This week’s COVID-19 statewide response update

||| FROM STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH |||

Statewide Response Updates

Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 612,757 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 13. There have been 8,198 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 Washington Ready page.

Gov. Jay Inslee’s Oct. 14 press conference. The governor discussed the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was joined by Umair A. Shah, secretary of health, DOH; Lacy Fehrenbach, deputy secretary, DOH; and Molly Varis, governor’s special adviser for pandemic health response. View the press conference. 

Oct. 13 COVID-19 response update media briefing. Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 response. He was joined by Michele Roberts, acting assistant secretary, DOH; Lacy Fehrenbach, deputy secretary, DOH; Andrew M. Rose, COVID-19 incident commander, DOH; and Frank Bell, MD, FAAP, Pediatric Infectious Disease, Swedish Medical Center. View the briefing.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough surveillance and case information resource. This weekly report provides data and criteria on fully vaccinated people who test positive with SARS-CoV-2 and may or may not develop COVID-19 symptoms. Read the full Oct. 13 report.

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 Oct. 13 report.

COVID-19 long-term care report. As of Oct. 11, a total of 24,531 COVID-19 cases and 2,981 deaths have been identified as associated or likely associated with a long-term care facility (such as nursing home, assisted living facility, or adult family home). These cases include residents as well as employees and visitors. Read the full Oct. 12 report.

Inslee statement on U.S. decision to reopen Canadian border entry. Gov. Jay Inslee released a statement regarding reports that the Biden administration will reopen border entry in November to international travelers who are fully vaccinated. Read the full news release.

Resources

Get a vaccine, exposure notifications, and testing. Use the DOH vaccine locator to help end the pandemic. Next, get WA Notify so you’ll know if you’ve been near another person who later tests positive for COVID-19. To get quickly and easily tested anywhere in Washington, visit the DOH COVID-19 testing locations page. For K-12 students, staff, and parents/guardians, learn more about our partnership that helps schools provide easy COVID-19 testing on site.

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. See a full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor’s Office.

Guidance and resources for employers and business owners. Sign up for the Economic Resiliency Team business and worker newsletter.

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 Sunday 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. See resources and self-help tips from Washington Listens.