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Ten weeks into COVID vaccine efforts, more than 76,000 people have received their first dose in Snohomish County since Dec. 17. Nearly 20,000 people are now fully vaccinated; a number that will double in the coming days.
With more residents receiving both doses—and case rates, hospitalizations and outbreaks in long-term care facilities on the decline—the Snohomish Health District has started receiving questions on when it’s safe to resume visitations with elders.
For those living in long-term care facilities, adult family homes and the like, the facilities must follow the Safe Start for Long-Term Care plan. Established by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the plan sets visitation and other activity paraments based on community transmission levels.
Given that Snohomish County has a two-week case rate exceeding 75 cases per 100,000 residents, all facilities must follow Phase 1 guidance. Note that this DSHS plan is separate from phases laid out in the Roadmap to Recovery. This allows for:
- Outdoor visitation of up to two persons per resident per day, with masking, social distancing, and standard infection prevention and control measures in place.
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Essential support persons, those designated to visit and advocate for the resident, can visit indoors in a designated visitation space. This space must be separate from the resident’s room and in an area removed from patient care spaces. They have to mask, be screened, and adhere to facility policies on visitation.
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Compassionate care circumstances are permitted in end-of-life circumstances, defined by a "sharp decline in health status," as well as psychosocial situations when the patient exhibits signs of emotional distress.
Aside from external visitors, facilities can resume group activities when they:
- Have not had COVID cases within the last 28 days,
- Are using conventional capacity and staffing practices,
- Create “pods” of residents that attend activities/dining together consistently,
- Implement physical distancing measures, and
- Provide sufficient disinfection of high-touch surfaces and shared spaces.
When Snohomish County falls below 75 cases per 100,000 residents in a two-week period, facilities will be able to allow a limited number of “non-essential personnel” like entertainment or religious services, as appropriate. This is all with screening, masks, hand hygiene and physical distancing.
“While there are currently no additional allowances based off vaccination status for long-term facilities, vaccines do play a vital role in moving us forward,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, Health Officer for the Health District. “As more residents and staff in these facilities get vaccinated, the number of cases, outbreaks and hospitalizations will decrease. Coupled with continued efforts in every community to mask up and maintain physical distancing when around people we don’t live with, we’ll continue driving down our case rates to levels where we can allow for more interactions and visitations.”
So what about visiting people that aren’t living in a congregate living setting? People should still proceed with caution, particularly if not everyone is fully vaccinated. It’s also important to remember that vaccines are still not available for those under the age of 16.
“We know people are anxious to see their loved ones and give them hugs, but we’re not quite out of the woods yet,” notes Dr. Spitters. “We need vaccine supply to pick up so more people in the community are able to get their vaccines. Getting more shots in arms will allow us to get closer to that 70-80 percent coverage needed to prevent continued spread of the virus.”
Until then, keep the bubbles small. When gathering, outdoors is best, as are short visits. People need to keep masks on the entire time, and while hard to do, keep the hugs quick and without kisses. Also make sure to keep the physical distance as much as possible, and wash hands and sanitize surfaces frequently.
Read the full press release.
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Throughout the country, shipments of vaccine this week have been delayed by weather. This includes the Week 10 shipment for Snohomish County (an anticipated 5,100 first doses and 18,500 second doses countywide).
Additional first dose appointments are not available at the Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce mass vaccination sites until there is vaccine. There is no firm date for when those doses will arrive. For people who are nearly at or just past the target date for a second dose, registration for your second dose appointment may be delayed pending the arrival of vaccine. Keep in mind that though you may not be vaccinated exactly on your target date for the second dose, it still will be an effective vaccine when you get it. The second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may be scheduled for administration up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose.
Through last Saturday, a population close in size to Monroe has now been fully vaccinated against COVID in Snohomish County.
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 The weather delay is having impacts across Washington, Michele Roberts, the state’s acting assistant health secretary told a news conference on Thursday morning.
“We estimate more than 90% of this week’s allocation will arrive late because of the weather out east. Moderna vaccines have not yet shipped because of the weather – and Pfizer vaccines are limited right now,” she said. Among other things, the shortage forced the state to temporarily suspend operations at its mass vaccination site in Eastern Washington through the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Washington’s three-week vaccine forecast from the federal government is gradually increasing. This allows developing distribution strategies with more predictability, subject to vaccines arriving:
- Week of February 21: 263,570 total doses (146,110 first doses, 117,460 second doses)
- Week of February 28: 269,270 total doses (146,110 first doses, 123,160 second doses)
- Week of March 7: 292,220 total doses (146,110 first doses, 146,110 second doses)
See the state’s full press release updating on the fight against COVID for more information.
