Recapping recent COVID-19 news, updates

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 120,011 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on November 9. There have been 2,482 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.

Note: The Department of Health and many state agencies will be closed tomorrow, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Therefore, the agency will not have any daily reports or dashboard updates to share. Regular reporting will resume Thursday, November 12.

November 10 COVID-19 response update media briefing recording available. Today’s briefing with leaders from the governor’s office, Department of Health, local health, and health care is available to watch here.

During the briefing, state and local public health experts addressed the rapid increase of COVID-19 transmission occurring across the state, and called for renewed efforts to stop the spread ahead of the holiday season:

Our current situation is extraordinarily urgent. We’re seeing explosive growth of COVID-19 statewide and are running out of time to change direction.
When COVID-19 transmission increases, and our hospitals and healthcare workers get overwhelmed, we all suffer. Hospitalization for COVID-19 happens to people of all ages, but the consequences are wide-ranging. People who need care for other things like biopsies or mammograms suffer, and their procedures get canceled.
We need a radical approach to safety. If we don’t act today, there can be no safe gatherings two weeks from now. If you want to have even a small Thanksgiving gathering, consider quarantining now. Keep gatherings outside, stay 6 feet from those you don’t live with, and mask up.
We can’t give up. We have pandemic fatigue and have already made a lot of sacrifices. Now we’re being asked to make more sacrifices before the holidays. Yet, our experiences so far tell us that we can and will save lives when we wear masks and change how we gather.

Increase in COVID-19 activity statewide extremely concerning as holiday season nears; health officials call for renewed efforts now. Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on COVID-19 transmission, which shows disease transmission is happening at an accelerated pace across the entire state. Read the full news release here.

COVID-19 cases spreading very quickly in Puget Sound region. The fall surge, which is showing no signs of stopping, has erased the progress that we made this summer. Western Washington, specifically King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, are hot zones for disease transmission, and they’re following a troubling nationwide trend. This week, the United States broke two records in as many days: more than 100,000 cases reported on Wednesday Nov. 4, and more than 116,000 on Thursday Nov. 5.

As the holidays approach, everyone should take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including:

Limit in-person gatherings as much as you can. That means reducing the number of times you gather, how many people attend and how long you spend together. Gather outside if possible, or open windows and doors to maximize ventilation inside.
Always wear a face covering when you’re around people who don’t live with you. This includes close friends and family. It may feel awkward to do this around people we know well and trust, but many people get COVID-19 from someone who doesn’t have symptoms yet. Even if you’re keeping some physical distance, it’s still a good idea to wear a face covering.
Talk to your family and friends about alternate ways to celebrate the holidays. Brainstorm ideas for virtual celebrations so you can still enjoy spending time together without putting each other at risk.
Make a safety plan for in-person gatherings. Have a conversation with your family and friends about what you’re going to do to reduce risk of spreading COVID-19 when you gather.
Stay home if you’re sick or have been exposed to COVID-19. If you’re feeling a little under the weather but aren’t sure if you’re getting sick, take the cautious approach and protect others by staying home.
Keep up your good hygiene habits. Wash or sanitize your hands often and avoid touching your face.