Recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||Statewide Response Updates

Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of  110,011 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on November 2. There have been 2,400 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 fall surge. In light of a potential fall surge, the Department of Health recently encouraged Washingtonians to flatten the curve once again. In recent numbers, we see more evidence that the surge isn’t coming – it’s here. These upward trends threaten the progress we’ve made toward containment, and could impede other important statewide progress in the future.

DOH would like to underscore the importance of:

• Wearing a mask, even with people you see regularly and in your smallest social circles, and anytime you are using shared transportation, including while in your own vehicle with other people.
• Keeping gatherings small and holding them outside whenever possible.
• Avoiding any social gatherings indoors, but if you must participate, wearing a mask and ensuring windows and doors are open to maximize ventilation.
• Washing or sanitizing hands often and not touching your face.
• Staying home if you’re sick or if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.

Inslee announces technology investment for Washington students and staff. Gov. Jay Inslee announced the allocation of $24 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to purchase approximately 64,000 computing devices for students across the state. These devices will enable students to receive their education in the new COVID-19 remote learning environment. The first shipment of 20,000 devices is expected in the coming weeks. Read the rest of the story on the governor’s Medium page.

Support your mental health by taking control of your social media. Sometimes, spending extra time on social media can cause worry, anxiety, and a feeling of exhaustion. Here are some ways to adjust your social media habits to support your mental and emotional well-being.

• Limit the amount of time you spend on social media.

• Follow things that make you happy.

• Unfollow, hide, or mute accounts that upset you.

• Share what you would want to see.

• Spread facts, not fear.

Read the full blog post from DOH here.

Winter holidays and COVID-19. This year, our game days, family gatherings and holidays will be a little different. And that’s hard. But there are lots of ways to be a little more together, even when we’re apart. While the traditional feast, end-of-year parties, and crowded tables are on hold, there are still fulfilling ways to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. For some new takes on old traditions, visit the Celebrations During COVID webpage.