Vaccination information: www.snohd.org/covidvaccine or www.bit.ly/snocovaccine.
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Based on decreasing numbers, the Health District will be closing the Everett Community College testing site. Its last date of operations at 915 N. Broadway was Friday, Feb. 19.
This move allows staff to be reallocated to support vaccine site operations. The Health District will monitor testing volumes and positivity rates in the coming weeks to determine if further test site consolidation is feasible.
A testing tent at the Lynnwood Food Bank site was damaged by winter weather is being repaired. That site will resume operations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22. The site will also be open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The schedule for the other three community-based testing sites is as follows:
- 3900 Broadway site in Everett – remains open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Evergreen State Fairgrounds in the front parking lot off of 179th Ave SE in Monroe – open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sultan Elementary School site at 501 Date St – this location is a walk-up test site, and is open Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Testing is by appointment only and registration is now open at www.snohd.org/testing. Those without internet access or needing language assistance can reach the Health District’s call center at 425.339.5278. The call center is staffed 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers after hours or on weekends can leave a message, which will be returned on the next business day.
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The Joint Information Center has published a second edition of a newsletter used to periodically share updated information as well as translated materials and/or graphics that may be helpful for our partners and community organizations throughout Snohomish County.
Newly added or updated language resources include:
COVID-19 vaccine FAQs – English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Ukranian, Vietnamese.
What to expect after getting a COVID-19 vaccine (CDC) – English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, more languages.
COVID-19 testing information sheet – English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Japanese, Hindi, Khmer, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Ukranian, Vietnamese.
Read the full newsletter.
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Updated maps showing COVID-19 trends over time are now available. Numbers are moving in the right direction, but data show COVID still is circulating countywide. Please keep masking up and maintaining distance from people you don’t live with.
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We know people are eager to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but be sure to check reliable sources for information on how to get your vaccine. Remember that you should not be asked to pay out of pocket to reserve a COVID vaccine or make an appointment.
More info on COVID-19 vaccination in Snohomish County: bit.ly/snocovaccine
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Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation allocating $2.2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funding (HB 1368). Funds included in the bill will go to a wide range of COVID impacts, including $668 million to K-12 public schools as they move toward welcoming students back to the classroom, $618 million for vaccine administration, contact tracing and testing, and $365 million for rental assistance to help renters and landlords affected by the pandemic. An additional $240 million in grant dollars were allocated for small business impacted by the pandemic. Funding was also included for child care facilities, food banks, and undocumented workers who don't qualify for state assistance.
Watch the bill signing and press conference on TVW.
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Unemployment claims in Snohomish County declined by more than 10% during the week of Feb. 7 through Feb. 13, the state Employment Security Department said Tuesday. There were 1,387 claims filed in the county, down 168 from the week before, according to state data.
Statewide, there were 13,607 initial regular unemployment claims, down 13% from the prior week.
For the week ending Feb. 13, the state paid out over $246 million for 312,121 individual claims. Since the COVID crisis began in March 2020, the state has paid more than $14.8 billion in benefits to over a million Washingtonians.
See the full press release for more information.
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The state Department of Health has prepared a blog post explaining how the approved COVID-19 vaccines work and highlighting the importance of getting two doses:
There are only two COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States. These vaccines, produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, are both approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use, and require two doses to give you the best protection.
The COVID-19 vaccine teaches your immune system to recognize the coronavirus. When you get the vaccine, your immune system makes antibodies or “fighter cells” that stay in your body to protect you from the virus. As a result, you get protection against the disease without getting sick.
The first dose of the vaccine helps your body start making antibodies and provides some protection against COVID-19. The second dose gives your body another opportunity to build even more antibodies to fight the virus. It is very important to get both doses so you have enough antibodies to fight the virus if you get infected.
See the full post for more information.
¡Nuestras cifras de vacunación contra el COVID-19 están aumentando cada semana! De hecho, recientemente vacunamos a un millonésimo residente de Washington, y miles de personas más, están recibiendo la vacuna todos los días. Si usted ya se puso su primera dosis de la vacuna, es momento para empezar a pensar en conseguir su segunda dosis. Necesita las dos dosis de la vacuna para obtener la mejor protección contra el COVID-19.
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The state Department of Health in partnership with the Washington Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction and Health Commons is expanding its COVID-19 testing service for schools and adding voluntary testing options to its toolkit for school districts. This is part of the ongoing effort to expand in-person learning to more Washington students.
The department has partnered with 11 districts on a testing pilot project, and so far the results have been encouraging. Combined with other mitigation strategies, like practicing six feet of physical distancing, using face coverings, keeping students in smaller cohorts, maximizing/improving ventilation, and practicing good hygiene and disinfection habits, testing in schools has helped build confidence in safer in-person learning.
