Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates

— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray —

Newest numbers. The state of Washington reported 679 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of cases to 49,247 as of July 21 at 11:59 p.m. The total number of deaths are at 1,468.

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.

Today’s media briefing and COVID-19 update recording. Leaders from the governor’s office, DOH and others involved in the state’s COVID-19 response held a media briefing today. A recording is available from TVW here. 

Long-term Care Facility (LTCF) data. As of July 21, a total of 5,075 COVID-19 cases (10% of total cases) and 830 deaths (57% of total deaths) have been identified as associated with a LTCF (i.e., nursing home, assisted living facility or adult family home). Read the full report here. 

• These cases include residents as well as employees and visitors. Not all of these cases were exposed at a LTCF.
• Many cases visited multiple places during their exposure period, and some individuals may have visited a LTCF after disease onset.

Bad news/good news: Yakima provides a glimmer of hope. The Yakima Health Department reported recently that 95% of people in Yakima are wearing a face covering in public. Yakima County is the only place in the state right now where each person who gets COVID-19 on average spreads it to less than one other person. Everywhere else in the state is on the path to runaway transmission rates of COVID-19. Read the full blog post from DOH here.

Resources

Washington 211 COVID-19 call center is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127 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.

Want to help? Join the Washington Mask Challenge. The Lt. Governor’s office has partnered with the United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and Serve Washington to organize a statewide homemade mask-making initiative to encourage the general public to make, wear, and donate cloth masks. Visit www.wamaskchallenge.org for information.