Human Services Department.
Learn more about opioids, prevention, Narcan training and outreach at the Snohomish Overdose Prevention website and the Human Services Opioids Awareness webpage.
Find a video recording of the opioid briefing here: https://youtu.be/69-bkZGomBI?t=452
Or watch the brief social media video below that captures key information from Tuesday's update.
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More than two-thirds of Snohomish County residents ages 16-plus now have at least begun vaccination against COVID-19. Let’s push for the 70% summit. Get your shot or encourage somebody else to take that step: http://bit.ly/snocovaccine
#vaxupsnoco
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There’s a lot of COVID-19 vaccine information out there, and it can feel overwhelming sorting through it all. Sometimes, it’s even hard to tell what’s true and what’s not.
The Snohomish Health District has gathered some common questions or topics, along with information to help you make an informed decision about getting the vaccine. As always, we encourage you to talk to your health care provider if there are more questions. They can help you decide what is best based on your individual health needs and preferences.
See the full press release for more information.
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The latest COVID-19 modeling and surveillance situation report from the state Department of Health continues to show promising signs in decreased disease activity. The report also highlights the need for additional vaccination and continued preventive efforts (like wearing masks if unvaccinated) as the state moves toward reopening and beyond.
Vaccination is clearly protecting people from severe COVID-19 illness, as demonstrated by hospital admission trends. Example: The estimated admission rate for unvaccinated people is 21 times higher than for vaccinated people in ages 45-64.
Other findings include:
- Statewide case counts and hospital admissions continued to decline as of June 3, but were starting to flatten slightly.
- As of June 3, case rates continued declining in all age groups except people 70 and older, among whom rates remained flat.
- As of the end of May, statewide transmission levels remained relatively high.
- While vaccination has helped to reduce transmission, increases in estimated population immunity have started to flatten as vaccination rates slow.
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Variants of concern continue to pose additional risks for outbreaks and impacts to the health system, especially in places where vaccination rates are lower.
See the full press release for more information.
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None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain ingredients that would cause the injection site, or any other part of your body, to become magnetic. Magnetic superpowers are the stuff of comic books, not COVID vaccines. #vaxupsnoco
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Two doses are key against COVID-19 for Pfizer, Moderna vaccines
Our COVID-19 vaccination numbers are rising every week! In fact, we already gave over 7 million doses in Washington, and thousands more are getting the vaccine every day. Thank you to those who are fully vaccinated. If you already got a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, it’s important to make sure you get your second one.
Even though planning for it might add to your to-do list, please don’t skip it! You need both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to get the best protection against COVID-19.
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La aplicación de las dos dosis de vacunas contra el COVID-19, es clave
¡Nuestras cifras de vacunación contra el COVID-19 están aumentando cada semana! De hecho, ya hemos vacunado a más de 7 millones de personas en Washington y a diario miles de personas más están recibiendo la vacuna. Agradecemos a quienes están completamente vacunados. Si ya recibió la primera dosis de la vacuna Pfizer o Moderna, es importante asegurarse de recibir la segunda dosis. Aunque la planificación para que le apliquen la segunda dosis se le agregue a su lista de actividades pendientes, ¡por favor que esta actividad no se lo olvide! Necesita ambas dosis de la vacuna para obtener la mejor protección contra el COVID-19.
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Gov. Jay Inslee last week announced “A Heroes Thanks” vaccine incentive program for Washington's military and staff, veterans and their families who have been vaccinated through the Department of Defense, the VA or the National Guard. The governor was joined by Alfie Alvarado, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs for the announcement.
Starting July 20, through the Washington State Lottery, eligible Washingtonians can win cash prizes of $100,000 in the first two weeks, Amazon gift cards worth $250, state parks gift cards worth $100, and the final week will have a $250,000 cash prize.
"We are so grateful for these service members, veterans, their families and those who work for the military for their service to our country," Inslee said at a press conference last Thursday. "And we are grateful that more and more people are taking care of others by getting vaccinated."
