COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated. 

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


The City of Mercer Island is committed to sharing up-to-date information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with the community. These pages share the latest information, resources, and more.

Click on the shortcut buttons below to access the most requested information.



The City of Mercer Island is committed to sharing up-to-date information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with the community. These pages share the latest information, resources, and more.

Click on the shortcut buttons below to access the most requested information.


COVID-19 information pages are no longer updated. 

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

  • CDC Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Periods

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    On December 27, the CDC updated its isolation and quarantine guidance, reducing recommended isolation from 10 days to 5 days for asymptomatic people and a 5-day quarantine period for people exposed to COVID-19.


    Here are the new guidelines:



    ISOLATE

    If You Test Positive for COVID-19

    Who:

    Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

    What to do:

    • Stay home for 5 days.
    • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
    • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
    • If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.



    QUARANTINE

    If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19

    Who:

    Anyone who is fully vaccinated/boosted, defined as:

    • Have been boosted
      OR
    • Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months
      OR
    • Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months

    What to do:

    • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
    • Test on day 5, if possible.
    • If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.




    Who:

    Anyone considered not fully vaccinated, defined as:

    • Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted
      OR
    • Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
      OR
    • Are unvaccinated

    What to do:

    • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
    • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
    • Test on day 5 if possible.
    • If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home



    The CDC is not requiring a negative test to end isolation due to the fact that positive PCR tests can remain positive for up to 12-weeks after initial infection.


    Read more about the updated guidance here.

  • News for the Week of December 13

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    News highlights for the week of December 13.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 1,108 positive cases reported as of December 17. DOH reported a total of 701,158 confirmed cases as of December 15. There have been 9,653 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    Updated Vaccine Recommendations. The CDC now recommends Moderna and Pfizer vaccines over Johnson & Johnson due to additional report of blood clots. Newly available data about thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS – a rare but serious condition involving blood clots and a low blood platelet count – as seen in some people who received the J&J vaccine, influenced the ACIP and WA DOH recommendation. Read more here.

    Vaccine News

    COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report. Between January 17, 2021 – December 4, DOH officials have identified 83,831 vaccine breakthrough cases in the state. Of the cases that have data available (about half), 87% reported symptoms, 8% were hospitalized, and 827 people died. Read the latest report.

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

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

    Last Call…

    Situation Reports. The SitRep is issued monthly. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

  • News for the Week of December 6

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    News highlights for the week of December 6.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 1,086 positive cases reported as of December 10. DOH reported a total of 693,335 confirmed cases as of December 8. There have been 9,535 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    Mild illness for first Omicron case in King County. According to King County experts, the patient experienced mild illness and has not required hospitalization. She was fully vaccinated and received a booster shot, likely after exposure. Given the lack of recent travel, experts believe the Omicron variant has been spreading locally. Read more here.

    Vaccine News

    COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report. Between January 17, 2021 – November 27, DOH officials have identified 80,902 vaccine breakthrough cases in the state. Of the cases that have data available (about half), 87% reported symptoms, 8% were hospitalized, and 806 people died. Read the latest report.

    Ages 16-17 now eligible for boosters. Anyone age 16 and older can now get a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine, if it has been at least 6 months since their second dose. Follow this link for more.

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

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

    COVID-19 Reporting

    Data dashboard provides information on COVID-19 among youth and provides clues for the trajectory ahead. A new data dashboard provides information on youth cases, hospitalizations, and vaccination rates in King County. View the dashboard here.

    Last Call…

    Situation Reports. The SitRep is issued monthly. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

  • News for the Week of November 29

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    News highlights for the week of November 29.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 1,079 positive cases reported as of December 6. DOH reported a total of 684,930 confirmed cases as of December 1. There have been 9,380 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    Omicron COVID-19 variant discovered in three counties across Washington. The DOH has confirmed a total of three cases of omicron variant found in Thurston County, Pierce County, and King County. Patients range in age from 20 to 39, two men, one woman. Full press release here.

    CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots to All Adults. People age 18 years and older who received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may get a booster six months after completion of their primary vaccination series. Learn more here.

    Vaccine News

    COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report. Between January 17, 2021 – November 20, DOH officials have identified 78,606 vaccine breakthrough cases in the state. Of the cases that have data available (about half), 87% reported symptoms, 8% were hospitalized, and 775 people died. Read the latest report.

