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Flu News
The Department of Health (DOH) collects data on flu activity (PDF) in Washington state all year. DOH publishes flu activity reports every week from the fall through the spring. Flu activity is low. It’s more important than ever to get a flu vaccine this yearWe may not have a vaccine yet for COVID-19, but we DO have a vaccine for flu. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick with flu during the COVID-19 pandemic. We can all do our part to prevent illness and hospitalizations caused by flu. This will help save healthcare resources for COVID-19 response in our communities. The flu vaccine is your best protection against flu.
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- It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to protect you from flu. The flu vaccine does NOT protect against coronavirus, colds, or other viruses that cause respiratory illness.
- The flu vaccine keeps many people from getting the flu. Some people who get the flu vaccine may still get sick. If you do get the flu, the vaccine will help reduce the severity of your illness. It will also lower your chance of needing to go to the hospital.
- When you get the flu vaccine you will also protect your family and community.
- You can also stop flu by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, and staying home when you are sick. Cloth face coverings (masks) help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the flu.
- In Washington, all children under age 19 get flu vaccines and other recommended vaccines at no cost.
- The provider may charge an administration fee to give the vaccine. You can ask them to waive this fee if you cannot afford it.
- Most insurance plans, including Medicare part B, cover the cost of flu vaccine for adults.
- Adults aged 19 and older who do not have health insurance, or are underinsured, can receive flu vaccine at no cost this season at 23 participating Safeway and Albertsons pharmacies:
- Talk to your local health district for information about other no-cost flu vaccine options that may be available in your community
NEWS RELEASE
January 5, 2021
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced “Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery,” a COVID-19 phased recovery plan. Beginning on January 11, the state will follow a regional recovery approach with every region beginning in Phase 1.
“No one was untouched by the effects of the pandemic in 2020; many have and continue to suffer through no fault of their own,” Inslee said during a press conference Tuesday. “We aren’t out of this yet, but we are close to turning the corner on COVID-19 and this third wave of infection.”
Washington has avoided overwhelming the state’s health care systems throughout this pandemic so far through rigorous safety measures, such as physical distancing and masking, as well as social and economic restrictions. This new recovery system aims to safely ease some restrictions while also maintaining crucial hospital capacity, ensuring care for Washingtonians that need it and paving the way for economic recovery.
Regions
The regions are mostly based on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) regions used for evaluating healthcare services. There will be eight regions of four or more counties, divided according to available health care services based on metrics such as hospitalizations, case data and disease mobility.
The eight regions are as follows:
- Central: King, Pierce, Snohomish
- East: Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman
- North: Island, San Juan, Skagit, Whatcom
- North Central: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan
- Northwest: Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason
- South Central: Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Kittitas, Walla Walla, Yakima
- Southwest: Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Wahkiakum
- West: Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Thurston
MetricsA region’s phase will be determined by the Department of Health (DOH) in response to four metric requirements. The final metrics for regions will be calculated on Friday, January 8 and will be effective January 11.
To go forward from Phase 1 to Phase 2, regions must meet all four metrics:
- Decreasing trend in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100K population (decrease >10%)
- Decreasing trend in two-week rate new COVID-19 hospital admission rates per 100K population (decrease >10%)
- ICU occupancy (total — COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) of less than 90%
- COVID-19 test positivity rate of <10%
- Decreasing or flat trend in two-week rate of COVID-19 cases per 100K population
- Decreasing or flat trend in two-week rate new COVID-19 hospital admission rates per 100K population
- ICU occupancy (total — COVID-19 and non-COVID-19) of less than 90%
- COVID-19 test positivity rate of <10%.
The metrics for each region will be updated on the Risk Assessment Dashboard every Friday. Dependent on a region’s metrics, DOH will move into a new phase — forward or backward — the following Monday.
DOH and local health departments reserve the right to move a region outside of this timing, and additional phases may be added as the state’s COVID-19 situation changes with continued vaccine distribution and other changes in public health response.
“Our goal is to reopen our economy safely, and to do it as quickly as possible. Every week, we plan on tracking our ongoing progress in protecting our communities against COVID-19,” said Secretary of Health Umair Shah.“The governor’s new plan will allow all of us to understand what measures are being used for the path forward including when it makes sense to ease restrictions across the state.”
