Our Schools Task Force is here to serve you.  Email us at COVIDSchoolsTaskforce@tpchd.org.

County metrics

See the latest COVID-19 data at tpchd.org/covid19cases. Updates every Thursday.

Guidance

• Washington State Department of Health (DOH) updated K-12 guidance to reflect the end of the Secretary of Health’s Masking Order on April 3.
• Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) also updated its guidance.

Testing

Though case counts are low in Pierce County, we highly encourage testing when you’re symptomatic or exposed to someone with COVID-19. 

• Say Yes! Covid Test portal is open until May 11. Tests are free.
• Federally supplied free at-home tests are available while supplies last or until May 11, whichever comes first.

• Three testing kiosks are available 24/7, offering both antigen and PCR test kits:
  • Bethel School District Learning Center in Spanaway.
  • Spanaway United Methodist Church.
  • Resurrection Lutheran Church in Browns Point.

Visit our testing page to register or to find other locations with varying hours and test options.

Upcoming event for school staff

• Health Commons Project is sponsoring a free statewide Learning Network event, 10-11 a.m., Thursday, May 18.
• Presenters include DOH and OSPI.
• Topics include:
  • What will COVID-19 management look like as we transition to pandemic recovery?
  • What resources can schools count on next fall to support school-based COVID-19 testing?
  • Learn about a new respiratory disease dashboard.
  • Learn about a centralized website for resources and communication between DOH and schools.
• Register today!

Vaccines

• COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They’re our best protection against COVID-19 severe disease, hospitalization and death.
• COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone regardless of insurance status.
• Everyone age 6 months and over, if eligible, can receive a bivalent booster dose for COVID-19 vaccines. It may offer more protection against COVID -19 as it targets both the original COVID-19 stain and the currently circulating strains BA.4 and BA.5.

Vaccine Resources

• Find vaccines at tpchd.org/vaxtothefuture or https://www.vaccines.gov/.
• You can check if you or your child needs a booster with the CDC booster tool.
• Pediatric COVID vaccine flyer.

Pediatric Vaccine Clinics

Lakewood Towne Center

• Open April 29, May 13, May 20, May 27.
• Noon-6 p.m.
• Vaccines available while supplies last:
  • All COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Flu vaccine for those 18 years and under.
  • Adolescent Tdap, HPV and Meningococcal vaccines.
• Walk-in only with no appointments needed.

Asia Pacific Cultural Center

• Open every Wednesday through May.
• 2-6 p.m.
• All COVID-19 vaccines available while supplies last.
• Walk-in only with no appointments needed.

Sumner United Methodist Church

• May 11.
• Noon-6 p.m.
• All COVID-19 vaccines available while supplies last.
• Walk-in only with no appointments needed.

Resurrection Lutheran Church

• May 9.
• 2 -6 p.m.
• All COVID-19 vaccines available while supplies last.
• Walk-in only with no appointments needed.

Eastside Community Center

• April 28, May 12, May 26.
• Noon-4 p.m.
• All COVID-19 vaccines available while supplies last.
• Walk-in only with no appointments needed.

People’s Center

• May 5, May 19.
• 3-7 p.m.
• All COVID-19 vaccines available while supplies last.
• Walk-in only with no appointments needed.