COVID-19 Information & Resources
This project was archived.
Please visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health.aspx for the latest COVID-19 information.
Please note that King County Public Health should remain your primary source of information on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. Please check out their COVID-19 Data Dashboards for the latest statistics. To see recent news on this page, click here.
For the latest Washington State-level COVID-19 health guidance, statistics and resources, visit Coronavirus.wa.gov.
For Sammamish City Hall re-opening plan, please see here.
This project was archived.
Please visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health.aspx for the latest COVID-19 information.
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Inslee announces metric changes to Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkReprinted from Governor Jay Inslee's Medium page
Regions will now only be required to meet three of the metrics, not all four, to progress to Phase 2
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced several changes to the state’s Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery. The governor first announced the regional, phased reopening plan Jan. 6.
The plan will be changed in two ways; first, the evaluation criteria for regions to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2, and the timeframe in which regions can progress.
“We are getting closer to finding our way out of this mess, but we aren’t there yet,” Inslee said during a press conference Thursday. “We have sacrificed too much to let our frustrations get the best of us now when the finish line is in sight, however distant that may seem in our field of vision.”
The changes come after further conversations with public health partners and the state’s increasing vaccination rates.
Phase 2
In accordance with the roadmap, several regions will be eligible to enter Phase 2 beginning Monday. The progression is contingent on whether their metrics continue their positive trends.
Regions moving to Phase 2 effective Monday are:
- West (Grays Harbor, Pacific, Thurston, Lewis)
- Puget Sound (Snohomish, King, Pierce)
“The fact that these two regions are moving into Phase 2 is encouraging news,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, secretary of health. “As we continue our community efforts, we hope more such progress will be made. Ultimately our goal remains ensuring the health and safety of all of Washington.”
Metrics
Under the new plan, regions will only be required to meet three of the four public health metrics to progress to Phase 2. The original roadmap required regions to meet all four.
The four metrics remain the same. They are:
- Trend in case rate: Trend in 14-day rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100K population;
- Trend in hospital admissions rate: Trend in 14-day rate of new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100K population;
- Percent ICU occupancy: Average 7-day percent occupancy of ICU staffed beds; and
- Percent positivity: 7-day percent positive of COVID-19 tests.
The metrics provide an overview of current COVID-19 trends and health care system readiness in
each region, ensuring that health care systems will efficiently and equitably respond to potential future outbreaks.
The requirement to maintain three metrics to remain in Phase 2 remains unchanged. If any region fails to meet any two metrics, they will still regress to Phase 1.
Timeframe
The governor also announced that the Department of Health’s timeline for region’s evaluation will change. Beginning next week, regions metrics will be evaluated every two weeks instead of every week.
Read the full Healthy Washington — Roadmap to Recovery plan here.
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City of Sammamish joins the Issaquah Vaccine Community Partnership
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe City of Sammamish has joined the Issaquah Vaccine Community Partnership, a public / private partnership with the goal of ensuring safe, equitable, and timely vaccinations in Issaquah – and now, Sammamish.
Along with the two neighboring cities of Issaquah and Sammamish, the partnership includes Eastside Fire & Rescue, Swedish Issaquah, Issaquah School District, and Costco. The partnership is now meeting regularly to coordinate possible vaccine distribution sites, funding needed to support these efforts, and plans for volunteer recruitment. The partnership is focused on protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.
Eastside Fire & Rescue is receiving training on vaccine administration to offer mobile vaccinations to adult family homes beginning in the next two weeks
Vaccine supply continues to be a limiting factor. “There is currently not enough vaccine available to meet demand. When that changes, we will be ready,” said Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly.
“Demand for vaccinations is high and supply is low, and we understand how frustrating it has been to secure vaccination appointments,” said Sammamish Mayor Karen Moran. “We intend to accelerate and streamline vaccination efforts for our two cities’ residents through this partnership, as we patiently await more vaccine supply.”
For up-to-date COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution information, please visit Connect Sammamish’s COVID-19 Information & Resources page.
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New COVID-19 variant hits Washington State, but Washingtonians know how to handle it.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkReprinted from the Washington Department of Health
Today, almost a year to the day after the very first US case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Washington, we learned that the COVID-19 variant that has been spreading in London, has arrived here too.
The UW Medicine Virology Lab found that two people in Snohomish County who knew they had COVID-19, actually have this new variant. So far it seems like this variant is pretty rare in Washington, although it is likely that there are other people here who also have this variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that this new variant will be the most common strain in the coming months.