    DOH launches WA Verify: State’s new Digital COVID-19 Verification Record system. Vaccine verification options now include QR code functionality through WA Verify, the state’s new Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record system. WA Verify is Washington’s new Digital COVID-19 Verification Record system that draws COVID-19 records from the state’s immunization system. To use the tool, people enter their name, date of birth, and an email or phone number associated with their vaccination record. If the information matches an official record, they will receive a text or email with a link to their Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record. Learn more here.

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

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

    COVID-19 Reporting

    Data dashboard provides information on COVID-19 among youth and provides clues for the trajectory ahead. A new data dashboard provides information on youth cases, hospitalizations, and vaccination rates in King County. View the dashboard here.

    Last Call…

    Situation Reports. The SitRep is issued monthly. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    FEMA mobile COVID-19 vaccination unit coming to western Washington. FEMA will send a mobile vaccination unit to several western Washington communities to ensure life-saving COVID-19 vaccine are given to the public quickly and equitably. Read the full news release.

  • CDC Issues EUA for Pfizer Vaccine for Pediatric Population, Ages 5-11

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    This news article has been archived.

    On November 2, the CDC issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for the pediatric population ages 5-11 years.

    The EUA comes after the FDA's review of Pfizer's vaccine trial and EUA authorization . The vaccine trial consisted of 2,268 child participants and used Pfizer’s two-dose vaccine regimen. Of the total pediatric participants, 1,518 received the vaccine and 750 received the placebo (saline).

    The pediatric vaccine trial included a follow-up at or near 2 months after the participant’s second dose (data cutoff was October 8, 2021). Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials are still ongoing, click here to learn more about the pediatric vaccine clinical trials.

    The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also reviewed the data and endorsed the vaccine.

    The Washington State DOH is updating Vaccine Locator and will add an option for “Pfizer-BioNTech Pediatric” vaccine in the coming days. If you have questions or need help scheduling an appointment, call the state’s COVID-19 hotline at 833-VAX-HELP. Language assistance is available.

    Children ages 5-11 represent around 9% of all reported coronavirus cases in the country, according to data presented to the FDA advisory panel and recently released State data show COVID-19 infections among children and youth are slowing.

    To learn how to submit reports of adverse events following vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a vaccine safety monitoring system managed by CDC and FDA, visit the VAERS website, call the VAERS toll-free information line at 1-800-822-7967, or send an email to info@vaers.org.

  • News for the Week of October 25

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    News highlights for the week of October 25.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 967 positive cases reported as of October 29. DOH reported a total of 638,191 confirmed cases as of October 27. There have been 8,585 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    FDA Authorizes EUA for Pfizer Vaccine for Children. On October 29, the FDA authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 through 11. The vaccine trial consisted of 2,268 child participants and used Pfizer’s two-dose vaccine regimen, with shots administered twenty-one days apart. Of the total pediatric participants, 1,518 received the vaccine and 750 received the placebo (saline).

    The pediatric vaccine trial included a safety follow-up at or near 2 months after the participant’s second dose (data cutoff was October 8, 2021).

    Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials continue. Click here to learn more about the pediatric vaccine clinical trials.

    Children ages 5-11 represent around 9% of all reported coronavirus cases in the country, according to data presented to the FDA advisory panel Tuesday. Anticipated CDC approval could come as early as next Tuesday. Read the FDA press release here.

    Vaccine News

    COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report. Between January 17, 2021 – October 16, DOH officials have identified 59,543 vaccine breakthrough cases in the state. Of the cases that have data available (about half), 88% reported symptoms, 9% were hospitalized, and 568 people died. Read the latest report.

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

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

    COVID-19 Reporting

    New data dashboard provides information on COVID-19 among youth and provides clues for the trajectory ahead. A new data dashboard provides information on youth cases, hospitalizations, and vaccination rates in King County. View the dashboard here.

    Last Call…

    Situation Reports. The SitRep is issued monthly. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

  • News for the Week of October 18

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    News highlights for the week of October 18.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 943 positive cases reported as of October 21. DOH reported a total of 625,677 confirmed cases as of October 20. There have been 8,417 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    Cases, hospital admissions, and hospital occupancy have declined in King County and Statewide. DOH's latest COVID-19 modeling and surveillance situation report shows case counts, hospital admissions, and hospital occupancy have declined, yet these levels remain high. Hospitals across the state are operating at full capacity, and projections suggest high levels of occupancy are likely to continue through the fall months. Read the full news release or check-out the latest County and State data dashboards.

