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We’ve been seeing COVID-19 case rates slowly decline over the past six weeks. For the two weeks ending Oct. 16, there were 311 new cases per 100,000 population. That’s down about 9% from the adjusted numbers for the previous snapshot. Remember: YOU play the most important role in the fight against COVID-19. Get your shot, wash your hands, wear a mask and stay home when you’re sick.
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Many traditions and favorite pastimes have looked a bit different. Last October, we were still a couple months away from the COVID vaccines being available. Fast forward to today and we have 70 percent of Snohomish County residents 12 years and older fully vaccinated, with more choosing to get their vaccine each day. This means that with a few health and safety measures, trick-or-treating is a go!
However, our case and hospitalization rates remain high. Our ghosts and goblins under 11 are not yet able to get the vaccine, and we still have more than 170,000 eligible residents who are unvaccinated. This leaves many community members who do not have protection against the virus and are at increased risk.
In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, like Snohomish County, people two years and older should wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings and while attending outdoor activities where close contact with others is expected. This would include your fall favorites like festivals, pumpkin patches, trunk-or-treating events, zombie rides, and corn mazes.
If planning to go to a large event outdoors, please know that the statewide mask mandate requires that masks are worn at large outdoor events of 500 or more people. This includes all people five years and older, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status.
For those going trick-or-treating, remember to:
- Keep your group small and stick to outdoor fun when around people you don’t live with.
- Maintain at least six feet from others and avoid scenarios where many people are concentrated in a central location.
- Wash hands before and after. Bring hand sanitizer along just in case.
- Wear a cloth face covering that fully covers the nose and mouth. Halloween masks are not a substitute.
- Stay home if you aren’t feeling well.
For those passing out candy:
- If you aren’t feeling well, skip the candy and stay inside.
- Wear a face covering that fully covers the nose and mouth, even if you’re vaccinated.
- Wear gloves, plastic baggies over hands or use tongs when handling candy.
- Avoid having people come to the door and/or ringing the doorbell. Sit in a chair in the driveway, garage, yard or porch.
- Do not use a communal candy bowl where people reach in for their candy. Instead, place candy in treat bags or spread out on a table or in the yard. Consider making a candy shoot, or place candy on small sticks planted in the grass.
- Use tape, signs or mini-pumpkins for directions and to keep kids six feet apart while waiting.
See the full press release for more information.
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A reason to celebrate: 70% of eligible people in Snohomish County ages 12-plus are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Among those receiving 11,200 doses during the seven days ending Oct. 12 were 4,500 residents completing the series. Take your shot: https://www.snohd.org/587/How-to-Get-Your-Shot
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Data continue to demonstrate a clear connection in Snohomish County between COVID-19 case rates and the percentage of people who are vaccinated against the virus.
These latest maps show that ZIP codes with the lowest vaccination rates are, with few exceptions, also the places with the highest levels of infection. Conversely, people living in ZIP codes with the highest levels of vaccination also have the lowest rates of COVID cases.
Find more local COVID-19 data, reports, and maps here and here.
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The Ash Way Park & Ride in Lynnwood is now open for drive-thru COVID-19 services, including testing and vaccination. Registration is required. Please go to www.snohd.org/drivethru or call 425-339-5278 for more information.
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Gov. Jay Inslee announced last Thursday that, effective Nov. 15, those operating large events in Washington will be required to verify that all attendees are either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received a negative test within the last 72 hours. The new rule applies to attendees 12 and older at indoor events with 1,000 or more attendees and at outdoor events with 10,000 or more. The vaccination rule does not apply to school or religious events.
The governor made the announcement during a press conference that included his spirited defense of vaccine requirements for most state employees. Data show that more than 90% of those workers by late last week had presented proof of vaccination ahead of the Oct. 18 deadline. That’s up from less than half in September.
“We can’t and we won’t surrender to this disease,” Inslee said.
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What you need to know about booster doses – While there’s been a lot of news about boosters in recent weeks, there’s also a lot of confusion. You may be wondering if multiple shots are necessary, regardless of your vaccination status. You may also be wondering if you’re currently eligible, or when you might be. Bottom line? Boosters will be important to fight COVID-19 — especially with new variants on the rise. But they’re not recommended for everyone.
Read more
Lo que necesita saber sobre las dosis de refuerzo de la vacuna contra el COVID-19 -- A pesar de que se han difundido muchas noticias sobre las dosis de refuerzo de la vacuna en estas últimas semanas, también hay mucha confusión. Es posible que usted se pregunte si son necesarias tantas inyecciones, independientemente de su estado de vacunación. También tal vez pueda preguntarse si usted es actualmente elegible para aplicarse la vacuna de refuerzo o cuándo podría serlo.
Leer más
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The state Department of Health is urging the public to get a flu vaccine this year to keep themselves and others safe and out of the hospital.
Flu activity may be more common this year compared to last year because the closures that were in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted. People are more active and mobile. Many adults have returned to in-person work and most children are back in school.
“Preventing the spread of flu will be critical in the months to come because it will reduce additional strain on our hospitals, which are currently extremely stressed due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, Chief Science Officer for the Washington State Department of Health. “If you haven’t received your flu vaccine yet, now is the perfect time. It will help protect you, your family and friends, and your community as we get back to doing the things we love.”
Everyone six months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccine. Young children, pregnant people, those with underlying health conditions, and people aged 65 and older are at high risk for flu-related complications. The flu is a highly contagious disease that can cause mild to severe illness, and lead to hospitalization and death – even in healthy, young people. Getting a flu vaccine reduces your chance of getting the flu, and it can be safely given at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine.
Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu, thousands are hospitalized, and some children die from flu. Across Washington, the flu vaccine, and all recommended childhood vaccines, are available at no cost for children from birth through age 18.
See the full press release for more information.
The best time to get your flu shot is before the virus starts circulating. That usually happens by the end of October. Say boo to the flu this year. Learn more.
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Have you visited one of the many amazing pumpkin patches in Snohomish County? If not, go enjoy some fall fun outside and support our local farmers. Once you’ve stocked up, download some of these fun new pumpkin carving templates at www.snohd.org/activities. Don’t forget to share pics when you’re done!
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Are you ready for Thursday’s ShakeOut earthquake drill? Register at http://shakeout.org. Drop, Cover, and Hold on, at 10:21 a.m. on 10/21.
If you are on the waterfronts in Edmonds or Everett, listen for this sound: https://bit.ly/3p7aL6J
Many of the new tsunami sirens the state has installed are scheduled to wail during what is planned as their first annual test. Learn more: https://mil.wa.gov/tsunami#sirens
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Cumulative from January 2020 to present.
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ESSENTIAL LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
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