What, exactly, is a new variant? Viruses are constantly changing. Part of the reason we need to get flu shots every year is because the influenza virus changes slightly. Similarly, the virus that causes COVID-19 is constantly changing. When enough changes happen, it starts to act a little different and we track it as a new variant. We expect new variants of a virus to occur over time. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and persist. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and throughout the world.
Does it have a name? Well, yes. It’s known as B.1.1.7 or SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01. That’s why we usually just say “new variant.”
If you get COVID-19, does it make a difference what variant you have? Not for you! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no conclusive evidence that it causes more severe illness or increased risk of death. But, this variant does spread more easily and quickly than other variants, so we all need to be extra careful to do our best to protect each other.
Does the vaccine work on the new variant? So far, it looks like it does. This is great news, but it is a topic that is still being studied, so there may be more information soon.
How do we protect ourselves from the new variant? By doing all the same things we’ve been doing, as consistently as we possibly can:
- Wear a mask, even with people you see regularly and in your smallest social circles;
- Keep gatherings outside whenever possible;
- Avoid any social gatherings indoors, but if participating, wearing a mask and ensuring windows and doors are open to maximize ventilation;
- Wear a mask while in the car with other people, including with family who do not live in your household;
- Wash hands often, not touching your face, and carrying hand sanitizer for use when water and soap are not available;
- Stay home if you are sick or if you have been exposed to COVID-19; and,
- Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone who tested positive.
Practice compassion. Viruses mutate inside your body. Preventing yourself and others from getting COVID-19 also helps to prevent new variants from arising.
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Emergency Manager's Report to City Council on COVID-19 (January 19, 2021)
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAndrew Stevens, CEM - Emergency Manager - Eastside Fire & Rescue
Good evening Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Manager.
One year ago, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the United States, just north of us in Snohomish County. One year later COVID-19 continues to spread like wildfire across the nation and has resulted in over 400,000 fatalities and one in every 14 Americans being infected. More than 200 Americans die every minute yet every day I still see or hear debates over the severity of this pandemic or the need to continue to comply with COVID-19 mitigations. While most areas of the county are struggling under the massive increases in cases and hospitalizations following the holiday peak, statistics for King County are beginning to trend downward, hopefully highlighting that the worst of the current surge is over. That does not mean that restrictions should be lifted, or it is now safe to socialize outside of your families. It simply means that we are finally seeing numbers lower to pre-Thanksgiving rates again, however, they are still higher than any of the months prior to last November.
The bulk of what I would like to discuss this evening is around vaccinations, as there is still a lot of concern over eligibility and access from many in the community. First and foremost, the Governor recently made modifications to the State’s vaccination phases and raised the state to Phase 1B, Tier 1. This change, along with the revisions, means that healthcare professionals, high-risk responders, long-term care facility residents, and other workers in health care settings are eligible. The recent changes also opened vaccination eligibility to all individuals 65 years old or greater and people 50 and over who live in multi-generational housing. The State has also released a new COVID-19 dashboard, which besides offering insights into statewide case count, hospitalizations, deaths, and testing, is now offering vaccination data broken down by County.
The situation around vaccines and their distribution is ever-evolving. In fact, just this evening I discovered that several QFCs in the region are now providing the vaccine, including the QFC in Klahanie. This was not communicated to me by any public health official, I was reviewing the list of facilities available on the Washington State Department of Health website and noticed the recent additions. Some of the frustrations and confusion we are encountering is centered around understanding one’s eligibility, navigating the web-based platforms, and booking appointments for the vaccine if you are eligible. The State’s primary tool for doing this, Phase Finder, has been encountering technical issues since its release and often crashes. When the tool is operational, it guides users through a series of questions confirming eligibility, urges users to take a screenshot of their status, and then provides a list of sites where the vaccine is available. However, many are also encountering issues with scheduling their appointments through these third party sites or finding that the providers are booked out for several weeks to come or already fully reserved. Individuals who are having trouble accessing or managing the Phase Finder tool are urged to work directly with their healthcare providers or to call 1-800-525-0127, the King County COVID Assistance Line, for assistance.
Understandably, the rollout of the State’s vaccination program has been frustrating to many, but with stronger federal support, greater collaboration and public-private partnerships, and plans to open larger mass vaccination sites, should hopefully result in more vaccines being distributed to those who need them most.