Phase 1All regions will begin in Phase 1, because of current metrics.
Phase 1, for the most part, aligns with restrictions current in place for most counties today, with a few key exceptions. Indoor fitness and outdoor entertainment, for example, were both previously prohibited, but will now be permitted with restrictions.
Currently, all indoor fitness is entirely prohibited. DOH now believes that the state can safely allow appointment-based fitness and training where there is no more than 1 customer per room or 500 square feet for large facilities. This will allow gyms to schedule people wanting to come in to work out in a safe way to ensure activity during winter months. Masks and physical distancing are required.
Outdoor entertainment establishes will be permitted to reopen in Phase 1, including zoos, outdoor theaters and concert venues, and rodeos, among other outdoor venues. Operation must be by ticketed event only with groups of 10 maximum with a limit of two households. Timed ticketing is required, as well as facial coverings and physical distancing.
Indoor gatherings and indoor dining remain prohibited. Outdoor dining with a maximum of six and limit for two households per table is permitted with an 11:00 PM close.
Retail, worship services, personal services, and professional services — where remote work isn’t available—are limited to 25% capacity.
Phase 2Once a region meets all four required health metrics, they will be permitted to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2. This phase sees some relaxation in regulations, but masks and physical distancing are still required statewide for all activities.
Indoor social gatherings with people outside of the household begins being permitted in Phase 2 with a max of 5 people from outside the household and limit of two households. Outdoor social gatherings maximum in this phase is increased to 15 individuals from two households.
In Phase 2, indoor dining will be permitted with a maximum 25% capacity and an 11:00 PM close. All other indoor activities must also follow a 25% capacity limit. This includes retail, entertainment and groceries, as well as personal and professional services.
Indoor fitness must also follow the 25% capacity limit.
In Phase 2 moderate risk indoor sports and all sports outdoors gain flexibility to have league games and competitions, which will help ensure opportunities for kids to be active, which is especially important during winter months and as kids navigate virtual or hybrid schooling.
Outdoor entertaining may host groups of up to 15 with the two-household limit and an overall 75 person maximum. Wedding and funeral ceremonies and indoor receptions may take place following the appropriate venue requirements. Food and drink service limited to restaurant guidance.
Read the full phase activity chart here.
“It’s a new year, and COVID-19 is no longer new to us,” Inslee said. “We’ve learned a lot; we’ve struggled a lot; we’ve accomplished a lot. Washingtonians are undeterred. This battle continues, but the turning point is on its way.”
November 15, 2020
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country.
The new restrictions come as Washington sees consistent increasing daily case counts, with over 2,000 cases a day over the weekend and average cases in the state doubling over the past two weeks.
“This spike puts us in a more dangerous a position as we were in March,” Inslee said during a press conference Sunday. “And it means, unfortunately, the time has come to reinstate restrictions on activities statewide to preserve the public’s well-being, and to save lives. These were very difficult decisions that have very real consequences to people’s livelihoods. I recognize that and don’t take those impacts lightly, but we must act now and act quickly to slow the spread of this disease.”
The restrictions are statewide and will take effect Monday, November 16 at 11:59 PM and will remain in effect until Monday, December 14. The modified restrictions of restaurants, however, will take effect Wednesday, November 18 at 12:01 AM.
To help mitigate financial impacts on businesses and their employees, the state will commit $50 million in aid. In the short term, the state is commuting $20 million be dedicated to cash assistance targeted directly to hardest hit industries. Remaining funds will be focused on supporting recovery efforts through business loans. Additional details are forthcoming.
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a four-week statewide set of restrictions in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country.
The new restrictions come as Washington sees consistent increasing daily case counts, with over 2,000 cases a day over the weekend and average cases in the state doubling over the past two weeks.
“This spike puts us in a more dangerous a position as we were in March,” Inslee said during a press conference Sunday. “And it means, unfortunately, the time has come to reinstate restrictions on activities statewide to preserve the public’s well-being, and to save lives. These were very difficult decisions that have very real consequences to people’s livelihoods. I recognize that and don’t take those impacts lightly, but we must act now and act quickly to slow the spread of this disease.”
