News for the Week of May 10

News highlights for the week of May 10.

Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 537 positive cases reported as of April 23. DOH reported a total of 386,903 confirmed cases as of May 12. There have been 5,626 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

Vaccination Pop-Up Event This Saturday at MIHS. MI School District has announced a pop-up Pfizer clinic for students in partnership with Costco Pharmacies, to be held this Saturday, May 15, at the MIHS Gym from 8am-Noon. Pre-registration and a parental consent form are required. Learn more here: tinyurl.com/MISD-Pfizer.

State to lift COVID restrictions on June 30. On Thursday, the state announced that pandemic related restrictions will be lifted by June 30 – earlier if 70% of Washington adults 16 and older have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently 57% of Washington residents 16 and over have initiated vaccinations. Next Tuesday, May 18, all counties will move to Phase 3, noting a move to statewide phase movement. Click here for more information.

Washington Adopts Updated CDC Mask Guidance – No Masks for Vaccinated. Effective immediately, fully vaccinated adults no longer need to wear a mask in Washington State. Businesses will retain the right to require masks and masks will be required on public transportation. Click here for the full guidance.

Everyone 12 and older now eligible for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) amendment to expand the Pfizer vaccine to people 12 years and older. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup voted to recommend the vaccine for immediate use on Tuesday, May 11. The State DOH has expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone 12 and older. Those under age 18 may need consent from a parent or guardian to get the vaccine, unless they are legally emancipated. Click here for more.

Situation Reports. The City has moved to monthly Situation Reports (SitReps), available the first Friday of the month. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of June 4. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

Vaccine News

What parents should know about vaccination for 12-15 year olds. Youth age 12-15 can now get COVID-19 vaccination. Our immunizations manager answers questions, including about what teens can do after vaccination, testing of the vaccine, and how this age group can get vaccinated in King County.

King County COVID-19 Vaccine Data At-a-Glance. Page updated daily here.

"Vax to the Future" events at COVID-19 vaccination centers. Launching on May 15, Public Health is partnering with 4Culture to start a new pilot program at vaccination sites called "Vax to the Future" which will include live music performances, "I got vaccinated" buttons designed by local artists, and a photobooth for people to take selfies to enhance the experience of getting vaccinated. We will post additional information soon on where to find us.

Need vaccine support? The DOH has a new support line. Call 1-833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

School News

2021-2022 School Guidance. On May 13, the State Department of Health (DOH) released guidance for the 2021 summer school session and 2021-2022 school year. Under the updated guidance, schools must plan to provide full time in-person education for all interested students for the 2021-2022 school year with mitigation efforts including: all students, school personnel, volunteers, andxl visitors must wear at least a cloth face covering or an acceptable alternative when indoors; must have basic ventilation; schools should prepare to provide instruction for students who are excluded from school due to illness or quarantine; and others. Click here to read the full guidance.

Last Call…

Check out the DOH’s new www.LifeAfterVaccine.org site.