The announcement came two weeks after the rollout of the "Shot of a Lifetime" lottery sweepstakes. Before the incentives were announced, the Department of Health observed a fall off in vaccination rates that began to reverse after the announcement, prompting an expansion of available incentives.
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As Washington businesses prepare for full reopening on June 30, many are looking for ways to reassure customers and clients that health and safety remain top priorities.
To help small business owners identify the safety protocols most likely to be important to customers, the state Department of Commerce has launched a new SmartWA business decision support system and COVID-19 dashboard. The tools were developed by Restart Partners and its partners ChoiceFlows and Tanjo.ai. The state Departments of Health and Labor & Industries also contributed.
SmartWA uses numerous data sources and artificial intelligence to provide small businesses most impacted by the pandemic with real-time outlooks about public health, economic and community conditions by county and industry. The decision support system features an interactive simulator that provide industry-specific predictions about which safety protocols are most likely to increase customer traffic in specific sectors.
“We know business owners are committed to reopening safely, and they want their customers to feel confident about visiting in person again,” said Lisa Brown, director of the state Department of Commerce. “This simple tool can help a business owner understand which safety protocols are most important to their customers.”
See the full press release for more information.
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More than two dozen nonprofits in Snohomish County will share $472,000 in grants designed to help them weather the COVID pandemic.
ArtsFund, in partnership with the state Department of Commerce, expects to distribute $10.78 million in recovery grants to 702 nonprofits in 34 counties statewide, according to a news release
The Nonprofit Community Relief (NCR) grant program announced on May 3, 2021 was designed to provide critical funding to nonprofit arts, cultural, science, and heritage organizations; neighborhood associations; sports and recreation nonprofit groups; and veterans service organizations impacted by the pandemic.
Recipients in Snohomish County include:
Arlington Fly-In, $15,000; Art Walk Edmonds, $5,000; Arts Council of Snohomish County DBA Schack Art Center, $22,500; Cascade Symphony Orchestra, $10,000; Cascadia Art Museum, $10,000; Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation, $11,500; Edmonds Center for the Arts, $22,500; Edmonds Driftwood Players, $20,000; Everett Chorale Association, $5,000; Everett Museum of History, $22,500; Gambian Talents Promotion, $6,000; Hibulb Cultural Center, $10,000; Historic Downtown Snohomish Association, $22,500;
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Imagine Children’s Museum, $22,500; US Quidditch, Inc, $15,000; KSER Foundation, $22,500; Mari’s Place DBA Mari’s Place for the Arts, $13,500; Marysville Historical Society, $8,000; Morning Star Korean Cultural Center, $22,500; Olympic Ballet Theatre, $10,000; Phoenix Theatre, $20,000; Pilchuck Glass School, $22,500; Rat City Roller Derby, $22,500; Sno-King Community Chorale, $5,000; Snohomish County Music Project, $22,500; South Snohomish County Dolphins, $20,000; Stanwood-Camano Community Fair, $22,500; Steel Magic Northwest, $10,000; Stillaguamish Valley Genealogical Society, $19,500; Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum, $11,000.
See the full press release for more information or the complete list of grant award recipients.
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Headed back to the office soon? It may take a little time to transition back to an in-person workplace after being virtual for so long. Remember to be patient as everyone adjusts to life outside of Zoom. #InItTogether
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Summer brings fun and activities, but also hotter days and seasonal wildfire smoke. Snohomish County is looking at an upcoming heat wave, with temperatures into the 90s predicted into early next week.
Don’t underestimate the danger of heat. It is one of the most life-threatening weather-related dangers in the U.S., with hundreds of deaths each year, according to the National Weather Service. Heat strains the body even with relatively short exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn.
It’s important to remember tips for staying cool and avoiding heat-related illness, as well as how to recognize the signs of heat-related illness in yourself or others. Some groups – young children, older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, people with limited mobility, and pregnant women – are more vulnerable to becoming ill from heat exposure. Watch out for yourself and those around you, and check in with others who may need help during extreme heat.
Learn more about heat and health, including a list of cooling center resources that is currently being updated for summer 2021, at www.snohd.org/weather.
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Cumulative from January 2020 through June 21, 2021.
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