Updated: 3/18/2021 at 12:00 p.m.
City of Des Moines Comprehensive COVID-19 Plan
Public Health-Seattle & King County - 206-477-3977
For King County residents who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19, or for healthcare providers with COVID-19 questions. This helpline is open daily from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. and operators are able to connect with a third-party interpreter.
Washington State Department of Health - 800-525-0127
For general questions about how the virus is spread and what to do if you have symptoms. This helpline is open daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
UPDATED NUMBERS
COVID 19 Cases: Tested Positive
World 121,978,880, up 546,838 in 24 hours
United States 30,298,859, up 63,120 in 24 hours
WA State 355,223, up 868 in 24 hours
King County 84,574, up 158 in 24 hours
DEATHS
World 2,695,302, up 10,354 in 24 hours
United States 550,736, up 1,252 in 24 hours
WA State 5,217, up 9 in 24 hours
King County 1,444, up 3 in 24 hours
King County Mask Directive
KING COUNTY DASH BOARD for 98198 and Des Moines
Des Moines: 1,947, up 6 in 24 hours; Deaths 28, no change
New information and follow-up guidance about COVID-19 is continually evolving. Here are some additional websites you should check frequently to help you stay informed:
Washington State Department of Health Coronavirus
Website: www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
Public Health Seattle and King County Coronavirus
Disease: www.kingcounty.gov/covid
Public Health Seattle and King County Health
Blog: publichealthinsider.com
Vaccine Location Link - https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/VaccineLocations
To Find you Phase - https://wadoh.jotform.com/203418436942154
CVS Pharmacy Plan: https://cvshealth.com/news-and-insights/press-releases/cvs-health-begins-administering-covid-19-vaccines-in-long-term
New PHSKC COVID Vaccine Dashboard is out- https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data/vaccination.aspx
CDC: Fully vaccinated people do not need to quarantine if exposed to COVID. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/cdc-fully-vaccinated-people-don-t-need-quarantine-if-exposed-n1257336
Restrictions:
14 days following 2nd vaccination
Currently only for 90 days following second vaccination but could be extended.
1. First COVID-19 vaccine approved by FDA
On Friday, the FDA granted an emergency use authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for persons 16 years and older, which was followed by approval of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. "I'm pleased that the Western States Workgroup gave their unanimous recommendation to the vaccine last night and encourages immediate use of the vaccine in our states," Gov. Inslee said during a press conference Sunday morning. "It cannot come soon enough - with Washington closing in on 200,000 total COVID cases and approaching 3,000 deaths - this help is much needed to prevent further infection, hospitalization and loss of life." Washington state began receiving and distributing the vaccine today and will begin administering the vaccine by tomorrow. The highest priority to receive the early limited vaccinations are high-risk first responders and workers in health care settings and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. You can read more about the vaccine distribution and phasing plans, along with FAQs, at the WA State DOH COVID-19 Vaccine Site and King County's site.
"This doesn't mean we are out of the woods yet," Gov. Inslee said. "We can't let up on masking, physical distancing and restrictions on indoor activities. We need to continue to slow the rate of infection as we work to get Washingtonians vaccinated. We must keep up the fight a little longer and I know we will get through this, together."
2. Statewide restrictions extended to Jan 4, new economic support announced
As the state continues to experience the highest amount of new cases and hospitalizations since the pandemic began, Gov Inslee announced a three-week extension of the statewide restrictions first enacted on November 15. The restrictions were put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to avoid overwhelming our hospital and medical systems. You can download the restrictions from this link. Recognizing that these restrictions will hurt individuals and small businesses throughout the state, $50 million in additional grants have been made available for businesses in those sectors most impacted, such as restaurants, entertainment venues, and fitness centers. More information on these grants can be found here. Additionally, the state committed to supporting workers that may run out of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funding if Congress fails to act before funding expires in two weeks. You can read more about these efforts at the Governor's medium page.
