COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated. 

See the CDC's COVID website for current information and trends. 

• News for the Week of November 2

  Share News for the Week of November 2 on Facebook Share News for the Week of November 2 on Twitter Share News for the Week of November 2 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of November 2 link
  This news item has been archived
  

  News and highlights for the week of November 2.

  MInext: A New Campaign to Support Local Businesses. This week, a coalition of local organizations helped launch MInext, a new marketing campaign to support the Mercer Island business community. Learn how you can help support local business here.

  November 2 City Manager’s Report. Click here to watch City Manager Jessi Bon’s video update where she provides the latest information on City services.

  November 6 Situation Report. Click here for highlights and information from the 36^th week of the City’s response to the pandemic.

  Top Headlines

  How to Take Care of Ourselves During Stressful Times. It is a challenging time for everyone right now and it’s hard to find stability in our lives. While many things are beyond our control, there are many things that we can control. When we are anxious and fearful, working some of these things into our lives can be empowering and comforting. Click here for tips to help take care of ourselves and family.

  Scammers pose as Department of Health officials in fraudulent schemes targeting medical providers. Warning to health care professionals with Washington licenses: Beware of scammers falsely claiming to represent the Washington State Department of Health – and don’t send money to anyone without being certain of the recipient’s identity. Read the full news release here.

  State reports more than 1,000 cases in a day for the first time since summer. On October 30, Washington state reported 1,047 new COVID cases in a single day. Today’s number is a new daily high since mid-July. In light of a potential fall surge, the Department of Health recently encouraged Washingtonians to flatten the curve once again.

  "Close contact" redefined. Matching Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee's redefined wording on 'close contact', King County has updated close contact. "If you have been in close contact for a combined total of 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period with someone who has COVID-19, it's important to get tested right away, even if you don't have symptoms." Click here for more.

  Resource: Health insurance feels more important than ever, and Public Health Navigators can help. King County’s health insurance Navigators are once again offering personal help with the enrollment process through Washington Healthplanfinder — with special adaptations to protect against COVID-19. Follow this link for information about virtual/online enrollment events, drive-through enrollment events, video-kiosks and more.

  Information for Businesses

  Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness applications still being accepted. There has been some confusion about whether applications for PPP loan forgiveness were due Oct. 31, but the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reassured applicants there is no defined deadline. Business owners can still apply and use the simplified application which significantly reduces the time and paperwork needed for PPP loan forgiveness. Read the SBA’s “6 Things About PPP Loan Forgiveness You Should Know” for more info.

  New Phase 2 & 3 Restaurant Guidance Video. King County's Safe Start for Taverns and Restaurants (SSTAR) program provides education and materials to help restaurants implement state and public health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It also increases the accountability of food service establishments to abide by the health and safety standards that support a safe reopening. Watch the video here.

  Five key COVID-19 safety requirements for all Washington employers. Emergency law requires five key workplace safety practices for all employers. Employees must practice social distancing and mask up. Employees must wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. A plan must be written and in place to address worker illness, and more.

  Vaccine News

  New COVID-19 vaccine preparedness page from King County. Multiple vaccines are under development and several are in large scale clinical trials with tens of thousands of volunteers to ensure they are both safe and effective. While we wait for vaccines to be approved, King County is working with the DOH on plans, procedures, and systems for eventual vaccine distribution. Click here to visit the new vaccine preparedness page.

  COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan update from the Washington State Department of Health. The DOH continues to make progress with their COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning efforts. Click here for the latest information.

  School News

  New report explores role of diagnostic testing in school reopening. The Department of Health released a new report by the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) that quantifies how various diagnostic screening scenarios could help mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission associated with reopening schools. The report affirms that while there are still risks associated with returning to full in-person instruction, the risks could be significantly reduced through school-based countermeasures, hybrid scheduling, and a phased-in approach that brings back K-5 grades first. Read the full news release here.

  Media briefing. The DOH and the Institute of Disease Modeling held a media briefing today to discuss the new IDM report. Watch the recording here.