    King County’s vaccine verification mandate begins Monday. Learn more about acceptable COVID-19 tests and other information needed to follow the mandate. Learn more here.

    Situation Reports. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of October 22. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Information for Businesses

    For King County businesses: How to request technical assistance to improve indoor ventilation and air quality. King County businesses can request technical assistance from Public Health to improve your business's ventilation and indoor air quality. You may also qualify for a HEPA air filtration unit by completing a request form found on the page linked above.

    Vaccine News

    COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report. Between January 17, 2021 – October 9, DOH officials have identified 55,518 vaccine breakthrough cases in the state. Of the cases that have data available (about half), 89% reported symptoms, 9% were hospitalized, and 527 people died. Read the latest report.

    Booster doses now available for all three COVID-19 vaccine types for certain individuals. DOH is expanding the use of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for certain individuals following recommendations from the FDA, CDC, and Western States Safety Review Group. While not fully approved, providers can now offer booster doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines to those who are eligible including: those 65 and older, those 18 – 64 who live in long-term care settings, those 18 – 64 who have underlying medical conditions or those at increased risk of social inequities, and those 18 – 64 who work or live in high-risk settings. Learn more here.

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

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

  • News for the Week of October 11

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    News highlights for the week of October 11.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 933 positive cases reported as of October 15. DOH reported a total of 612,757 confirmed cases as of October 13. There have been 8,198 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    New Statewide Vaccine Mandate Will Require Proof to Attend Large Events. On Thursday, the Governor announced the new mandate requiring attendees of indoor events with 1,000+ or outdoor events with 10,000+ will need to provide proof of vaccination or negative test. He also announced that the state employee and healthcare and education professionals vaccine mandate will not be extended. Click here to watch the press conference.

    Situation Reports. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of October 22. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Information for Businesses

    Vaccination verification posters for businesses and other organizations available in multiple languages. Businesses and events included in the vaccine verification requirements must display this signage at all public entrances. See also: How to Verify Vaccination (PDF): Post this sign in a place where staff can see it to show how to verify vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Other languages coming soon.

    Vaccine News

    COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report. Between January 17, 2021 – October 2, DOH officials have identified 51,304 vaccine breakthrough cases in the state. Of the cases that have data available (about half), 89% reported symptoms, 9% were hospitalized, and 493 people died. Read the latest report.

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

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

    Resources

    For King County health care facilities: Monoclonal antibody therapy request process. Information for health care facilities interested in obtaining and administering monoclonal antibody therapy and other COVID-19 therapeutics.

  • News for the Week of October 4

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    News highlights for the week of October 4.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 908 positive cases reported as of October 7. DOH reported a total of 598,823 confirmed cases as of October 6. There have been 7,972 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    Situation Reports. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of October 22. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Information for Businesses

    Vaccine Verification Toolkit for Businesses. In preparation for King County’s October 25 proof of vaccination or negative test mandate, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce has created a toolkit for businesses that provides them with resources to comply with King County’s new vaccine verification order. Follow this link to the toolkit.

    Vaccine News

    COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Report. Between January 17, 2021 – September 25, DOH officials have identified 46,667 vaccine breakthrough cases in the state. Of the cases that have data available (about half), 89% reported symptoms, 9% were hospitalized, and 442 people died. Read the full October 6 report.

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

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

    Last Call…

    Finland, Sweden, and Denmark Pause Moderna Vaccine for Young Men. A Nordic study involving Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark found that men under the age of 30 who received the Moderna vaccine had a slightly higher risk than others of developing myocarditis. Read more about the study and pause here.

  • News for the Week of September 27

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    News highlights for the week of September 27.

    Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 885 positive cases reported as of September 30. DOH reported a total of 584,023 confirmed cases as of September 29. There have been 7,726 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.

    Situation Reports. The next SitRep will be available the afternoon of October 22. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.

    Vaccine News

    COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough report. Between January 17, 2021 – September 18, DOH officials have identified 41,721 vaccine breakthrough cases in the state. Of the cases that have data available (about half), 89% reported symptoms, 9% were hospitalized, and 386 people died. Read the full September 29 report.

    80% of people ages 12+ fully vaccinated in King County and 86% have received at least one dose.

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

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

    COVID-19 pop-up vaccination events in October. Upcoming COVID-19 vaccination pop-up events.