The restrictions are statewide and will take effect Monday, November 16 at 11:59 PM and will remain in effect until Monday, December 14. The modified restrictions of restaurants, however, will take effect Wednesday, November 18 at 12:01 AM.
To help mitigate financial impacts on businesses and their employees, the state will commit $50 million in aid. In the short term, the state is commuting $20 million be dedicated to cash assistance targeted directly to hardest hit industries. Remaining funds will be focused on supporting recovery efforts through business loans. Additional details are forthcoming.
NEWS RELEASE
May 18, 2020
Asotin County approved to move to phase two of Gov. Jay Inslee's Safe Start planCamp Murray, WA — Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved the variance application for Asotin County to move into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. This brings the total to 10 counties.
Businesses in the counties approved to move into Phase 2 must wait to reopen until guidance has been released for their industry on how to keep workers and the public safe. They must comply with all health and safety requirements outlined in that guidance to reopen.
To apply for a variance, counties must have a population of less than 75,000 and no new cases of COVID-19 in the last three weeks. The application process requires support from the local health officer, the local board of health, local hospitals, and the county commission/council.
Each county must demonstrate they have adequate local hospital bed capacity as well as adequate PPE supplies to keep health care workers safe. The application must include plans for:
The state is still considering additional options to support different regional needs in reopening. Learn more about county variances and the statewide response to COVID-19 at coronavirus.wa.gov.
Individuals can also find COVID-19 information on the Department of Health’s website or call 1-800-525-0127. Individuals can text the word “coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on their phone wherever they are.
May 18, 2020
Asotin County approved to move to phase two of Gov. Jay Inslee's Safe Start planCamp Murray, WA — Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved the variance application for Asotin County to move into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. This brings the total to 10 counties.
Businesses in the counties approved to move into Phase 2 must wait to reopen until guidance has been released for their industry on how to keep workers and the public safe. They must comply with all health and safety requirements outlined in that guidance to reopen.
To apply for a variance, counties must have a population of less than 75,000 and no new cases of COVID-19 in the last three weeks. The application process requires support from the local health officer, the local board of health, local hospitals, and the county commission/council.
Each county must demonstrate they have adequate local hospital bed capacity as well as adequate PPE supplies to keep health care workers safe. The application must include plans for:
- Making testing available and accessible to everyone in the county with symptoms
- Staffing case investigations and contact tracing
- Housing people in isolation or quarantine who can’t or don’t want to do so at home
- Providing case management services to those in isolation and quarantine
- Responding rapidly to outbreaks in congregate settings.
The state is still considering additional options to support different regional needs in reopening. Learn more about county variances and the statewide response to COVID-19 at coronavirus.wa.gov.
Individuals can also find COVID-19 information on the Department of Health’s website or call 1-800-525-0127. Individuals can text the word “coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on their phone wherever they are.
Learn more about the
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
in Washington State.
3/23/2020 updated proclamation
COVID-19 Update, May 3, 2020Good afternoon! The state Department of Health (http://www.doh.wa.gov/) wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19 as well as guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers.
A phased approach
The quickest way to reopen the economy and schools is to control the spread of COVID-19. The governor has extended his Stay Home, Stay Healthy order through May 31 and described a plan to reopen the state in four phases, while improving and closely monitoring the control of the virus. A table describing the phases in more detail is available here: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/PhasedReopeningChart.pdf
- Phase 1 begins May 5 with the reopening of some recreational activities, including day use at state parks, playing golf, fishing, and hunting.
- Phase 2 will allow small gatherings of five or fewer people, new construction, and reopening of barber shops, salons, and pet care services.
- Phase 3 will allow gatherings of up to 50 people, including sports activities, and non-essential travel can resume.
- Phase 4 will involve resuming the majority of public interactions. Gatherings of more than 50 people will be allowed, but, until a vaccine is available, we will still need to stay at least six feet away from other people.
