Recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 283,188 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on January 20. There have been 4,065 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 COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard.

COVID-19 in Washington State: One Year Later. At this time last year, we didn’t know how resilient Washingtonians could be. The first case of COVID-19 was announced in Washington state on January 21, 2020. This was the first time anyone had detected novel coronavirus in the United States.

This day marked the beginning of our state’s response to a pandemic that brought, and continues to bring, heartbreaking loss and disruption to the lives of people across our state and nation. Read more here.

January 21 COVID-19 response update media briefing recording available. A recording of this week’s COVID-19 response update media briefing with Washington state’s Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah and leaders from the state COVID-19 response is available from TVW here.

Governor Inslee Press Conference on COVID-19 on January 21, 2021. Gov. Jay Inslee held a press conference at the State Capitol to give an update on the 2021 legislative session and the state’s response to the ongoing pandemic. Watch the TVW recording here.

What should you do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19? If you test positive for COVID-19 or get sick after you are exposed to someone with COVID-19, you can help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others. Please follow this guidance.

What should you do if you were potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19? If you have been exposed to COVID-19, or think you have been exposed, you can help prevent the spread of the virus to others in your home and community. Please follow this guidance.

What should you do if you have COVID-19 symptoms but have not been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19? Common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19, contact your health care provider for a test. Read more here.

Guidance for Daily COVID-19 Symptom Screening of Staff and Guests. The Washington State Department of Health recommends employers use this guidance to screen staff and guests (but not customers in retail) at the start of each shift or visit to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read more about symptom screening here.

Thursday, January 21, 2021 data note: Negative test results data from November 21-30, 2020, and from January 2 through today, are incomplete. Thus, the number of negative test results and percent positivity (testing tab) should be interpreted with caution. The high number of new deaths is due to a data processing backlog cleared today from January 14-20, 2021.

Resources

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance is available here.

Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the Department of Health 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 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. 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.