  Inslee announces technology investment for Washington students and staff. On October 30, he announced the allocation of $24 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds to purchase approximately 64,000 computing devices for students across the state. These devices will enable students to receive their education in the new COVID-19 remote learning environment. Click here for more.

  
  

• Mask-Giving Day!

  Share Mask-Giving Day! on Facebook Share Mask-Giving Day! on Twitter Share Mask-Giving Day! on Linkedin Email Mask-Giving Day! link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  As COVID-19 cases and infection rates spike, the City’s trained Emergency Volunteers are ready to help ensure all Islanders are able to Mask-Up for the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond!

  The “Mask-Giving” giveaway will coincide with the upcoming Thrift Shop Donation day, this Saturday, November 21, at the Community and Event Center (MICEC).

  From 10:00am to 3:00pm, volunteers will be assisting with donation traffic flow, while also handing out FREE masks to anyone who comes through the MICEC parking lot.

  No need to donate to receive a mask, and walk-ups are welcome.

  At last night’s online City Council meeting (see photo), the entire Council emphasized its support for using a mask, following the Governor’s latest guidance, and not gathering for Thanksgiving with people from outside the home.

• COVID-19 Relief Grants Available for MI Businesses and Organizations

  Share COVID-19 Relief Grants Available for MI Businesses and Organizations on Facebook Share COVID-19 Relief Grants Available for MI Businesses and Organizations on Twitter Share COVID-19 Relief Grants Available for MI Businesses and Organizations on Linkedin Email COVID-19 Relief Grants Available for MI Businesses and Organizations link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  Apply for a relief grant today!

  On October 20, the Mercer Island City Council unanimously approved a new grant program to support Mercer Island businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19.

  The Mercer Island COVID-19 Relief for Small Businesses Grant Program provides $270,000 of the City's second round of CARES Act funding to help assist local organizations who have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, including those organizations that were required to modify or close operations per the guidelines outlined in Governor Inslee’s Safe Start Washington Plan and other COVID-19 related mandates.

  With these funds, we hope to help Island businesses and nonprofits remain open, retain/hire employees, and stay in business to continue serving the Mercer Island community.

  Not a local business owner? Help us get the word out! The next time you order takeout, schedule a salon service, or visit your favorite Island retailer, encourage them to apply for a grant.
  
  For more program details and information on how to apply, click here.

• "Stay Safe - Vote Safe" Proclamation

  Share "Stay Safe - Vote Safe" Proclamation on Facebook Share "Stay Safe - Vote Safe" Proclamation on Twitter Share "Stay Safe - Vote Safe" Proclamation on Linkedin Email "Stay Safe - Vote Safe" Proclamation link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  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.

  Under this proclamation, gathering restrictions do not apply to voters who are in attendance at a voting center for the purpose of registering to vote or to cast his or her vote. Both individual voting and voting centers are protected under this proclamation.

  All elections personnel and voters should practice physical distancing and use face coverings. Click here to read the proclamation and guidance memo.

  How To Vote

  King County elections recommends that you vote and return your ballot as soon as you receive it. Returning your ballot early allows time to correct any issues with your signature so your ballot can be counted.

  There are three ways to return your ballot:

  1. Ballot Drop Box	Ballot drop boxes are a secure and convenient way for voters to return their ballot. Boxes opened October 15. In Mercer Island, there is a drop box located in the parking lot of the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (MICEC), 8236 SE 24th Street. Ballot drop boxes will close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day (November 3).
  2. By Mail	King County elections recommend dropping your ballot in the mail by the Friday before Election Day to make sure it gets postmarked in time to be counted. Your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day.
  3. At a Vote Center	Due to COVID-19, King County elections has urged voters who can, to vote early by mail or drop box. If you can’t, there will be seven Vote Center locations for you to register or vote: Bellevue: Bellevue College Gym: 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, WA 98007 Federal Way: Federal Way Performing Arts Center: 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S, Federal Way, WA 98003 Kenmore: Kenmore City Hall: 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 Kent: Accesso ShoWare Center: 625 W James St, Kent, WA 98032 Renton: Elections HQ in Renton: 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Seattle: CenturyLink Field Event Center: 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134 Seattle: University of Washington Seattle Campus - Dempsey Indoor Center on the UW Campus in Seattle, Walla Walla Road, 98105

  
  

  If you have any questions, give King County Elections a call at 206-296-VOTE (8683).