In determining whether it is time to move to the next phase, we will consider many data sources describing different aspects of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people in Washington. How many people are getting sick? How many need to be hospitalized and how many die of COVID-19? We anticipate that there will always be at least three weeks between phases so that we have time to collect and review the data to make sure we are not seeing an increase in the number of people impacted by the disease as we modify the restrictions. You can find an overview of some of the data we will review here: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/covid-19-risk-assessment-dashboard
In addition, in order to reopen more activities, the state must be able to accomplish these crucial capabilities:
- Health care: Make sure the health care system is able to handle another surge of patients in case the virus again spreads rapidly through the population.
- Testing: Increase the number of people who are tested for COVID-19.
- Contact investigations: We need to be able to reach everyone who comes in contact with someone with COVID-19 to make sure they are tested and isolated.
- Protect high-risk populations: High-risk populations include essential workers, people in long term care facilities, and people over age 65 and with underlying chronic illnesses.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Try not to touch your face.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
- Stay at least six feet away from other people.
Differences among counties
Not every part of the state is experiencing the pandemic the same way. Some counties may be able to resume certain activities safely, while others remain at higher risk and need to continue stricter precautions. In any community where some restrictions are lifted, we will closely monitor the data around COVID-19 and will reinstate restrictions if COVID-19 activity increases.
- Some counties could have fewer restrictions. Very small counties with low to no COVID-19 activity will be able to apply for a waiver from some of the restrictions.
- Some counties could have more strict restriction Cities and jurisdictions can take more strict actions than what the state is mandating. That is up to them based on their public health needs and local decision making.
Practice compassion. This is hard. We must help each other, and we must be resilient. Be patient and kind to one another. Reach out if you or someone you care about needs help. Offer help to those who need it, and accept it from those who offer.
Wash your hands,
Lauren
COVID-19 Update, April 20, 2020
Good afternoon! The state Department of Health (http://www.doh.wa.gov/) wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19 as well as guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.
Rumor buster
Here is today’s roundup of rumors on social media. Help us spread the facts! You can find credible information from www.doh.wa.gov or www.coronavirus.wa.gov. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.
Have doctors been told that they will get more money if they say that a person died of COVID-19?
No. Health care providers follow guidance from CDC and the Department of Health on how to certify the cause of death for their patients. This helps us make sure we have accurate information about the current causes of death. That guidance is posted on our website. https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020COVID19/HealthcareProviders
Is FEMA stealing gloves and masks that were supposed to go to the states?
No. FEMA is trying to help distribute gloves and masks within the US to local and state governments and hospitals. There are people and businesses who are hoarding gloves and masks or price gouging. The Department of Justice has a task force that has seized gloves and masks from people and businesses who were hoarding them or price gouging.
Is 5G cell phone technology linked to the cause of coronavirus?
Definitely not. 5G technology does not cause COVID-19 or have anything at all to do with it. A worldwide online conspiracy theory has attempted to link 5G cell phone technology to being one of the causes of the coronavirus.
Was COVID-19 created in a lab?
No. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many species of animals. Viruses can change over time. Most likely, the virus that causes COVID-19 was common in bats, and mutated in a way that made it able to infect and pass between humans. The genetic sequence of the virus that is spreading in the US is very similar to the genetic sequence first published by China, which suggests that this virus crossed over from bats to humans just once, very recently, and then spread from person to person all over the world.0
How well does my cloth face mask protect me from COVID-19?
In general, we wear cloth face masks because they protect other people from getting COVID-19 from us, in case we have it and don’t know. Cloth face masks work best if they have several layers of woven fabric, we have clean hands, and we stay at least six feet away from other people.
Can you get COVID-19 from a blood transfusion?
In general, respiratory viruses are not known to be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 from blood transfusions.
Can I buy a test and check myself at home for COVID-19?
Not yet. There are no FDA-approved tests that you can buy right now to test yourself at home. This is something people are working on and might be available in the future.
Numbers. The latest numbers are now updated on our webpage. As of 11:59 p.m. on April 19, there are 141,011 people in Washington who have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 12,085 people (or 8.6%) have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, 652 have died of the disease.
Practice compassion. Do your part to stop the spread of rumors! There is enough uncertainty in the world as it is—there’s no reason to worry about things that aren’t true!
