News for the Week of May 24

News highlights for the week of May 24.

Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 593 positive cases reported as of May 28. DOH reported a total of 399,710 confirmed cases as of May 26. There have been 5,754 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. As of May 22, more than 6,749,266 doses of vaccine have been given across the state. More than 50% of people in Washington 16+ are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and nearly 61% of people 16+ have received at least one dose. For the latest city and county data, click here.

May 24 Statement from the Washington State DOH. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is aware of reports of a small number of cases of myocarditis or pericarditis in some patients, post-vaccination. Further investigation is needed to determine if these cases are connected in any way to COVID-19 vaccines. Read the statement or follow this link for more information from the CDC.

Gov. updates Healthy Washington proclamation, announces safe workers proclamation. Gov. Jay Inslee extended the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery emergency proclamation, Proclamation 20-25.13. The governor also issued new worker protections that safeguard employees who wish to get vaccinated, or who are in isolation or quarantine, from adverse action by their employer. Read the full news release here.

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.

Information for Businesses

Federal grants for shuttered venue operators and restaurants still open. The U.S. Small Business Administration is currently operating two grant programs – the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. You can continue to find information about available federal and state grant and loan programs on the Washington State Department of Commerce’s business grants page at commercegrants.com.

Let’s Get Down to Business: Business leaders weigh in on back-to-work plans. If you own a business or are involved in employer back-to-work plans, you may be thinking about how to conduct business in the future. Check out a webinar recording to learn the top tips for office transitions from Washington state business experts by clicking here.

Mask and Distancing Requirements Are Changing: Key COVID-19 Updates for Fully Vaccinated Workers (May 21, 2021). Updated state COVID-19 workplace safety and health guidance from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries will help employers adapt masking policies to meet new CDC guidelines Gov. Jay Inslee adopted. Read the full fact sheet here.

Vaccine News

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

Need vaccine support? Call the DOH support line 1-833-VAX-HELP for assistance.

Resources. Find COVID-19 vaccine near you: Updated flyer with map showing no appointment needed vaccination sites. COVID-19 Vaccines: A Community Conversation: Watch a panel discussion hosted by Naisha Williams - Lead for COVID Vaccination in BIPOC Communities for Public Health - Seattle & King County and Q&A with local leaders. Questions addressed include but not limited to: Why should I trust that COVID vaccines are safe? What's the difference between the different available vaccines? Where can I get vaccinated? What can I do differently once I'm vaccinated. Black Health Matters - Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle: Resources and guide about vaccination for the Black community. COVID-19 Vaccine: Muslim FAQs - Muslim Community and Neighborhood Association: Recording of a panel with local Imams, the Washington State Secretary of Health and other public health experts answering questions about COVID-19 vaccine.

Resources

Updated Guidance. Weddings, Funerals, and Events - COVID-19 Requirements

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.

COVID-19 Reporting

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 but may or may not develop COVID-19 symptoms. Read the full May 26 report here.

Last Call…

COVID-19 Vaccines: Just the Facts! (Part 3). What's in the vaccine? The third installment in King County’s series with the real answers to real myths about the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for the County’s responses to common questions.