  "The right to vote is one of the cornerstones of our democracy. Even in the middle of a pandemic, it's vital that everyone’s voices are heard. We are dedicated to ensuring that anyone can cast their ballot in a safe manner and we are protecting the crucial election personnel and volunteers that make this democratic process possible." Governor Jay Inslee

• Reminder: Second-Half 2020 Property Taxes are due November 2

  Share Reminder: Second-Half 2020 Property Taxes are due November 2 on Facebook Share Reminder: Second-Half 2020 Property Taxes are due November 2 on Twitter Share Reminder: Second-Half 2020 Property Taxes are due November 2 on Linkedin Email Reminder: Second-Half 2020 Property Taxes are due November 2 link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  The 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.

  As you may recall, the first half payment deadline of April 30 was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If the County were to extended the second half deadline, it 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.

• A Socially Distanced Halloween

  Share A Socially Distanced Halloween on Facebook Share A Socially Distanced Halloween on Twitter Share A Socially Distanced Halloween on Linkedin Email A Socially Distanced Halloween link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  Enjoy Fall while keeping your family safe and healthy.

  The kids have been asking the all important "Are We Going to Trick-or-Treat This Year" question, and you're not quite sure how to answer.

  King County Public Health, the CDC, and the state Department of Health have plenty of tips and guidelines for keeping Trick-or-Treaters, candy handerouters, and teenagers safe during Halloween. Visit their Halloween pages (Public Health, CDC, DOH) for some spooktacular ideas, including:

  • Organize a neighborhood costume parade with social distancing.
  • Decorate your yard or neighborhood.
  • Do a Halloween scavenger hunt while kids are walking outdoors, keeping a distance from people outside your household.
  • Hold a virtual costume party online.
  • Exchange candy with families you know. Do a drop-off delivery at their doorstep for a Halloween surprise for the kids.
  • Trick-or-treat inside your home by hiding candy for your kids.
  • Have a spooky movie night or Halloween craft party with the family.

  

  Enjoy the season by visiting local farms!

  Local farms offer a wide variety of seasonal produce, fresh-cut flowers, cider, pumpkins, and more. Help support farmers, hit especially hard by the pandemic, by visiting a farm and buying local. Not sure where to find an open farm? Visit the Local Food Finder page or a special pumpkin patch page.

  It goes without saying... wear your face mask and make sure you are socially distancing while you tromp through rows of pumpkins!

  

• News for the Week of September 28

  Share News for the Week of September 28 on Facebook Share News for the Week of September 28 on Twitter Share News for the Week of September 28 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of September 28 link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  Lots of news this week! Expand this article for the latest headlines, resources, and information for the week of September 28.

  Finding Mercer Island COVID-19 Data. King County has updated their data dashboards again and things have shifted a bit. If you are looking for Mercer Island specific information, click on the City-level tab on the daily summary page (there is a menu just above the charts and directly above the small King County logo). Once the City-level page finishes loading, select Mercer Island from the drop-down list of cities to compare. Numbers as of September 30 (King County staff update data between 3-5pm): 181 positive cases (up 2 from the previous day), 5 deaths (no new), 15 hospitalizations (no new), 8,352 all test results (64 new), and 5,911 people tested (33 new).

  COVID-19 Literature Review. The UW’s Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness provides the public with a daily newsletter summarizing the latest COVID-19 scientific literature. If you are looking for more in-depth information on the pandemic, check it out today.

  Health officials investigating COVID-19 outbreak at Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie. Public Health – Seattle & King County is investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 associated with the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie. Public Health is recommending anyone who visited the Salish Lodge & Spa overnight or as a guest during the day get tested for COVID-19 and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Salish Lodge & Spa is working with Public Health to implement recommendations. Follow this link for the full press release.