Stay home and stay healthy,
COVID-19 Update, March 31, 2020
Good evening! The state Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19, as well as to provide guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my child be getting routine vaccinations now? During this pandemic, about the last thing we need is to start an outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles on top of COVID-19. This is why the Washington State Department of Health recommends that routine vaccination should continue. We know that right now, some health care providers may not be able to provide well-child visits for all patients in their practice. However, we are asking health care providers, if they can provide only limited well-child visits, to prioritize newborn care and vaccination of infants and young children (through 24 months of age) when possible. We and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are monitoring the situation and may provide additional guidance in the future. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also provided guidance on immunizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who do I contact to report a business is remaining open? Remember, “essential” businesses are allowed to operate because they provide a service that is critical to the health and safety of Washingtonians. If you’re concerned that a non-essential business is open and not complying with the governor’s order, you can file a complaint using this online form: https://bit.ly/essential-business
Hey! These wipes say they are flushable! Please do not flush anything but toilet paper and what came out of you. Even wipes that are labeled “flushable” can cause major issues with wastewater systems and septic systems. Wipes also wreak havoc in municipal systems by plugging collecting lines and pumps.
How does the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order affect kids who live with two parents in separate houses? The governor has clarified that his stay home-stay healthy order should not interfere with a private parenting plan. So, kids can travel to see both parents, as previously agreed in the parenting plan.
Are funerals banned by the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order? Licensed funeral homes and cemeteries may conduct funeral services in a funeral home or at a graveside as long as the funeral is attended only by immediate family members of the deceased. The family members in attendance must maintain proper social distancing, by staying six feet apart.
I thought you were going to update the data on your website every day? Yeah, we did too. And we will. We’re not sure when our next update will be, but know we are working very hard to get our numbers updated every day! We’re having some technical difficulties with the Washington Disease Reporting System (WDRS). WDRS is the database labs and health care providers use to report notifiable conditions, like COVID-19, to us. Usually, we only ask for positive test results, but, for COVID-19, we are also tracking negative test results. There are many more negative results than positive, and this volume is overwhelming WDRS. We are working with the vendor supporting WDRS to increase capacity and looking into other ideas that might help like automating some of the work our team of epidemiologists does every day. We’ll keep you updated if these technical issues persist.
Practice compassion. Are you working from home? In this virtual world don’t forget actual conversations. Give co-workers a call to check in on them, send an encouraging email, or share a funny (and safe for work) meme. These moments of connection give meaning to our work and make it more enjoyable.
Stay home and stay healthy!
COVID-19 Update, March 26, 2020
The state Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19, as well as to provide guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.
We are all in this together
Remember early March? The kids were in school, and we only needed to stay home from work if we were sick. Today, the US has more cases of COVID-19 (81,321 and growing!) than any other country in the world, including Italy and China. This virus has deeply affected all of us. It has changed the way we shop, the way we interact, the way we learn, the way we work, the way we worship, the way we play, and the way we plan for the future. And just as the virus has affected us all, we all have a responsibility to stop it. All of us. Young and old. We are all in this together, and, unless we are doing something on the governor’s list of essential activities, we need to just stay home. Not run to the office quick to get the mouse I wish I brought home. Not drive to the beach where surely there won’t be that many people. Not visit my friend just for a minute. Not let the kids play with the neighbor kids. We need to stay home. We are all in this together, at least six feet apart.
Today’s Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I help?
Are you a health care practitioner licensed in another state? We are now activating emergency volunteer health practitioners for the COVID-19 response. Under this program, a volunteer health practitioner who is licensed in another state may practice in Washington without obtaining a Washington license. These emergency volunteers will help meet emerging demands for health practitioners in areas impacted by COVID-19. A health practitioner must be in good standing in their home state and be registered with the Department of Health as an emergency volunteer. For more information and to register, see the Department of Health website.
Are you eligible to donate blood? Blood donation is an essential activity because it saves lives. Contact Bloodworks Northwest to make an appointment. In order to meet social distancing recommendations and ensure the best and safest experience possible, they are accepting scheduled appointments only. It’s important for donors to keep their appointments, and make future appointments now to ensure blood stays available in our community.
Do you know a child? Call or videochat with a child today and listen to how their day was. Did they read a book today? Maybe you can read one with them!
