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Department of Heath statement on face mask mandate:
Washington State Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, M.D., MPH, amended Order 20-03 requiring face masks for everyone over five years of age in most public indoor settings regardless of vaccination status. These include places like grocery stores, malls, gyms, and community centers. Masks are strongly recommended in crowded outdoor settings like sporting events, fairs, and concerts where physical distancing is not possible. The updated order goes into effect on Monday, Aug. 23.
The order reflects the recommendations of all 35 local health officers in the state of Washington and recent changes to CDC guidance that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in indoor public settings, in areas of substantial or high transmission. With the rise of the more infectious Delta variant, every county in Washington is currently categorized as having substantial or high transmission.
Reinstating mask requirements is necessary in addition to increasing vaccinations, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Washington. The health care system is under immense strain, due in part to increased COVID-19 transmission, mostly among unvaccinated people. Between Feb. 1 and Aug. 3, 94.5% of COVID-19 cases who were hospitalized were not fully vaccinated.
“While vaccines are the pathway out of this pandemic, wearing a mask is necessary to stem the current increase in COVID-19 cases, driven by the Delta variant,” said Shah. “I appreciate the efforts of those who are already regularly wearing face coverings in public and urge others to join us in taking this critical step to control the virus. Each of us has a part to play to stop the spread of this disease in our communities.”
There are some exceptions to the indoor mask requirement, including:
- Children under age five years of age. However, children age two to four years old can wear a mask under close adult supervision.
- People with a medical or mental health condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a mask
- Fully vaccinated workers who are working alone or in an area not accessible to the public
- Athletes who play indoor sports and who are actively engaged in competition or practice (masks are still required on sidelines and in team meetings)
- Small indoor private gatherings when everyone is vaccinated
- Children under two years of age should not wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation
It is important to use and handle masks properly. A mask should fit snugly around both your mouth and nose, and it should not have holes or tears in the fabric. Cloth face coverings should be washed frequently, ideally after each use, and certainly daily. If you are not able to wash it after each use, wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after putting it back on and avoid touching your face.
You can find more information about mask requirements on our website.
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Statement from the Washington State Department of Health:
Health care providers can now offer third doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to certain immunocompromised individuals following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP), and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup.
While authorized vaccines have proven to be more than 90% effective in protecting against most variants, emerging data suggest people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems do not always build the same level of immunity compared to people who are not immunocompromised. The third dose is not considered a booster, rather an additional dose for individuals who did not adequately develop immunities with the initial two-dose series. A full list of conditions is available on the CDC’s website.
“A third dose of Pfizer or Moderna will provide those who need it extra protection and help shield some of our most vulnerable from the highly contagious delta variant,” said Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH. “Science continues to show vaccines are the best tool we have to protect our communities and slow the spread of COVID-19.”
A person receiving a third dose should get it at least 28 days after dose two. When possible, the individual should receive the same vaccine as the first two doses, but may receive the other mRNA vaccine brand if the other vaccine is not available. At this time, no additional dose is recommended for people who had the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. People who received J&J should not get a second dose of either J&J or a dose of an mRNA vaccine. Additionally, people with competent immune systems should not receive a third dose.
While vaccination is likely to increase protection, people who are immunocompromised should continue to wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of social distancing, avoid crowds, and avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces to protect themselves and those around them. Close contacts of immunocompromised people are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to help place a bubble of protection around them.
Visit the DOH Newsroom for all news releases.
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News highlights for the week of August 9.
Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 705 positive cases reported as of August 13. DOH reported a total of 457,647 confirmed cases as of August 11. There have been 6,215 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.
Due to excessive heat waves, COVID-19 testing sites may close early. Click here for a link to specific locations and temporary early closure times for, Friday, Aug. 13th due to excessive heat.
King County directive urges all residents ages 5+ to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. To protect the health of customers and employees, all King County employers should implement policies and practices that require workers and customers, 5 years of age and older, to wear a face mask in all indoor spaces open to the public. See full statement dated August 12, 2021.
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. Infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the Delta variant. However, preliminary evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others. To reduce their risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant and potentially spreading it to others, the CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people: wear masks in public indoor settings, get tested if experience COVID-19 symptoms, isolate if test positive. Click here for more information.
Delta Explained: What You Should Know, and Do. The Delta variant is the latest example of how adaptable viruses can be. It’s a faster, more efficient version of the original virus that causes COVID-19. It’s the same virus, only better at infecting people. Click here to learn more.
Situation Reports. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.