3. Bellevue Testing Site opens Tuesday, Dec 15
Starting tomorrow, there will be a new option for convenient, free COVID-19 testing on the Eastside. A new site at Bellevue College will open on Tuesday, expanding efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in east King County and along the I-90 corridor. This will be the first free, high-capacity COVID-19 test site on the Eastside. This site will be free and open to anyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Here are the details:
Location: Bellevue College, 2645 145th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Entrance: 148th Ave SE. Drive-thru and limited walk-up testing is available
Transit: The test site is available via the 221, 226, 228, 245, and 271 bus lines
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pre-registration: People are strongly encouraged, but not required, to pre-register for a testing appointment. Visit http://www.ichs.com/free-covid-19-testing for scheduling and registration.
Visit www.kingcounty.gov/covid/sites to see information on all free test sites, including Bellevue College and our other newly opened site in Enumclaw.
4. Coping with COVID: Exhausted Families
The WA State Department of Health has been hosting a "Coping with COVID" podcast series, and this week's episode is on strategies families may use to help manage the stress of this pandemic. The feelings of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion affects both children and adults as we continue this lengthy era of living through a pandemic. The brain eventually gets tired and overworked from long periods of stress, which makes it harder to pause and respond logically to things that set us off. Children and teens may exhibit behaviors of moodiness, sleep troubles, drops in school performance, and anger amongst others. These are normal responses to an abnormal situation, but that doesn't make it easy. Parents are likewise feeling stressed about all of their roles while trying to manage their own feelings through this time. You can read more and learn some possible strategies to help your family cope here.
5. Washington's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Today, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a historic equity policy package for the upcoming 2021 legislative session, including $365M for equity-related decision packages and budget items. For the first time, the governor directed state agencies to center budgetary decision packages and legislation around equity. The proposed investments follow an unprecedented year that exposed the inequities that communities of color have faced for generations. These proposals showcase Washington's commitment to not just changing policies affecting these communities but investing in them as well. Measures include establishing an Equity Office, mandating independent investigations into police use-of-force, funding the Immigrant Relief Fund, and investing directly into communities of color. You can read more about the proposed equity actions and investments here.
6. Winter safety
As winter fast approaches and with snow falling in the nearby mountains, many of us will want to venture outdoors for recreation and healthy exercise. During the pandemic, extra precautions should be taken to stay safe as possible not only from the elements but from COVID-19 as well. During the current surge in cases, it's best to not gather with others outside of your household. But if you do venture out, it's important to wear a mask and maintain at least six feet of distance from others. If you are traveling by car, people from separate households should travel in separate vehicles. If you are driving to the mountains or need to get somewhere when snow arrives in the Seattle area, be prepared. Ensure your vehicle has a strong battery and tires that are suitable for the conditions and properly inflated. Have an emergency kit in your car including warm blankets and water in case a road closure delays your trip. For other tips on how to stay safe this winter, check out this blog post from our Violence and Injury Prevention team.
7. Community Mitigation and Recovery Group - Sector Specific Task Forces
Community Mitigation and Recovery group includes several task forces, liaisons, and advisors to address the needs of different sectors. If stakeholders in your community have questions, they may contact the person listed below for their sector:
Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
COVID-19 Testing Locations:
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/testing.aspx
The following locations provide free COVID-19 testing - regardless of immigration or insurance status. They are open to anyone who cannot access a COVID-19 test through their regular healthcare provider.
Daily COVID-19 outbreak summary:
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data/daily-summary.aspx
This link provides the most up to date information on COVID-19 for King County:
Key indicators of COVID-19 activity in King County:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data/key-indicators.aspx
This dashboard provides a snapshot of several useful indicators, or measures, related to COVID-19 activity in our community and its impact on our health and our hospitals. These indicators, along with many other data, are key considerations for reviewing current restrictions on activity, recommendations and precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The indicators help determine if current actions are adequate, need to be strengthened, or might be carefully relaxed.
This Season a Flu Vaccine is More Important than Ever!
Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine yet, get vaccinated now.
The more people vaccinated; the more people protected. Do your part. Get a flu vaccine this fall.
What to expect for the 2020-2021 flu season, during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Difference between Flu and COVID-19
What you Need to Know for 2020-21 Flu Season
Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19
Information for Health Care Professionals 2020-2021 Flu Season