Due to the lack of centralized communication from State and County Public health officials, there is also widespread confusion over the role local jurisdictions should be playing in the establishment of vaccination distribution sites. Unfortunately, the selection of where these vaccination sites are and who is eligible to be a vaccination provider is in the hands of state and county officials, not local jurisdictions. While the county has plans to establish multiple vaccination sites throughout the county, it has not been communicated where or exactly when these sites will be up and running. King County will be aiming to provide as many vaccinations as possible to already approved providers and the soon to be established mass vaccination site in south King County.
While this is unfortunate, it is also subject to change, and that is why we are proactively leaning forward. The City of Sammamish has identified potential Community Points of Distribution (CPOD) and is revising plans to accommodate the additional COVID-19 vaccine protocols. We have trained volunteers and staff in the operations of such sites, which have already been exercised and practiced during our earlier mask distribution event. Eastside Fire and Rescue is working tirelessly to ensure that our firefighters and EMTs are trained to administer the COVID-19 vaccine and operate mobile vaccination clinics. We are communicating with partners, neighboring jurisdictions, community stakeholders, and coordinating several times a week with public health officials. When information changes the City’s communications team provides these updates to the public through a well-established outreach strategy that includes social media, email blasts, printed newsletters, and regular maintenance of the COVID-19 Information page on Connect Sammamish, the City’s go-to informational hub for the pandemic for the past 11 months. So, while there remain roadblocks in the city’s ability to establish its own vaccination sites, your continued advocacy may open doors to greater vaccination availability to our residents and our preparedness will ensure the ability and readiness to complete the mission when it comes.
As with every report, I will end with a brief update regarding CARES Act funding that was specifically earmarked for COVID-19 response and recovery expenses. The City has spent roughly $1.9 million of the $2.9 million that was reimbursed to the City. That includes roughly $163K on emergency protective measures and internal COVID-19 expenses, $215K on I.T. expenses necessary to ensure continuity of government, $1,211,000 in two rounds of small business and non-profit grants, and $315K to support human service organizations assisting those impacted.
With that, I would be happy to address any questions you may have. Thank you.
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COVID-19 Vaccine is now available to Phase 1B - Tier 1
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkFrom the Washington State Department of Health:
We are currently in Phase 1b-Tier 1 of Vaccine Distribution
The vaccine is available to anyone over age 65, and all people over 50 who also live in a multigenerational household. This is in addition to populations eligible during phase 1A including health care workers at high risk for COVID-19 infection, first responders, people who live or work in long-term care facilities, and all other workers in health settings who are at risk of COVID-19. Learn more about who gets the vaccine and when.
- Use the Phase Finder to check your COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility: https://form.findyourphasewa.org/210118771253954
- To find Vaccine Locations from the Washington State Department of Health: https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/VaccineLocations
- Visit Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Information page: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/Vaccine
- For further information about getting vaccinated in King County, please see https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine/distribution.aspx. This link is also permanently on this page under "Links to Public Health Agencies".
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WA State COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Guidance and Interim Allocation Framework
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe Washington State Department of Health has developed this guidance for COVID-19 vaccine allocation and prioritization to facilitate harmonized planning for distribution across Washington State. This guidance is the result of several months of engagement with expert groups and community partners to gather input and ideas. Given current information and federal guidance, we are providing guidance on Phase 1a and 1b that incorporates this input while staying aligned with the principles and criteria noted below. We are offering tentative ideas of populations that may be considered in future phases. The guidance will be updated to provide details on these other phases based on:
- New information from clinical trials
- New federal guidance and vaccine recommendations
- Ongoing feedback from impacted communities, partners, sectors, and industries
In this guidance, population groups overlap and there are individuals who fit into multiple categories. When this is the case, the higher phase should take precedence. Also, the order of the populations does not suggest any type of prioritization or risk stratification. In all circumstances, although reinfection appears uncommon during the initial 90 days after symptom onset, prior confirmation of COVID-19 infection will not exclude any individual from eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine and serologic testing is not being recommended prior to vaccination. Vaccines should be administered according to age groups for which the specific vaccine is authorized (e.g., Pfizer for 16 and over and Moderna for 18 and over).
You can read the full guidance here: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/SummaryInterimVaccineAllocationPriortization.pdf
The guidance is embedded in this article from the Washington State Department of Health: https://medium.com/wadepthealth/new-years-resolution-get-the-vaccine-to-get-past-the-covid-19-pandemic-cfb6890dd129
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Public Health Recommendations - Multiple Languages
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