Latest COVID update from State Health Dept.

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 634,113 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 25. There have been 8,511 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s dashboard and the state’s Washington Ready page.

COVID-19 response update media briefing. Secretary Shah and other response leaders will provide a media briefing Wednesday, Oct. 27, 10–11 a.m. PT. Please join the call 5-10 minutes early.

• TVW will livestream the briefing.
• Reporters participating in the Q&A must register.
• If you would like to ask a question, you must register and log into the Zoom conference, and email doh-pio@doh.wa.gov with subject line Briefing Question.

Tips for a safe and fun holiday season. With Halloween and other holidays fast approaching, DOH wants to remind people about ways to enjoy the holidays while still protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their community from the spread of COVID-19. Read the full news release.

Booster doses now available for all three COVID-19 vaccine types for certain individuals. Last month, health care providers began offering booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) vaccine to certain individuals. Now, providers can also offer booster doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines to those who are eligible. Read the full news release.

New or updated DOH guidance documents:

• NEW: Interim SARS-CoV-2 Self-Testing Guidance for Employers
  • Information for employers on the use of self-tests (aka at-home or over-the-counter tests) in the non-health care workplace, including information on test usage and CLIA Certificate of Waivers; on the Resources and Recommendations page under Testing.

• UPDATED: COVID-19 Guidance for Employee Screening at 24/7 State-Operated Facilities
  • Technical revisions in line with CDC recommendations.
• UPDATED: COVID-19 Outbreak Determination/Investigation Form
  • Updated to include the new school cluster and school outbreak definitions.
  • This form is listed on the List of Notifiable Conditions page.

Translated DOH guidance documents:

• Interim SARS-CoV-2 Self-Testing Guidance for the public (posted in English on Sept. 23, 2021)
  • Found on the COVID-19 Resources and Recommendations page under Testing.
• Secretary of Health’s Mask Order FAQ (posted in English on Sept. 27, 2021)
  • Found on the COVID-19 Resources and Recommendations page under Face Coverings and Masks.

Both of these documents have been translated into Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Hindi, Khmer (Cambodian), Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Samoan, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

Statewide COVID-19 outbreak report. This weekly document provides an overview of reported COVID-19 outbreaks in our state, based on information in DOH’s Washington Disease Reporting System (WDRS). Read the full Oct. 22 report.

Resources

Get a vaccine, exposure notifications, and testing. Use the DOH vaccine locator to help end the pandemic. Next, get WA Notify so you’ll know if you’ve been near another person who later tests positive for COVID-19. To get quickly and easily tested anywhere in Washington, visit the DOH COVID-19 testing locations page. For K-12 students, staff, and parents/guardians, learn more about our partnership that helps schools provide easy COVID-19 testing on site.

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. See a full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor’s Office.

Guidance and resources for employers and business owners. Sign up for the Economic Resiliency Team business and worker newsletter.

The state COVID-19 Assistance Hotline is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127, then press # or text 211-211 for help. New hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays. 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.

Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. See resources and self-help tips from Washington Listens.