State Health Dept. recap of recent COVID news, updates

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 361,104 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on April 19. There have been 5,407 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 Roadmap to Recovery Metrics dashboard. Note: A new data visualization tab has been added to the dashboard. In addition to data regarding current status, epidemiology curve, cumulative counts, demographics, testing, hospitalizations, and vaccinations, the new tab offers a picture into healthcare system readiness.

COVID-19 response update media briefing. Secretary Shah and other response leaders will provide a media briefing Wednesday, April 21, 8:15–9:15 a.m. PT. Please join the call 5-10 minutes early.

• TVW will livestream the briefing here.
• Reporters participating in the Q&A must register here.
• If you would like to ask a question, you must register and log into the Zoom conference, and email doh-pio@doh.wa.gov with subject line Briefing Question.

Program created to support quarantine and isolation needs is saving lives. Care Connect Washington, launched in December to support people who have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19, has reached almost 13,500 people. Read the full news release here.

Updated guidance documents from DOH:

• Food Workers and Establishments: Food sampling is now allowed in Phases 2 and 3 with physical distancing requirements in place. Masks should be worn when not actively eating or drinking.
• Families Caregiving for Loved Ones: Guidance has been translated into 26 languages, found here: Resources and Recommendations Page > You and Your Family > Families Caregiving for Loved Ones > Additional Languages

Statewide COVID-19 outbreak report. This weekly document provides an overview of reported COVID-19 outbreaks in our state, based on information in DOH’s Washington Disease Reporting System (WDRS). Read the full April 15 report here.