  Washington prepares to deploy new rapid COVID-19 tests. Within the next five to ten days the Department of Health will receive and distribute the first batch of Abbott BinaxNOW antigen test kits for COVID-19 from the federal government. These are rapid tests that can return results in as little as 15 minutes. The first batch will include 149,000 kits, and the state anticipates receiving nearly 2.3 million total tests between now and December. Learn more here.

  Resource: COVID-19 Child Care Support. Do you need help with child care costs? You may qualify for financial assistance to pay for child care if you live or work in King County, fall within income guidelines and your income, work schedule, or access to child care has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 or you are an essential worker. Click here for more info.

  COVID-19 in Children and Teens: Information for parents and caregivers about COVID-19 in children and teens. While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Children, like adults, who have COVID-19 but have no symptoms (“asymptomatic”) can still spread the virus to others. Follow this link to read on.

  Flu vaccine should be considered “essential” this year. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, autumn brings with it another unwanted visitor – the flu. The presence of both viruses could put more people in the hospital and strain Washington’s health care system. While we don’t yet have a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, we do have one to prevent flu. State health experts want you to take action. Learn more here.

  Resource: Free Vaccination Clinics in Kent on October 7 and October 17. Public Health – Seattle & King County is organizing two drive-thru clinics at the ShoWare Center in Kent on Wednesday, October 7 and Saturday, October 17 (previously October 10) in collaboration with the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) and the Kent School District. We’ll be offering all vaccines required for K-12 school entry (Hep B, Varicella, Polio, MMR, Tdap, DTaP plus flu vaccine to kids ages 4-18). All vaccinations will be provided at no cost and available to all kids regardless of insurance status. SVNA will be providing adult flu (at no cost to uninsured and underinsured community members). The clinics are open to all King County residents. For more info visit the Find a Vaccination Clinic webpage.

  Antigen test results now being reported weekly. On September 30, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) started publishing a weekly report of positive antigen test results. Antigen tests can provide results in minutes, compared to much longer wait times for most molecular test results. Some antigen testing is already happening across the state, and that will only increase in the coming months, with more than 2 million Abbott BinaxNOW™ tests reportedly on the way from the federal government. Click here for more information.

  Higher education's response to COVID-19. This fall, higher education institutions are grappling with how to balance quality education with the health and safety of students, faculty and staff. Collaboration between Public Health and local colleges has allowed for questions, discussion, and support as they determine how to achieve this balance. For the full article, click here.

  Updated Recommendations for Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Caring for Newborns. Based on what we know at this time, pregnant people might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people. Additionally, pregnant people with COVID-19 may be at increased risk for other adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth. Click here for more info.

  Transmission at a crossroads in Washington state going into fall. On September 25, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report. The report shows COVID-19 case counts continue to decrease overall in both eastern and western Washington, though some counties are experiencing plateaus or increases in disease activity. Click here for more information.

  Discrepancy found in state epidemiology report. The Department of Health reported 992 new cases of COVID-19 on September 25. This includes 486 cases from Clark County that had been previously reported but had not been entered into the state’s data system. DOH and Clark County are actively collaborating to ensure that any remaining discrepancies are resolved promptly. For more on this story click here.

  
  

  More updated regulations/guidance from the County and/or the Governor’s office:

  • New poster on church reopening safety guidelines
  • Updated guidance for child care administrators in King County: What to do when you have a suspected/confirmed case of COVID-19 in your facility
  • Inslee updates indoor fitness and training facility guidance

  
  

• News for the Week of October 12

  Share News for the Week of October 12 on Facebook Share News for the Week of October 12 on Twitter Share News for the Week of October 12 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of October 12 link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  News and headlines for the week of October 12.

  Inslee extends eviction moratorium, public utilities proclamation. On October 14, Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extensions of the eviction moratorium and public utility proclamations as COVID-19 continues to impact the finances of Washingtonians statewide. Both proclamations were extended to December 31. Click here for the Moratorium on Evictions and here for the utilities Ratepayer Assistance.

