COVID-19 BULLETIn
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Contact:
Public Information Desk
doh-pio@doh.wa.gov
Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates
Statewide Response Updates
Newest numbers. The Department of Health reported a total of 100,525 confirmed cases as of 11:59 pm on October 21. There have been 2,289 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 COVID-19 risk assessment dashboard.
100,000 cases in Washington. Today we are reporting the 100,000th Washingtonian diagnosed with COVID-19. This a sad and sobering milestone. One hundred thousand people is too many. Too many worried families. Too many fevers. Too many coughs. Too many nights spent awake struggling to breathe.
We need to stay focused on protecting each other to keep our health care system running smoothly, support plans to open schools, and support businesses and the state’s economic recovery.
We can do it. Learn how 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.
This plan is Washington state’s response to the request from the CDC for state and territorial health departments to answer questions and outline their preliminary plans for vaccine distribution. It describes how the department will approach the work of planning for and distributing an U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine once available.
Read the full news release here.
Health officials looking for community feedback on COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to make progress with our COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning efforts. Yesterday we posted our interim vaccine distribution plan. Now, as one component of a larger engagement strategy, the department is seeking additional feedback to help us understand the best ways to equitably distribute the vaccine as the department moves forward.
With focus groups and key informant interviews underway with the key priority groups, the Department of Health is also offering two different general feedback opportunities:
The opportunity to provide feedback on vaccine prioritization and allocation. This opportunity has been available on the webpage and will be open until 11:59PM on Monday, October 26. This opportunity is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. This timeline will allow us to incorporate preliminary feedback into our initial COVID-19 vaccine prioritization and allocation planning efforts, and is just the first of feedback opportunities.
The opportunity to provide feedback on the interim vaccine distribution plan. You can find the plan and submit feedback on the DOH COVID-19 vaccine webpage.
Read 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.
“While rare, MIS-C is a serious complication that appears to be associated with COVID-19. Children who suffer from MIS-C can become critically ill and some can even die.” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer. “That’s why it’s important that children also take measures to decrease their risk of COVID-19 like masking, hand washing, and social distancing. These are the best ways to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Read the full news release here, and the first report here.
It’s more important than ever to get a flu vaccine this year. While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, 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.
For help finding a health care provider or vaccine location, and to learn more about flu, visit www.KnockOutFlu.org
Inslee announces COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund now open for applications. Gov. Jay Inslee announced today the Washington COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is now open for applications.
The relief fund will provide $40 million in federal funds allocated by the state to assist Washington workers who miss work due to COVID-19, but are unable to access federal stimulus programs and other social supports due to their immigration status. While the fund is operational, eligible recipients will receive $1,000, with a limit of $3,000 per household.
Read the full news release here.
Inslee updates guidance for religious and faith based organizations. Gov. Jay Inslee today announced updated guidance for religious and faith based organizations as part of Washington's Safe Start phased reopening plan.
The religious and faith-based guidance is updated to:
Clarify that physical distancing between non-household members must be 6 feet in all directions; and
Permit brief physical contact among up to five individuals, excluding religious leaders, if the brief contact is a critical component to the organization’s religious service, so long as masks are worn and hands are sanitized immediately before and after the contact.
Read the full guidance document here.
Inslee issues proclamation establishing higher education safety guidelines. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation today establishing safety guidelines for higher education institutions and living facilities.
This proclamation builds on health guidance previously issued for institutions of higher education by adding additional safety measures to address significant increases in COVID-19 infections that have occurred particularly in congregate living areas, like Greek houses, and large social gatherings of students.
Examples of changes include:
Limitations on the number of residents who may share a sleeping area;
Limitations on the number of people in common areas;
Requirements for all people in common areas to wear a mask and remain socially distanced.
In addition, institutions of higher education must provide isolation and quarantine facilities to fraternity, sorority or other group houses, students who live in shared housing in close proximity to campus, students living in dorms, and personnel if they don’t have a place to go.
Read the full proclamation here.
October 14 COVID-19 response update media briefing recording available. This week's COVID-19 response update media briefing with leaders from the governor’s office and DOH is available to watch here.
Resources
Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance is available here.
Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the Department of Health 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 business and worker newsletter here.
Washington 211 COVID-19 call center is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127 or text 211-211 for help. 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.