||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 399,710 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on May 26. There have been 5,754 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health’s dashboard and the state’s Roadmap to Recovery Metrics dashboard. 

COVID-19 vaccine distribution update from the Washington State Department of Health. DOH continues to make progress with its COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration efforts. As of May 22, more than 6,749,266 doses of vaccine have been given across the state, which is nearly 86 percent of the 7,875,030 doses delivered to our providers and federal partnership programs. More than 50 percent of people in Washington 16 years and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and nearly 61 percent of people 16 and older have received at least one dose. Read the full news release here.

Public health funding will improve service, outcomes in Washington state.  Public health support and outcomes are set to improve for all people across Washington state now that Gov. Jay Inslee has signed the budget the Washington State Legislature recently passed. The budget for the current biennium, and future budgets, will allow DOH, along with its partners in local jurisdictions and tribes, to improve public health across the state. Read the full news release here.

May 26 COVID-19 media briefing. Washington State Secretary of Health Umair Shah provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 response. He was joined by Lacy Fehrenbach, deputy secretary of health; Michele Roberts, acting assistant secretary; Scott Lindquist, acting state health officer; Elizabeth Meade, MD, FAAP, president, Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; and Shireesha Dhanireddy, MD, clinical lead, UW Medicine COVID-19 Vaccination Program. View the briefing here.

Case investigation and contact tracing metrics for DOH centralized investigations. This weekly report shows the timeliness of reaching COVID-19 confirmed and probable cases and their contacts for case investigations and contact tracing activities. Read the full May 26 report here.

DOH SARS-CoV-2 sequencing and variant report. This weekly report summarizes genome sequencing coverage of Washington SARS-CoV-2 specimens from multiple laboratories from across the United States and our state. It provides a statewide view of sequencing capacity and data, including breakouts by county and demographics. Read the full May 26 report here.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough surveillance and case information resource. This weekly report provides data and criteria on fully vaccinated people who test positive with SARS-CoV-2 but may or may not develop COVID-19 symptoms. Read the full May 26 report here.

COVID-19 long-term care report. As of May 24, a total of 20,406 COVID-19 cases and 2,688 deaths have been identified as associated or likely associated with a long-term care facility (such as a nursing home, assisted living facility, or adult family home). These cases include residents as well as employees and visitors. Read the full May 25 report here.

Inslee announces update to spectator event guidance. Gov. Jay Inslee on May 26 approved an update to the guidance documents for spectator events to help bring these events in line with other occupancy restrictions in Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan. The changes are effective immediately. Read the full story here.

Mask and Distancing Requirements Are Changing: Key COVID-19 Updates for Fully Vaccinated Workers (May 21, 2021). Updated state COVID-19 workplace safety and health guidance from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries will help employers adapt masking policies to meet new CDC guidelines Gov. Jay Inslee adopted. Read the full fact sheet here.

Here is updated guidance:

  • K-12 Schools 2020-2021 guidance
    • Updated health screening question to account for fully vaccinated individuals.
    • Removes misplaced references to band and choir activities in physical distancing section.
    • Revised information on when to consider closure in the event of an outbreak.
  • Resource Guide for Senior Centers
    • This guide lists existing COVID-19 guidance that may pertain to activities conducted at Senior Centers. It is a tool for Senior Centers to reference when seeking COVID-19 guidance for their activities and events.
  • Visitors in Inpatient Hospitals and Outpatient Settings
    • Guidance for health care establishments on the protocol and recommendations for visitors (not including long-term care facilities). 
    • All recommendations in this document apply to both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated, unless otherwise specified.
  • Water Recreation Reopening guidance
    • Splash pads allowed to fully open in Phase 3.

Resources

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor’s Office is available here.

Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the DOH has created a webpage to help people find COVID-19 testing locations throughout the state.

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

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. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**