Statewide response updates, recap of recent COVID-19 news

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 323,839 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on March 3. There have been 5,032 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 Road to Recovery Metrics dashboard.

Thursday, March 4, 2021, data note: Negative test results data from Nov. 21–30, 2020, are incomplete. Thus, negative test results and percent positivity (Testing tab) for that period should be interpreted with caution. Otherwise, the incomplete time frames presented in the dashboard are correct and up to date. The Epidemiologic Curves tab is the most accurate representation of COVID activity and is updated daily as new cases are identified.

Moving into Phase 1B-2: Critical workers, pregnant people eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in late March. DOH and Gov. Jay Inslee have set a date of March 22 for advancing to the next phases of vaccine availability. Read the full news release here [to be posted soon].

Washington passes somber milestone: 5,000 COVID deaths. Since the first COVID-related death in our state on Feb. 29, 2020, more than 5,000 people in Washington have died of COVID-19 as of March 3. Read the full news release here.

DOH provides next-generation genome sequencing. DOH has increased its capacity to identify new strains of COVID-19 using next-generation genome sequencing equipment, with the goal of testing several specimens a month at the state Public Health Laboratories. Read the full news release here.

Reminders for safe building reopenings after COVID-19 closures. Low or no water use in vacant or underused buildings increases the risk to plumbing systems and potential for Legionella. Read the full news release here.

Case investigation and contact tracing metrics for DOH centralized investigations: This weekly report shows the timeliness of reaching COVID-19 confirmed and probable cases and their contacts for case investigations and contact tracing activities. Read the full March 3 report here.

New quarantine guidance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that fully vaccinated people exposed to someone with COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they:

• Are fully vaccinated (two weeks or more following receipt of the second dose in a two-dose series, or two weeks or more following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
• Received their last dose within the last three months.
• Have not had symptoms since the current COVID-19 exposure.

Fully vaccinated people should still watch for symptoms for 14 days after their exposure, continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, and keep their social circles small. An exception to the guidance is that vaccinated inpatients and residents in health care settings should continue to quarantine following an exposure to someone with COVID-19. Those who do not meet all three criteria above should continue to follow current quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

New guidance on improving mask fitting to more effectively slow the spread of COVID-19. Recommended strategies from the CDC include wearing a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask, using a mask fitter, or using a nylon covering over a mask. Read the full guidance here.

Gov. Inslee’s March 4 press conference. The governor discussed the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was joined by Secretary of Health Umair Shah, MD, MPH; Lacy Fehrenbach, DOH deputy secretary for COVID response; Michele Roberts, DOH assistant secretary; and Nick Streuli, executive director of external affairs in the Governor’s Office. View the press conference here.

Inslee announces authorization of J & J vaccine by Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Gov. Jay Inslee’s March 3 announcement came after the FDA and CDC granted their initial authorization for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Read the full news release here.

Resources

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor’s Office is available here.

Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the DOH 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 Economic Resiliency Team 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. New hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and observed state holidays. 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.