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With an uptick in COVID cases over the last week and the presence of a new variant in Washington, it is increasingly important to take steps to prevent severe illness and reduce spread of the virus.
Snohomish Health District Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers urged people to take all the existing prevention steps, and to do them better than ever. They spoke during a weekly media briefing Tuesday morning.
The two-week COVID case rate for Snohomish County has dropped slightly, down to 290 cases per 100,000 population. However, the case count for the most recent reported week increased to 1,310 new cases from 1,140 in the prior week. This may indicate a surge after gatherings around Thanksgiving, but only time will tell if the case rate will spike after the holidays, Dr. Spitters said.
“Over the long run it’s been a steady, slow decline, with some ups and downs,” he said.
Demand remains high for pediatric doses of COVID vaccine, as well as for booster doses for ages 18 and older, Spitters said. More than 16,000 children ages 5 to 11 in the county have initiated vaccination, making up part of the 74% of the county’s total eligible population who have at least one dose of the vaccine, and 67% who are now fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, at least three cases of the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID have been identified in Washington. Though none have been identified here yet, Dr. Spitters noted that, knowing Omicron is in the Puget Sound region, it likely is already present in Snohomish County. Experts still are learning about the variant but anticipate that Omicron is likely to replace Delta as the dominant strain in the coming months. Whether or not it causes more severe illness is not certain.
However, the key steps to reduce the spread of COVID and prevent severe infections remain the same: get fully vaccinated including a booster, mask up in public spaces, maximize ventilation when indoors, avoid large gatherings (particularly if not everyone is vaccinated), and stay home and get tested if you feel ill. More than 200,000 eligible individuals in Snohomish County remain unvaccinated, and increasing vaccination coverage is one of the best ways to ease strain on the medical system and prevent severe outcomes from COVID.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers highlighted the partnership between the county and the Health District throughout the pandemic. He thanked Dr. Spitters, who this week announced that he will be stepping down in June 2022 to spend more time with his family.
“You’ve really balanced your deep understanding of the science and the medicine … but also the human interest and human needs and concerns our public has felt on everything from masking to vaccines,” Somers said.
Watch the full briefing: https://youtu.be/ro_s7d5NByM
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After 24 years with the Snohomish Health District, Dr. Chris Spitters has announced that he will step down as Health Officer on June 30, 2022.
“There is no work-related reason for my choice to resign from the Health Officer position, and I am not leaving for another role,” said Dr. Spitters. “Instead, long-deferred commitments to my wife and family now must take precedence over vocation. They have waited patiently for me on the sidelines of my life for so long.”
While Spitters was appointed as health officer in March 2020, his career at the Health District dates to 1994, when he was hired as the deputy health officer. He also served as the tuberculosis control officer and communicable disease director during that initial tenure. Spitters left briefly in 1999 for positions with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) before returning to the Health District in a tuberculosis consulting position since 2001. He also served as the medical director for Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Tuberculosis Clinic from 2003 until February 2020.
“Dr. Spitters has been absolutely critical to this County’s response, recovery and resiliency,” said Stephanie Wright, board chair and county councilmember. “He has served as the County’s lead public health official with grace, and we will be forever grateful for his years here.”
“Dr. Chris Spitters is one of the best public health professionals working today. He is compassionate, knowledgeable, pragmatic, humble, and above all committed to the health and safety of our community,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “Chris has been an indispensable part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are thousands of people alive today because of his tireless work and because our response was guided by his expertise and common-sense approach. I will miss his partnership and leadership. We all wish him well and hope that his next chapter affords a bit more time for his family and friends.”
In addition to his roles with the Health District and DOH, Spitters has also worked for eight other local health jurisdictions across the state as a medical consultant or health officer. His health officer experience includes Asotin County Health District, Island County Public Health, Klickitat County Health Department and Yakima Health District.
“In my 30 years in healthcare, I have never found a colleague that I have enjoyed working with more. We have been fortunate to have someone with both a passion for public health and a long career in medicine,” said Shawn Frederick, Administrative Officer for the Health District.
The Health District will begin a recruitment process to hire the next health officer, with a goal of having them start before Dr. Spitters’ departure next summer.
“It has been a great run, going back to my first day here working for Dr. Hinds,” added Dr. Spitters. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked here all these years with such a committed group of public health professionals, local health care system colleagues, and other partners in local government and the community.”
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Some parents eagerly awaited a vaccine for kids. Others are hesitant or opposed to vaccinating their children. One thing we’re on the same page about: The health and safety of our kids is what matters. Read more in our latest blog: www.snohd.org/Blog.aspx?IID=53#item
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Arlington Youth Council member Jenna says they got vaccinated, "not only to protect myself from being seriously ill, but also my family, friends, and teachers."
Why do you vax?
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The Snohomish Health District is conducting an evaluation of our agency’s communication with our community partners during the covid-19 pandemic. We would greatly appreciate your feedback through our survey which should take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The survey will be open until close of business this Friday, Dec. 10.
Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BCXGLR2
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More people are expected to travel and spend time indoors with friends and family this holiday season compared with last year. But COVID-19 is still with us. And the risk of getting the virus is higher for everyone because the Delta variant is twice as contagious as earlier variants.
To stay safer this winter, get your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. If you’re already fully vaccinated, get your booster shot as soon as you’re eligible.
Everyone age 18 and older can now get a COVID-19 vaccine booster
- 6 months after your 2nd dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine; or
- 2 months after your single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccines continue to work very well at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, including from the Delta variant. A booster shot is an extra dose that helps keep up protection.
Where to find COVID-19 vaccines
You have 3 ways to find free vaccines near you:
- Go to vaccines.gov
- Text your ZIP code to 438829
- Call 1-800-232-0233
Remember to bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card when you go for your booster shot.
For more information: Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or talk to a health care provider.
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As we continue through the holidays, it’s important to check in with yourself. Take a few minutes to identify how you’re feeling and reach out to others if you need a friendly listening ear.
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Cumulative from January 2020 to present.
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ESSENTIAL LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
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