News for the Week of October 26

News and highlights for the week of October 26.

COVID-19 activity intensifying across Washington state. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on COVID-19 transmission, which shows a general rise in the intensity of the epidemic in both western and eastern Washington. Click here for the report.

"Stay Safe - Vote Safe" Proclamation. Stay Safe - Vote Safe Proclamation issued to ensure voters and voting centers are protected during the pandemic. Governor Inslee issued a "Stay Safe - Vote Safe" proclamation that temporarily suspends any COVID-related orders that could be interpreted to restrict access to voting centers and student engagement HUBS by persons intending to register to vote, obtain a ballot, receive assistance with a ballot, deposit a ballot or use other voting-related services. Learn more about the proclamation and how to vote here.

Ventilation and Air Quality for Reducing Transmission of COVID-19. The DOH has issued new ventilation and air quality guidance(External link) to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Good ventilation and indoor air quality are important in helping reduce airborne exposure to viruses, including COVID-19. However, ventilation and air filtration are not effective alone. They are tools that must be used along with other measures. Click here for more information.

Health clinics go the extra mile during the pandemic. “People are afraid to come in.” As the pandemic unfolded, the state's sexual and reproductive health (SRH) clinics worked round-the-clock to ensure services were available and accessible. Click here.

Second-half 2020 property taxes due November 2; deadline will not be extended. King County property owners who pay their property taxes themselves, rather than through a mortgage lender, have until Monday, November 2 to pay the second half of their 2020 bill. After that date, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. The Pierce and Snohomish county treasurers are also maintaining this deadline in their respective jurisdictions. While the first half payment deadline of April 30 was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an extension of the second half deadline could create substantial financial risk for many cities, counties, school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, and other special purpose districts. These jurisdictions rely heavily on the timely receipt of the year's second installment of property tax revenue to make December debt service payments. Find out more, including how to pay property taxes, at the full news release here.

Flu Vaccine Now Available for Uninsured Adults at No Cost. Twenty-three Albertsons and Safeway pharmacies across the state will offer flu vaccine free of charge through June 2021 to uninsured adults. Click here for more information.

When staying home isn't safe: Domestic violence in King County during a pandemic. The Governor's Stay Home Order, business closures and other strategies helped slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the social isolation and stress resulting from these efforts, combined with less access to external supports, may be increasing the occurrence of family violence. Learn more here.

Department of Health to release monthly report on Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is releasing new data about how many cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) are occurring statewide. This report will be published monthly and include county-level counts of MIS-C cases. MIS-C is a condition that causes inflammation in different body parts, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. Children with MIS-C may have a fever and symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, or feeling extra tired. The MIS-C report will updated monthly and posted at www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/420-290-MIS-COVID-Report.pdf

Care for caregivers: Tips and resources for unsung heroes. While caregiving can be joyful and rewarding, it can also be overwhelming or stressful for even the most resilient people. COVID-19 has made this difficult role even harder. Explore tips and resources to support your emotional well-being.

Safer Gatherings. This time of year, families and friends will be making choices about whether or not to gather for celebrations, game days or other seasonal events. See ideas here.

October 30 Situation Report. Click here for highlights and information from the 35^th week of the City’s response to the pandemic.

Data

If you are into data dashboards and reports, check out the latest here:

Increases in Food Needs in King County, WA, Spring-Summer 2020. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community that have led to business and school closures, food insecurity has increased in King County. Full report here.

Summary Report on Deaths Associated with COVID-19 – September 2020. The report provides information about the overall count of deaths associated with COVID-19 and the toll that the virus is taking on particular segments of our community, including older adults and some communities of color. Click here to read more.

Changes in Transportation Patterns Follow Community Mitigation Policies in King County, WA February – May 2020. Transportation patterns changed immediately after strategies were put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. Low traffic volumes are one way to quantify whether the community is staying home and avoiding non-essential activities. Report available here.

New data report: Computer and Internet Access in King County during the pandemic. Overall, access to adequate internet coverage is high (96%) but not all King County households have equal access to computers or high-speed internet that allow employees to work at home or children to participate in remote schooling. Click here.

View other data reports related to COVID-19

New family violence data dashboard

New health insurance and access to health care data dashboard