  Businesses face fines for coronavirus mask violations, but most are complying. Since mid-July, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has looked into mask complaints concerning more than 4,200 retailers, restaurants and other businesses in the state. In the vast majority of cases, the businesses that were violating the rules complied after L&I staff explained the requirements, or the initial complaints to the state were not substantiated. The agency has fined eight companies for violating the state public mask mandate and endangering their workers’ health. Three others were cited after public mask complaints led to L&I finding worker mask violations. Read the full news release here.

  COVID-19 transmission increasing in western Washington, rates flat but higher in eastern Washington. On October 14, the State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on COVID-19 transmission. Click here to read the latest WA SitRep.

  Cases are rising in King County – What does that mean for schools? Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise again in King County, after two months of decline. What does this mean for in-person school? The rise in community transmission highlights the importance of schools being prepared to implement the recommended COVID-19 health and safety measures before returning to in-person instruction. Click here for the full article.

  Resource: Eligible families strongly encouraged to apply for free and reduced-price meal programs. While all students may be provided free meals through the end of December, it is still critical that eligible families complete the application this fall. Many students across Washington state rely on school meals to meet their nutritional needs. As the economic impacts of COVID-19 continue, more families are taking advantage of free meals provided by school districts. Families are strongly encouraged to complete a School Meal Application now, which determines a student’s eligibility for free and reduced-price meals. Read more here.

  New Federal Grant Supporting WA Businesses. A newly announced federal grant supports Safe Start projects and partnerships aimed at helping Washington state businesses restart, rebuild and become more resilient. A $15 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, one of the largest such grants in the nation, will support a number of initiatives ultimately aimed at helping Washington small businesses and strengthening core industry clusters. Click here for more information.

  High Volume Testing Locations in King County. King County has added a webpage with information for high volume drive-through and walk-up sites aimed at increasing access to testing across our community. Traveling outside of King County? The State has added a testing site locator map. Click here for the statewide map.

  Reducing coronavirus risk as we spend more time indoors for fall and winter. As the season changes, cooler temperatures mean more time indoors. The risk from COVID-19 increases with indoor gatherings compared to outdoors, but there are ways to reduce the spread and stay healthy. We talked to Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin about COVID-19 risks indoors and what to do about it. Click here for more.

  Statewide COVID-19 vaccine distribution progress update. The State Department of Health (DOH) continues to make progress with our COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning efforts. We are working with the federal government and local partners to plan for the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available. DOH staff are on track to turn it in to the CDC by the October 16 due date. Click here to read the State's update.

  Resource: Extended foster care eviction and rent assistance. The Washington State Department of Commerce: Office of Homeless Youth allocated $1 million in CARES Act funding to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to provide stipends to young adults who will age out or have aged out of Extended Foster Care at age 21, between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2020. The purpose of the funding is to support housing stability for youth who exited the Extended Foster Care Program at age 21. Read more here.

  Resource: Protections for Energy Customers affected by COVID-19 Extended. On October 6, state regulators approved protections for electric and natural gas utility customers who are struggling to pay their bills due to financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission ordered investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington to continue a moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment until April 30, 2021. Also, utilities will continue to waive deposits for new customers and all late fees through Oct. 27, 2021. Utilities must also work with customers to establish long-term payment arrangements for up to 18 months for residential customers, and 12 months for small commercial customers. In addition to payment arrangements, all utilities must also create a COVID-19 bill payment assistance program funded at 1% of their Washington state retail revenues, in addition to any existing local and federal assistance programs. Follow this link for more information.

  How Metro is Keeping You Safe. Metro’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Report, which is the first compilation of the actions Metro took to maintain safe and reliable public transportation services during the pandemic and summarizes the agency’s approach to support the region’s future recovery is now available. Even at the pandemic’s highest points, Metro riders made over 100,000 trips every day. For more on the County’s transportation response and recovery plan, click here.

