Recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 104,027 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on October 26. There have been 2,337 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.

Weekly COVID-19 response update media briefing tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. The weekly COVID-19 response update media briefing with leaders from the governor’s office and DOH will be tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. TVW will livestream the briefing here.

Inslee issues “Stay Safe – Vote Safe” proclamation. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation and guidance memo today clarifying application of COVID-19 requirements for voters and for voting service operations, including county elections offices, county voting centers and student engagement HUBs throughout the state. Read the full news release here.

Inslee announces Western states workgroup to ensure safety and efficacy of COVID vaccines. Gov. Jay Inslee announced today that Washington is joining other western states to review the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines when approved by the FDA. This is an added layer of independent expert review that will help build confidence in the vaccine. Read the full news release here.

This panel of experts, begun by California Gov. Newsom last week, will expand with representatives from Washington, Oregon and Nevada. The group will include experts appointed by all member states, and nationally-recognized scientists with expertise in immunization and public health.

Flu Vaccine Now Available for Uninsured Adults at No Cost. The Department of Health is collaborating with Safeway Inc. and Albertsons Companies LLC to offer no-cost influenza (flu) vaccination for uninsured adults over the age of 18 to help prevent flu illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials are concerned that the presence of both viruses could put more people in the hospital and strain Washington’s health care system.

Twenty-three Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies across the state will offer flu vaccine free of charge through June 2021 to uninsured adults. The pharmacies will not charge an administration fee, and no proof of residency or immigration status will be required.

Find the list of participating locations on the department’s website.

$2 million in COVID relief grants now open for nonprofits. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an unprecedented toll on nonprofit organizations, with many experiencing increased demand for services and programs while at the same time dealing with disruption of services and programs, cancellation of contracts, funding losses due to canceled fundraisers, reduced donations and other issues affecting staff and volunteer capacity. The impacts are particularly hard on nonprofits led by and serving Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities. Read the full news release here.

Tips for a safe and fun Halloween from the Department of Health. DOH wants Washington residents to have a fun Halloween while remembering a few key actions you can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Protect yourself, your loved ones, and others while celebrating:

• Wear a cloth face covering anytime you are with people not from your household, whether indoors or outside.
• Avoid confined spaces. Outdoor activities are safer than indoor activities, but if you’re indoors, make sure to have proper ventilation, and open doors and windows to the extent possible.
• Avoid close contact with people outside of your household. Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not part of your household.
• Wash or sanitize your hands (and the hands of little ones) often.
• Stay home if you are sick or were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19. And if you have symptoms or you’ve been a close contact of someone with COVID-19, get a COVID-19 test.

Looking for creative ways to celebrate safely? DOH’s latest blog post on Halloween might do the trick, or these ideas for safer (but still spooky) good time.

COVID-19: Stories from the Field: Health clinics go the extra mile during the pandemic. As the pandemic unfolded and essential health care providers grappled with restrictions and limited access to personal protective equipment, the state’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) clinics worked round-the-clock to ensure services were available and accessible. Read more in DOH’s latest blog post here.