News for the Week of September 7

Here are the latest headlines, resources, and information for the week of September 7.

Alongside the ongoing transmission of COVID-19, common colds are on the rise in Seattle and King County. At the beginning of 2020, the Seattle Flu Study partnered with Public Health – Seattle & King County to launch a program to track and monitor COVID-19 mitigation efforts as well as other respiratory viruses. Click here for more information on the study.

Temporary cancellation of COVID-19 testing sites for Friday, Sept. 11. Due to poor outdoor air quality from regional wildfires, the following outdoor COVID-19 testing sites have been canceled for Friday Sept. 11th: Valley Regional Fire Authority in Auburn, HealthPoint - Renton Drive-Through, and Downtown Seattle Public Health Center. All other testing locations remain open since testing is done indoors. Click here for testing sites.

Wildfire smoke & COVID-19 are a bad mix. Not only do we need to continue to protect our communities against COVID-19, but now there are life-threatening fires throughout the state. Some of our neighbors have had to save their lives by leaving their homes, and hoping the fire spares their property. Many of us are struggling with the poor air quality from wildfire smoke. Follow this link for more on the effects of wildfire smoke on your health and COVID-19.

Suicide prevention in focus for the month of September. Everyone has a role in suicide prevention. In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month, Washingtonians are asked to #BeThe1To help prevent suicide. Vigilance is especially important this year due to the increased stress, anxiety and depression people may be experiencing with COVID-19. Normalizing conversation around mental health helps break stigma. Click here to learn more about how to be present, supportive and strong for those who may be going through a difficult time.

Update on COVID-19 vaccine distribution & planning progress in Washington State. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to make progress with our COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning efforts. Visit the DOH newsroom for the latest.

What happens when you get a COVID-19 test? Maybe it’s happened to you: you wake up one morning with a new cough and a slight fever, and you’re not sure what to do. You’re worried it might be COVID, so what are your next steps? Getting tested is one of the best ways to protect your family, friends, and community, but if you’ve never been tested before, you might be a little nervous. Check out what really happens when you get a COVID test.