Now, DOH is expanding the testing program, with at least 48 more districts signed up to start this month, and a “Learn to Return Playbook” designed to help school districts develop COVID-19 testing strategies that work for them. The program is voluntary, flexible and, as always, decisions about when and how to expand in-person learning are up to each school district, working with their local health jurisdictions. The playbook offers a range of COVID-19 testing options districts can choose from. Each district that joins the program will have access to a dedicated testing strategy planner from Health Commons who will help them determine what works best for their community.
“Many school districts and educators have already proven that by following health and safety protocols, returning to the classroom can be done safely and with great results,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Improved testing will help educators and families feel more secure as they return to or continue on-site learning. I know the past year has been extremely challenging for students, their families and educators. We all want the best for every student and I am confident that we can continue to get more children back in the classroom.”
See the full press release for more information.
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The City of Edmonds is hoping to identify vulnerable residents unable to travel to COVID-19 vaccine locations.
The City of Edmonds Recreation staff has been tasked with answering calls Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm to identify Edmonds residents who are unable to travel to obtain their COVID-19 vaccines once more vaccines become readily available. This program begins Thursday, February 18, 2021.
Edmonds residents who meet the WA State Vaccine guidelines and are homebound and unable to travel to a vaccine location are encouraged to call 425-771-0230 to speak with a City staff member.
"We have homebound residents who are potentially being missed when it comes to getting their vaccines. Our goal is to find our most vulnerable homebound residents in the city and then work with our partner agencies to identify ways to get them a vaccine once they become more readily available," said Mayor Mike Nelson.
This outreach effort is to identify our citizens who will be experiencing obstacles getting their vaccine once more are available as a first step in problem-solving how to better assist them.
See the full press release for more information.
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Lost your COVID vaccination card after your first or second shot of COVID-19 vaccine? You can get your immunization record online at wa.myir.net. If you don’t have an account, click “Register” and follow the instructions.
Please keep in mind that it may take a few days after your vaccination before the record is fully processed, so if you don’t see the COVID vaccination on your immunization record right away, don’t worry. Check back in a few days.
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We all want protection from the COVID-19 virus, but some may feel a little uneasy about getting a vaccine. You might have concerns about allergic reactions or your health conditions, and you just want to know if the vaccine is safe. Maybe, you’re waiting to see what happens when other people get the vaccine. You might even wonder if you should get a vaccine at all. Well, you’re not alone! These are all valid concerns. It’s completely normal to have questions and concerns about the vaccines. After all, they are new.
Here are some things to consider when thinking about getting a vaccine. But first, we should stress that only you and your health care provider understand what is best for you. Speak with your health care provider about any concerns before getting a vaccine.
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Todos queremos protección contra el virus COVID-19, sin embargo, puede ser que estemos algo nerviosos por aplicarnos la vacuna. Es posible que le preocupen los efectos secundarios luego de ser vacunado: reacciones alérgicas o algún problema de salud; pero usted solo quiere saber si la vacuna es segura; o está esperando saber qué reacciones ocurren cuando otras personas se la pongan. Incluso podría preguntarse si debería ponerse la vacuna o no. Bueno, no está solo cuando piensa en esto. Todas estas preocupaciones son válidas. Es completamente normal estar inquieto y tener preguntas sobre las vacunas. Después de todo, son vacunas nuevas.
A continuación, se detallan algunos aspectos para tener en cuenta al considerar recibir una vacuna. No obstante, primero debemos enfatizar que solamente usted y su proveedor de cuidado médico, entienden qué es lo mejor para usted y su salud. Hable con su proveedor de salud sobre cualquier preocupación antes de ponerse una vacuna.
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If you feel depressed or anxious right now, you are not alone. In Washington, about three million people are feeling it too, and that number will likely go up in the dark winter months. To take care of yourself and the people you love, it helps to understand depression and anxiety — the symptoms, how to cope, and when to get help.
Behavioral health experts see depression and anxiety as similar issues with different symptoms. Depression is a sense of hopelessness about the future, while anxiety is fear and worry about possible threats. While symptoms of depression and anxiety often overlap, it is important to understand both so that you can take steps to feel better.
See the full blog post from the state Department of Health for more on identifying depression and anxiety and small steps that can make a difference.
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The Snohomish County Energy Assistance Program (EAP) has reopened until further notice for scheduling phone appointments for March and April 2021. People can call the EAP phone line at 425-388-3880 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to schedule a phone interview. Eligibility requirements apply and COVID assistance is also possible.
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Cumulative from Jan. 2020 through Feb. 19, 2021
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ESSENTIAL LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
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