Vaccine News
Local Vaccination Summary. As of August 11, the County reports that 95% of Mercer Island resident ages 12-and-up, have received at least one dose of vaccine. Countywide, 82% of residents have had at least one dose and 76% of King County residents have completed their vaccine series.
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.
Breakthrough Case Report. Between January 17, 2021 – July 31, 2021, Washington State identified 5,879 vaccine breakthrough cases. Read the full report here.
Resources
CDC Issues Eviction Moratorium Order. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky today signed an order determining the evictions of tenants for failure to make rent or housing payments could be detrimental to public health control measures to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This order will expire on October 3, 2021. Read more here.
COVID-19 Reporting
Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination. The CDC tracks reported side effects that may have been caused by vaccines via the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). View the latest report here.
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Shared courtesy of King County Public Health
The Delta variant is the latest example of how adaptable viruses can be. It’s a faster, more efficient version of the original virus that causes COVID-19. It’s the same virus, only better at infecting people.
Delta is far more contagious than its predecessors. It is spreading twice as quickly as the original strain, and people who are infected with it carry around much more virus in their nose and throat.
Now it is the most common COVID-19 strain spreading in King County and most of the US. As it spreads, the numbers of new cases and hospitalizations have been rising in the county, the state, and the nation.
Getting vaccinated is the best defense we have against COVID-19, including against the Delta variant strain. Vaccination makes it far less likely for someone to catch or spread the virus.
No vaccine is 100 percent effective, however, so the Delta variant can infect vaccinated people. But they are far less likely to have severe symptoms. Many have no symptoms at all.
These “breakthrough cases” are relatively rare. When vaccinated people do get infected with the Delta variant, they can be contagious and spread the virus to others, including to unvaccinated people who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill.
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 (even if they are mild) or has had close contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19, should get a COVID test and stay away from others while they wait for results.
Getting vaccinated is the best protection
The main purpose of the vaccines is to prevent serious illness, and the COVID-19 vaccines are highly protective against serious illness leading to hospitalization or death.
Changing health guidance can be frustrating and confusing. It was only weeks ago, as summer began, that the state reopened and lifted most mask and social distancing requirements.
But as the virus adapts, so too must the guidance public health officials offer to keep the entire community safe.
That’s why the CDC, Washington state and King County health officials are again recommending that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, return to wearing masks in indoor public spaces, especially in areas where COVID-19 is spreading quickly.
If you’re in a private or restricted setting where you know everyone is vaccinated, you don’t necessarily need to wear a mask indoors, but you may choose to do so to reduce your risk further, especially if the space is crowded or the ventilation is poor.
For people who have not been vaccinated, masking up in public spaces remains mandatory.
Remember, not everyone can get the vaccine, including children under age 12.
Public Health is committed to achieving high vaccination rates across all neighborhoods and populations in King County, and we are targeting our resources accordingly.
The most important tool for limiting the spread of COVID-19 and protecting everyone in our community is getting vaccinated. To reduce risk, it’s also important to:
- Wear a high quality, well-fitting mask in indoor public settings
- Improve indoor air quality and ventilation
- Stay home when ill, isolate from others, and get tested right away if exposed
- Maintain physical distancing in crowded settings, especially indoors
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Share News for the Week of August 2 on Facebook
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News highlights for the week of August 2.
Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 658 positive cases reported as of August 5. DOH reported a total of 443,230 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on August 4. There have been 6,155 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. As of July 24, 2021, 61% of those in Washington state who are eligible to receive vaccines have completed an approved vaccination series. For the latest city and county data, click here.
Situation Reports. The City will be concluding its monthly Situation Reports (SitReps). The final SitRep will be available later today. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.
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.
COVID-19 Reporting
COVID-19 long-term care report. As of August 2, a total of 21,005 COVID-19 cases and 2,693 deaths (44% of COVID-19 deaths statewide) have been identified as associated or likely associated with a long-term care facility (such as nursing home, assisted living facility, or adult family home). These cases include residents as well as employees and visitors. Read the full Aug. 3 report here.
Share News for the Week of July 26 on Facebook
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News highlights for the week of July 26.
Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 633 positive cases reported as of July 26. DOH reported a total of 431,743 confirmed cases as of July 28. There have been 6,119 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. As of July 24, 61% of those eligible to receive vaccines have completed an approved vaccination series in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.
Masks required for all K-12 students and staff heading back to the classroom. DOH released updated guidance for the 2021-2022 school year. The guidance aims to minimize transmission and maximize in-person instruction and is informed by the latest science, recently released CDC guidance, and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Read the full news release here.
Region's top health officials issue unified advice: Everyone should mask up in indoor public spaces. Wear a mask in indoor, public spaces. This unified recommendation comes as case counts in our region are rising again, driven largely by the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.