Practice compassion. Do you know someone who lives alone? Social distancing may be particularly isolating for them. Reach out and let them know you are thinking about them.
Stay home and stay healthy!
The state Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19, as well as to provide guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.
We are all in this together
Remember early March? The kids were in school, and we only needed to stay home from work if we were sick. Today, the US has more cases of COVID-19 (81,321 and growing!) than any other country in the world, including Italy and China. This virus has deeply affected all of us. It has changed the way we shop, the way we interact, the way we learn, the way we work, the way we worship, the way we play, and the way we plan for the future. And just as the virus has affected us all, we all have a responsibility to stop it. All of us. Young and old. We are all in this together, and, unless we are doing something on the governor’s list of essential activities, we need to just stay home. Not run to the office quick to get the mouse I wish I brought home. Not drive to the beach where surely there won’t be that many people. Not visit my friend just for a minute. Not let the kids play with the neighbor kids. We need to stay home. We are all in this together, at least six feet apart.
Today’s Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I help?
Are you a health care practitioner licensed in another state? We are now activating emergency volunteer health practitioners for the COVID-19 response. Under this program, a volunteer health practitioner who is licensed in another state may practice in Washington without obtaining a Washington license. These emergency volunteers will help meet emerging demands for health practitioners in areas impacted by COVID-19. A health practitioner must be in good standing in their home state and be registered with the Department of Health as an emergency volunteer. For more information and to register, see the Department of Health website.
Are you eligible to donate blood? Blood donation is an essential activity because it saves lives. Contact Bloodworks Northwest to make an appointment. In order to meet social distancing recommendations and ensure the best and safest experience possible, they are accepting scheduled appointments only. It’s important for donors to keep their appointments, and make future appointments now to ensure blood stays available in our community.
Do you know a child? Call or videochat with a child today and listen to how their day was. Did they read a book today? Maybe you can read one with them!
Practice compassion. Do you know someone who lives alone? Social distancing may be particularly isolating for them. Reach out and let them know you are thinking about them.
Stay home and stay healthy!
COVID-19 Update, March 22, 2020
Stay Home to Conserve Hospital Resources
Over the last three weeks, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the number of people hospitalized for fever and respiratory symptoms. This week, we saw an increase in the number of adults hospitalized for pneumonia—more even than in the peak of the flu season last year. There are only so many hospital beds. Already, hospitals are postponing elective surgeries so that there is more room for people who get very sick from COVID-19 or who need hospital care for other, unrelated things like heart attacks or injuries. It is so important that we stay home and away from other people. We must stop the spread of COVID-19 before we have more people needing care than we have hospital beds to put them in.
Vroom!
While you are at home, are there young kids in your life who you could reach out to? Babies are born ready to learn. And you have what it takes to help them! Even a few minutes count!
Have you checked out www.Vroom.org? Vroom is a great resource for families of kids up to the age of 5 to make the most of their time with their children, even if all you are doing is staying at home! Vroom has tips to add early learning into the new daily routine - and to remind everyone with a child in their life that YOU already have what it takes to create a bright future for this child!
Here’s a great tip from Vroom: Take a minute today to watch your child. Pay attention to what they look at. How do they move? What do they sound like? What are they learning? Even when you’re busy, responding to what they are learning deepens your connection with them.
Numbers. The latest numbers are on our webpage, which we update daily. As of today’s web refresh, 30,875 people in Washington have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 1,996 people in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19, and 95 have died of the disease.
Practice compassion. Remember—we’re isolating ourselves to protect our communities and people we love. This is hard, but our friends and families are worth it!
Stay home and stay safe,
Stay Home to Conserve Hospital Resources
Over the last three weeks, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the number of people hospitalized for fever and respiratory symptoms. This week, we saw an increase in the number of adults hospitalized for pneumonia—more even than in the peak of the flu season last year. There are only so many hospital beds. Already, hospitals are postponing elective surgeries so that there is more room for people who get very sick from COVID-19 or who need hospital care for other, unrelated things like heart attacks or injuries. It is so important that we stay home and away from other people. We must stop the spread of COVID-19 before we have more people needing care than we have hospital beds to put them in.