  
  

• News for the Week of October 19

  Share News for the Week of October 19 on Facebook Share News for the Week of October 19 on Twitter Share News for the Week of October 19 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of October 19 link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  News and headlines for the week of October 19.

  Relief Grants Available for MI Businesses and Organizations. On October 20, the Mercer Island City Council unanimously approved a new grant program to support Mercer Island businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. Apply for a relief grant today!

  MI Thrift Shop Resumes Donation Collections (New Process). Beginning October 31, the City’s Thrift Shop will resume accepting donations by temporarily relocating all donation center operations to the Mercer Island Community and Event Center (8236 SE 24th Street). This will allow more space for processing and the ability to quarantine all donated items. Initially, donation hours will be on Saturdays only, from 10:00am-3:00pm. Visit the Thrift Shop website for all of the details!

  Resource: King County launches new webpage on flu resources for older adults and people with disabilities. Why is it important to get a flu shot this year? Getting a flu shot will make it easier for you and your primary care provider to decide how to treat any viral infection this winter. There is a lot of overlap between flu symptoms and early COVID-19 symptoms. If you have any symptoms and you have had the flu vaccine, that will be useful information to help decide on the best course of testing and treatment for you. Free to low-cost flu vaccine is available in King County. Learn more at www.kingcounty.gov/findaclinic.

  8 Things to Know about Vaccine Planning. There is currently no authorized or approved vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States; however, the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed program has been working since the pandemic started to make a COVID-19 vaccine available as soon as possible. There may be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines before the end of 2020. If there is limited supply, some groups may be recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine first. Find out the 8 things you need to know about vaccine planning here.

  Washington’s ‘Interim COVID-19 Vaccination Plan’ submitted to CDC. The Washington State Department of Health submitted its interim vaccination plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by the stated deadline of October 16, 2020. Click here for the interim plan.

  100,000. On October 22, the State reported the 100,000th Washingtonian diagnosed with COVID-19. A sad and sobering milestone. Click here for more.

  Concern that climb in cases means ‘fall surge’ is starting; Experts say we must act now to reverse trend. Data from the Washington State Department of Health show that case numbers in western Washington counties are climbing at an alarming rate, near or beyond previous peaks in some areas. As cases in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties continue to trend sharply upward, health officials warn we may now be entering the fall surge. Read the full news release here.

  Safer Gatherings: Coping While Apart. During normal times, the fall and winter months are wonderful times to gather. So, limiting and changing the way in which we gather with family and friends isn’t easy. It may cause feelings of stress, anxiety or depression. This time of year, it’s important that we practice self-care and support others who may be feeling lonely or isolated. For more information and tips on safer gatherings this fall, visit coronavirus.wa.gov/gatherings.

  Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Your chances of getting COVID-19 while traveling also depend on whether you and those around you take steps to protect yourself and others, such as wearing masks and staying 6 feet away from people outside your household. Airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces. These are also places where it can be hard to keep your distance from others. Click here for more information.

  Resource: King County is hiring – join the COVID-19 response team. See latest job opportunities the County is offering related to managing the pandemic. Visit their main jobs homepage for a list of all other job opportunities with Public Health - Seattle & King County.

  Resource: WIC Helps Families in Many Ways. Washington WIC gives families access to nutritious food and provides health screening, risk assessment, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services. The program provides essential services for pregnant people, new and breastfeeding moms, infants, and children under five. Most pregnant people and young children on Medicaid or Basic Food (SNAP) qualify for WIC services. Given layoffs and other economic consequences related to COVID-19, people may be seeking WIC services for the first time. WIC has capacity and welcomes new families. To find WIC services in your area: Text "WIC" to 96859, visit ParentHelp123's Resource Finder, or call the Help Me Grow WA Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

• News for the Week of October 26

  Share News for the Week of October 26 on Facebook Share News for the Week of October 26 on Twitter Share News for the Week of October 26 on Linkedin Email News for the Week of October 26 link
  This news item has been archived.
  

  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