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“As we have watched the horrible events unfold in Afghanistan the last few weeks, we stand in solidarity with all of those Afghans who worked alongside the United States for the past twenty years and in some cases much longer, particularly those who put their lives on the line by working with Armed Forces. We also offer our support to the activists for human rights, the women who empowered change, the youth who were building a better future for their country, and all those ordinary people who were doing their best to create a democratic Afghanistan. The Taliban may have taken land by force, but the dreams of many Afghans will not be easily conquered.
“Snohomish County has a proud history of being a community that welcomes and supports refugees who resettle here, not only in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families, but also as an opportunity to exercise their freedoms. Snohomish County is home to community partners and organizations that work to meet the needs of refugees in our community, including Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest. Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services, on behalf of the U.S. State Department, is leading the coordination effort to resettle refugees around the country and help provide housing, job placement, food, mentorship, and other much needed assistance. Snohomish County stands ready to welcome Afghan refugees into our community and pledges to work with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure they have the best start possible for their new lives in America.
“We encourage all residents of Snohomish County to welcome Afghan refugees into our community and to volunteer their time and resources to support our new neighbors as they adapt to life in our community.”
Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive
Stephanie Wright, Chair, Snohomish County Council
Megan Dunn, Vice Chair, Snohomish County Council
Nate Nehring, Snohomish County Council
Sam Low, Snohomish County Council J
Jared Mead, Snohomish County Council
Without intervention, COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County are on track to reach record levels in the weeks ahead, as the delta variant spreads and hospitals fill, a virtual press conference was told Tuesday.
The rate of new COVID cases during the last two weeks now stands at 442 per 100,000 people – the second-highest level in the last 18 months, said Shawn Frederick, Administrative Officer for the Snohomish Health District. There were 85 people with COVID in the county’s hospitals Tuesday, with 11 requiring ventilators to help them breathe.
If the rate of new cases continues unchecked, the county can expect numbers to climb above the high point set during the third wave of infection last winter, Frederick said. He shared a series of slides demonstrating how the delta strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading in the community, and how vaccines continue to provide the best protection against serious illness.
“We need everyone’s help de-escalating the current situation by masking up and getting vaccinated, if eligible,” he said.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said he was encouraged by Monday’s news that the Pfizer vaccine has now received full approval from the federal Food and Drug Administration.
If anyone was waiting to get vaccinated until FDA approval, the time has arrived, he said.
“We want to try every incentive we have available before we impose a mandate,” the Executive said. “Particularly in light of the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine, I believe now is really the perfect time to keep yourself and your community healthier by getting vaccinated.”
Watch a video of the full briefing: https://youtu.be/FoDtBnUnKKM
For the fifth year in a row, an Aug. 31 gathering in Everett will call attention to Snohomish County’s other pandemic.
The annual A Night To Remember, A Time To Act is focused on bringing hope and on highlighting the role of prevention and mental health in reducing the loss of life due to substance use disorder, and continuing efforts of combatting the stigma against those affected by substance use disorder and mental health, including families and loved ones of those struggling.
More than 230 people in Snohomish County were lost to drug-related overdoses in 2020 – double the number of deaths since the first candlelight vigil in 2016. There’s been a particularly alarming increase in deaths linked to synthetic drugs, namely fentanyl, which is 50-100 times more lethal than morphine or heroin. Snohomish County and many other communities have experienced a dual pandemic as we face both COVID and the ongoing epidemic of substance use disorder.
Event organizers Debbie Warfield and Cathi Lee joined a virtual briefing Tuesday morning to talk about the event and its purpose. The Everett moms lost their sons Spencer Warfield and Corey Lee to overdoses. They’ve turned their pain into purpose by hosting the event the past five years.
It’s time for action and recognition that everyone can be part of the solution in saving lives, Warfield told the briefing.
Progress has been made addressing the stigma around addiction and substance abuse disorder, Lee said. The Aug. 31 event is a demonstration that people aren’t alone, and that the problem can be addressed, particularly with early intervention, she said.
The event begins at 5 p.m. in the plaza at the Snohomish County Campus, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett. It is entirely outdoors this year and masks are required, per state orders and guidance. Those who are not comfortable attending in person may participate virtually through the livestream on social media via the Hope Soldiers and Snohomish Overdose Prevention Facebook pages.
See the full press release and listen to Tuesday’s video briefing for more information.
We are excited to be getting “back in the saddle” and having a 2021 Evergreen State Fair! After thoughtful consideration and guidance from state and local health officials, we have determined that a fair can take place this year with a few adjustments for the communities’ health and safety. The Evergreen State Fair will look a bit different this year with fewer vendors and limited daily capacity. While most of the Fair offerings take place outdoors, these proactive changes were made to allow more space around the fair park for fairgoers to enjoy the event.
The changes, including limiting attendance, are designed to allow the event to occur while keeping people safe, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers told a virtual media briefing Tuesday.
The success of the precautions will depend on individual actions, said Shawn Frederick, Administrative Officer for the Snohomish Health District.
“If you are feeling sick, don’t come to the fair,” he said. “… We all need to take steps to keep each other safe.”
This year’s theme: “Back in the Saddle Again – Open for Fun in 2021” is all about dusting oneself off after the challenging ride that was the last year and a half, and the anticipation of safely reuniting members of the community and fans of the Fair after making it through 2020 together. With increased sanitation, limited capacity, and adherence to health guidelines like the mask directive for public indoor spaces, the Fair staff has plans in place to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible while at the Fair Park. Snohomish County officials hope that the 2021 Fair will bring joy and tradition back to your family’s summer festivities. Enjoy the wonder of experiencing something new, the sweet nostalgia of revisiting old favorites, and the beauty of sharing all of this in community.
See the full press release and the Fair’s COVID-19 response page for more information.
The number of Snohomish County residents getting their first dose of COVID-fighting vaccine continues to increase each week. With the delta variant, it’s more important than ever to get vaccinated if eligible. It helps protect you, your community and those not able to get vaccinated, including children under 12. To find a vaccine site near you, visit www.snohd.org/covidvaccine.
 Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and Snohomish Health District Administrative Officer Shawn Frederick provide updates on the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and event organizers Cathi Lee and Debbie Warfield shared information on the 5th annual candlelight vigil and resource fair "A Night To Remember, A Time To Act."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoDtBnUnKKM
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