Situation Reports. The City will be concluding its monthly Situation Reports (SitReps). The final SitRep will be available the afternoon of August 6. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.
Information for Businesses
Safe Reopening page update: Information for businesses and organizations. Clarified guidance for employers to report COVID-19 cases; shared resources including tax credits for COVID-related employee PTO, loans, grants, and culturally and linguistically relevant help available to small and midsize employers.
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.
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News highlights for the week of July 19.
Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 625 positive cases reported as of July 26. DOH reported a total of 426,758 confirmed cases as of July 21. There have been 6,066 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.
Situation Reports. The City will be concluding its monthly Situation Reports (SitReps). The final SitRep will be available the afternoon of August 6. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.
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.
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News highlights for the week of July 12.
Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 615 positive cases reported as of July 16. DOH reported a total of 420,921 confirmed cases as of July 14. There have been 6,036 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.
FDA adds warning to J&J vaccine label about rare Guillain-Barré syndrome. On July 12, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is adding a warning label to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, noting increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The FDA and CDC take vaccine safety very seriously, which is why they closely monitor all vaccines. The identification of any possible risks, like the low risks associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, is a sign that the nation's safety monitoring system for COVID vaccines is working.
Situation Reports. The City will be concluding its monthly Situation Reports (SitReps). The final SitRep will be available the afternoon of August 6. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.
Information for Businesses
State launches SmartWA dashboard to help small businesses reopen safely. To help small business owners identify the safety protocols most likely to be important to customers, the state Department of Commerce recently launched a new SmartWA business decision support system and COVID-19 dashboard. Watch this short online demo.
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.
Last Call…
Washington reaches 70% vaccination initiation milestone. As of July 12, 70% of people 16 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This percentage includes vaccination rates from the Washington State Immunization Information System and aggregate data from the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Read the full news release here.
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News highlights for the week of July 5.
Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 610 positive cases reported as of July 8. DOH reported a total of 417,318 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on July 7. There have been 5,986 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.
Governor issues final utility moratorium extension. The Governor issued an extension of the utility moratorium proclamation, which will now expire on September 30, 2021. This will be the final extension of the proclamation and the extension will align with the end date of the tenancy preservation bridge (21-09) to give Washingtonians struggling with housing payments time to prepare and seek assistance before both proclamations expire.
Situation Reports. The City will be concluding its monthly Situation Reports (SitReps). The final SitRep will be available the afternoon of August 6. Click here to catch up on the latest information and reports.
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.
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News highlights for the week of June 28.
Latest Numbers. In Mercer Island, there have been 609 positive cases reported as of July 2. DOH reported a total of 415,179 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on June 30. There have been 5,938 COVID-19 deaths in Washington. For the latest city and county data, click here.
Update on City Facility and Programs. The City is pleased to continue moving towards reopening in September while ramping up programming and additional offerings. Follow this link to learn about what is open now and what is coming next!
Washington State Reopens! Our state reopened this week, made possible by all Washingtonians. The Department of Health helps answer common questions and concerns as the state reopens. Click here to read more.
King County Mask Directive Ends. Tuesday marked two weeks since 70% of King County's eligible population (residents 16+) completed their vaccine series. With that, the Public Health Official's directive to continue wearing masks has ended. King County has a few reminders for residents and visitors. Click here for more information.
July 2 Situation Report. Highlights and information from the 70th week of the City’s response to the pandemic available 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
State issues housing stability “bridge” proclamation. Gov. Jay Inslee today issued a housing stability ‘bridge’ emergency order, Proclamation 21-09, intended to bridge the operational gap between the eviction moratorium (which will expire at 11:59 PM on June 30) enacted by prior proclamations and the protections and programs subsequently enacted by the Legislature. The bridge, which was initially announced last week, will also reduce uncertainty as the state implements post-COVID long-term housing recovery strategies contained in legislative enactments such as SB 5160.
COVID-19 Reporting
Update from DOH. Beginning July 1, DOH will report new COVID-19 epidemiological data to the DOH COVID-19 dashboard Monday–Friday, instead of seven days a week. This transition is a milestone toward more sustainable COVID-19 reporting and a response to recent declines in COVID-19 disease activity, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Last Call…
Don't forget your mask after June 30 — you may still need it even if you're vaccinated. The Secretary of Health’s mask order will remain in place even after June 30, which means that people who are not fully vaccinated need to continue to wear a face mask in public indoor settings even when things start to go back to normal as the state reaches a reopening milestone. Read the full news release here.