Vroom!
While you are at home, are there young kids in your life who you could reach out to? Babies are born ready to learn. And you have what it takes to help them! Even a few minutes count!
Have you checked out www.Vroom.org? Vroom is a great resource for families of kids up to the age of 5 to make the most of their time with their children, even if all you are doing is staying at home! Vroom has tips to add early learning into the new daily routine - and to remind everyone with a child in their life that YOU already have what it takes to create a bright future for this child!
Here’s a great tip from Vroom: Take a minute today to watch your child. Pay attention to what they look at. How do they move? What do they sound like? What are they learning? Even when you’re busy, responding to what they are learning deepens your connection with them.
Numbers. The latest numbers are on our webpage, which we update daily. As of today’s web refresh, 30,875 people in Washington have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 1,996 people in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19, and 95 have died of the disease.
Practice compassion. Remember—we’re isolating ourselves to protect our communities and people we love. This is hard, but our friends and families are worth it!
Stay home and stay safe,
COVID-19 Update, March 19, 2020
Good evening!
The state Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19, as well as to provide guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.
Testing for COVID-19
Today we got 8,000 more test kits from the federal government, along with the protective equipment needed to conduct the tests. We are working to send these new supplies to the areas of the state hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus. This will help us test more people who are at high risk of serious disease, like people over age 60 and people with chronic illness. Once the sample is collected by a health care provider, it can be tested by the state Public Health Lab, the University of Washington’s Virology Lab, or commercial labs. Limited supplies to collect samples from people who need to be tested continue to be the major barrier to increasing testing in the state.
Today's Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I get COVID-19 from opening mail or packages? COVID-19 is mostly spread person to person, which is why we are socially distancing ourselves and staying at least six feet away from each other. The virus can live on hard surfaces for a while, but would be very unlikely to live on paper or cardboard for long enough to infect you through the mail.
What all is closed? I can understand how this is hard to track—you are staying home as much as possible, so how would you know what is open and what is closed? For the curious, this website has the full list: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed. But here are the things we get asked about the most:
Practice compassion. Check in on your most extroverted friends! We all need to stay home as much as possible, and some of us need a bit more support in this than others!
Good evening!
The state Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19, as well as to provide guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.
Testing for COVID-19
Today we got 8,000 more test kits from the federal government, along with the protective equipment needed to conduct the tests. We are working to send these new supplies to the areas of the state hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus. This will help us test more people who are at high risk of serious disease, like people over age 60 and people with chronic illness. Once the sample is collected by a health care provider, it can be tested by the state Public Health Lab, the University of Washington’s Virology Lab, or commercial labs. Limited supplies to collect samples from people who need to be tested continue to be the major barrier to increasing testing in the state.
Today's Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I get COVID-19 from opening mail or packages? COVID-19 is mostly spread person to person, which is why we are socially distancing ourselves and staying at least six feet away from each other. The virus can live on hard surfaces for a while, but would be very unlikely to live on paper or cardboard for long enough to infect you through the mail.
What all is closed? I can understand how this is hard to track—you are staying home as much as possible, so how would you know what is open and what is closed? For the curious, this website has the full list: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/whats-open-and-closed. But here are the things we get asked about the most:
- Casinos: Non-tribal card rooms are already banned under the Governor’s order. Tribal casinos are governed and managed by federally recognized tribes and as such are not subject to the Governor’s proclamations. However, many of our tribal partners are taking similar steps to reduce the spread of this disease including the closure of casinos, restaurants, and retail shops, etc.
- Massage services: Currently, massage services are not banned by the Governor’s proclamation; however, nothing prohibits a local public health district from implementing stricter measures.
- Athletics and workout classes: Group exercises, practices, and games are banned.
Practice compassion. Check in on your most extroverted friends! We all need to stay home as much as possible, and some of us need a bit more support in this than others!
COVID-19 Update, March 18, 2020
Good evening! The state Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19, as well as to provide guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.
