Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates
COVID-19 BULLETIN
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Contact:
Public Information Desk
doh-pio@doh.wa.gov
Statewide Response Updates
Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 384,929 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on May 10. There have been 5,593 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.
For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard and the state’s Roadmap to Recovery Metrics dashboard.
COVID-19 response update media briefing. Secretary Shah and other response leaders will provide a media briefing Wednesday, May 12, 8:15–9:15 a.m. PT. Please join the call 5-10 minutes early.
TVW will livestream the briefing here.
Reporters participating in the Q&A must register here.
If you would like to ask a question, you must register and log into the Zoom conference, and email doh-pio@doh.wa.gov with subject line Briefing Question.
Too early to tell whether flattening COVID-19 curve will continue. DOH released the latest COVID-19 modeling and surveillance situation report. There are some signs in the most recent data that cases may be starting to flatten, but disease activity remains high – meaning vaccination efforts and behavior like wearing masks, keeping physical distance, and gathering outdoors are still critical. Read the full news release here.
COVID-19 long-term care report. As of May 11, a total of 20,260 COVID-19 cases and 2,674 deaths 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 report here.
DOH issued the following updated guidance today:
Includes updates on visiting when fully vaccinated.
Long-Term Care Facility Testing for Staff and Residents
Routine testing recommendations updated to recommend testing all staff regardless of vaccination status.
Guidance for Temporary Worker Housing Emergency Rule
Information added on impact of vaccinations for group shelters and shared facilities.
Updated requirements for isolation facilities to be provided by operators.
Resources
Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor's Office is available here.
Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the DOH has created a webpage to help people find COVID-19 testing locations throughout the state.
Guidance and resources for employers and business owners. Sign up for the weekly Economic Resiliency Team business and worker newsletter here.
The state COVID-19 Assistance Hotline is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127, then press # or text 211-211 for help. New hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.
Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.
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