Recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates, effective Jan. 14

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 271,643 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on January 13. There have been 3,876 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.

January 14, 2021 data note: Total case counts may include up to 660 duplicates and negative test results data are incomplete from November 21-30, 2020 and December 30 through today. Thus, percent positivity (Testing tab) and case counts should be interpreted with caution. The Epidemiologic Curves tab is the most accurate representation of COVID activity and is updated daily as new cases are identified and duplicates are resolved.

Today’s data on hospitalizations is incomplete due to an interruption in the data reporting processes. We expect to be able to make a full update tomorrow (January 15, 2021).

COVID-19 vaccine distribution update from the Washington State Department of Health. We are eager to pick up the pace to get vaccines to people who need them and expect to move into Phase 1B in a matter of days. We are asking health care workers in Phase 1A who haven’t gotten their vaccine to make an appointment now.

As of January 11, providers in Washington have given 201,660 total doses of vaccine since Phase 1A began. This includes both first and second doses.

As of January 12, Washington state has received 624,975 doses of vaccine, which includes allocations from both Moderna and Pfizer. This week we will receive 123,275 doses. This supply will go to 142 county sites and 11 tribal or Urban Indian Health Program sites.

As of January 12, 2021, there are 627 facilities fully enrolled as COVID-19 vaccine providers.

Read the full news release here.

COVID-19 data shows high activity and signs of a recent uptick. Wednesday the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on COVID-19.

Report findings include:

• Case counts rebounded after Christmas and appear to be increasing steeply in the most recent data, which is still incomplete.
• COVID-19 transmission continues to plateau at a level above 1.0, meaning the number of people becoming infected is increasing.
• Case rates remain high, with 31 of 39 counties at rates above 200 new cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks.
• Many counties experienced declining case counts through late December with post-Christmas rebounds.
• Hospital admissions and bed occupancy have remained high in late December and early January, with relatively flat trends.
• The estimated overall percentage of Washington state residents with active COVID-19 infection remains close to peak estimates for late March 2020.

Read the full news release here.

January 13 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’s COVID-19 response is available from TVW here.

What’s it like to have COVID-19? A first-hand experience from an Eastern State Hospital employee. Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) staff who provide direct care to clients at any of the agency’s 24/7 facilities know exactly what it is like to be on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19. They are often at the highest risk to exposure. As of Jan. 4, 2021, Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, has had 75 staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19 since March 2020. One of the employees who contracted the virus was Jennifer Rich, who has worked at ESH since 2012. Read her story here.

Washington National Guard has now supported 73 million pounds of food at food banks. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive the need at food banks across the country, members of the Washington National Guard, working alongside Emergency Food Network staff, packed more than 8,000 food boxes last week for residents of Pierce County.

As of Jan. 12, 2021, the Washington National Guard has taken part in the processing, packaging and distribution of more than 73 million pounds of food while supporting food banks across the state. Read the full story here.

Protect yourself from phone or online scams. Scams have increased with the threat of COVID-19. Some people are taking advantage of this uncertain time to scam others. The best protection is to know what to look for.

Warning signs the phone call or email is a scam:

• Being asked for personal banking information.
• Unrecognizable numbers.
• Claims that you’ve won money or qualify for financial assistance.
• Don’t believe everything you read online.
• Know who you are buying items from.

Learn how to spot and avoid scams here.

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.