||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||


Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 594,488 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 4. There have been 7,860 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 Washington Ready page.

DOH statement on recent death. DOH expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the King County woman who died recently from a blood clot after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. View today’s news release in full.

New research confirms hospitalization risk higher with four COVID-19 variants. People in Washington state infected with Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants have a higher risk of hospitalization compared to those infected with non-variant versions of SARS-CoV-2, according to new research. Read the full Oct. 4 news release.

New Contract Tracing and Case Investigation tools are available to help schools. The Symptom Decision Tree and Contact Tracing Checklist for K-12 Schools and Contact Tracing Guide and FAQ for K-12 Schools can be found on DOH’s COVID-19 Resources and Recommendations page under Schools and Child Care.

Updated guidance on K-12 Schools 2021-2022 Requirements and the K-12 Schools 2021-2022 Supplemental Considerations to Mitigate COVID-19 Transmission can be found on DOH’s COVID 19 Resources and Recommendations page under Schools and Child Care.

Outbreaks in Washington State K-12 Schools. This report describes COVID-19 outbreaks in K-12 schools reported to DOH between Aug. 1 – 31, 2021. Read the Outbreaks in Washington State K-12 Schools report updated Sept. 20, 2021.

Statewide COVID-19 Outbreaks. This weekly report provides an overview of reported COVID‐19 outbreaks in Washington state based on information in the Washington Disease Reporting System. Read the full Statewide COVID-19 Outbreak Report updated Sept. 30, 2021.

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.