Many parents are trying to find child care options for their children since the Governor ordered the closure of all Washington schools to increase social distancing measures to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. As much as you can, please try to keep your children at home and postpone play dates for a while. If this is not possible for your family, many child care facilities remain open. We have information on our website to help child care facilities keep kids and families safe from COVID-19. We are asking child care facilities to increase social distancing and maintain their cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Today's Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it true that if you gargle/deep breathe/drink water you can keep yourself from getting coronavirus? No. We can all use a good deep breath and a drink of water right now, but there is a lot of misinformation on social media. You can find good information from the Washington State Department of Health website, the CDC, and the World Health Organization. The best way to keep yourself and others from getting COVID-19 is to stay home as much as possible, wash your hands frequently, and don’t touch your face.
Um, I’m out of toilet paper. Thank you for not hoarding! The short supply in the grocery stores is because we have bought too much and overstocked. Toilet paper will be back as grocery stores re-stock and we all purchase just what we need. In the meantime, use something else and then throw it in the trash. “Flushable” wipes, facial tissues, and paper towels were not designed to break down the same way as toilet paper, and they can cause blockages in treatment plants, plumbing, and septic systems. Please do not flush anything besides toilet paper and what came out of you.
Are we still short on health care supplies? Yes. There continues to be a worldwide shortage of the masks, gloves, and gowns that keep health care safe for patients and providers. We are working with the federal government to increase our supply of masks, gowns, and gloves available to health care workers. As of March 16, in our warehouse, we had 23% of the surgical masks that we needed to fill the requests we received the previous week. We had 67% of the gowns needed to fill the requests from that same time period.
Numbers. The latest numbers are on our webpage, which we update daily. As of today’s web refresh, 17,105 people in Washington have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 1,187 people in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19, and 66 have died of the disease.
Practice compassion. COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic. There is no part of the world that is not affected. There are people in all 50 states who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is now up to each of us to keep ourselves and our communities safe.
Good evening! The state Department of Health wants to keep you as informed as possible about continuing developments surrounding COVID-19, as well as to provide guidance and resources you can share with employees, clients, or customers. If you want to manage your e-newsletter subscription preferences, you can do so here.
Many parents are trying to find child care options for their children since the Governor ordered the closure of all Washington schools to increase social distancing measures to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. As much as you can, please try to keep your children at home and postpone play dates for a while. If this is not possible for your family, many child care facilities remain open. We have information on our website to help child care facilities keep kids and families safe from COVID-19. We are asking child care facilities to increase social distancing and maintain their cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Today's Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it true that if you gargle/deep breathe/drink water you can keep yourself from getting coronavirus? No. We can all use a good deep breath and a drink of water right now, but there is a lot of misinformation on social media. You can find good information from the Washington State Department of Health website, the CDC, and the World Health Organization. The best way to keep yourself and others from getting COVID-19 is to stay home as much as possible, wash your hands frequently, and don’t touch your face.
Um, I’m out of toilet paper. Thank you for not hoarding! The short supply in the grocery stores is because we have bought too much and overstocked. Toilet paper will be back as grocery stores re-stock and we all purchase just what we need. In the meantime, use something else and then throw it in the trash. “Flushable” wipes, facial tissues, and paper towels were not designed to break down the same way as toilet paper, and they can cause blockages in treatment plants, plumbing, and septic systems. Please do not flush anything besides toilet paper and what came out of you.
Are we still short on health care supplies? Yes. There continues to be a worldwide shortage of the masks, gloves, and gowns that keep health care safe for patients and providers. We are working with the federal government to increase our supply of masks, gowns, and gloves available to health care workers. As of March 16, in our warehouse, we had 23% of the surgical masks that we needed to fill the requests we received the previous week. We had 67% of the gowns needed to fill the requests from that same time period.
Numbers. The latest numbers are on our webpage, which we update daily. As of today’s web refresh, 17,105 people in Washington have been tested for COVID-19. Of those, 1,187 people in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19, and 66 have died of the disease.
Practice compassion. COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic. There is no part of the world that is not affected. There are people in all 50 states who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. It is now up to each of us to keep ourselves and our communities safe.
The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, or how the virus is spread, please call 1-800-525-0127. Phone lines are currently staffed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, seven days a week. Please note that this call center can not access COVID-19 testing results. For testing inquiries or results, please contact your health care provider. For more information and up to date details go to https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus.