West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
1:13 PM: Just got word from producer Tamara Bunnell that the Seattle Historical Theatre Project has to cancel tonight’s performance of “Friends Across the Wires“ in West Seattle. She emailed to say, “We are very, very sorry to report that tonight’s performance of ‘Friends Across the Wires’ at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center has been canceled because of Covid. We are so sorry to cancel, but need to prioritize keeping the community safe.” This was to be a one-night-only WS performance of the play telling a story of how youth were affected by the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. We’re asking whether there’s any chance of a reschedule.
1:36 PM: Bunnell says they’re hoping so and will send us word of a new date when they work one out.
Thanks to Abbie for the tip. After two and a half years of operation, the walk-up COVID testing site in the parking lot at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) is closing. The website for this and other testing locations around the area says the SW Thistle site and four others are closing after March 31, and we’ve just verified that with UW Medicine, which has partnered with the city at this site since May 2021. The site opened on August 26, 2020, becoming the fourth city-run COVID testing site. (Of note – when we reported the plan to open the site, we included a quote from then-Mayor Jenny Durkan, who told us the city was continuing to open test sites because “We’re going to have to live with COVID at least another year or so.”) Then half a year after beginning testing there, the city added a vaccination clinic to the site. Later in the spring of 2021, the city discontinued testing at the site for a short time, before restarting it with UW Medicine. This has been the last freestanding testing site in West Seattle since the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni closed back in November. Until Friday, March 31st, the NCSWAC testing site remains open Mondays-Saturdays, 9 am-5:30 pm.
Thanks for the early-morning forward. As happened at West Seattle HS a month ago, Gatewood Elementary is recommending mask-wearing because of “multiple COVID cases.” Here’s the note Gatewood principal Kyna Hogg sent:
Dear Gatewood Elementary Families,
There have been multiple positive COVID-19 cases identified at Gatewood Elementary. At this time, the district is recommending that all students and teachers wear a mask for the next 10 calendar days starting today to help prevent further transmission of COVID-19.
Please talk with your child [Monday] evening about wearing a mask at school, and if you are able to, please send your child to school with a mask. We also have masks available at school for any child who needs one.
Our goal is to keep as many students learning in-person as possible while maintaining a safe environment. To help do that, we ask that you please monitor your child for COVID-19 symptoms and keep them home if they are sick.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
The district’s COVID dashboard is here.
Just received from the state Health Department:
Effective April 3, the Washington State Department of Health will end the Secretary of Health Mask Order, which currently requires universal masking in health care, long-term care, and adult correctional facilities for people age 5 and older.
In Washington, COVID-19, RSV, and influenza disease rates and hospitalizations have continued to decline since the end of last year. The end of Washington’s universal masking requirements aligns with similar announcement made today by the state of Oregon.
“Masks have been – and will continue to be – an important tool, along with vaccinations, to keep people healthy and safe,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “We are thankful for our health and long-term care providers, staff members, patients, and all Washingtonians, for following the important public health measures put in place during the pandemic to protect one another.”
DOH infection prevention and control guidance continues to recommend masks for patients, healthcare providers, and visitors in healthcare settings. Licensed healthcare facilities are required to have infection prevention policies and programs consistent with CDC guidance.
Several worker protection requirements enforced by the state’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) remain in effect, including that employees and contractors may choose to use face masks or other personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job without employer retaliation. Additionally, under the state Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) rules, several key worker protections remain in place until the federal pandemic response declaration ends May 11.
The current Secretary of Health Mask Order will remain in place until 11:59 pm on April 2. Local or tribal governments, facilities, and providers may choose to continue to require masks in these or other settings.
If you’re thinking about COVID vaccinations, either initial series or boosters, the next public pop-up clinic in West Seattle is this Sunday (February 26th). Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is hosting the clinic at Walmesley Center (35th and Myrtle), 9 am-2 pm Sunday. All vaccines available for adults and for children ages (corrected) 5 and up, according to the announcement, all free, no appointments required – just show up.
As reported here last week, masks were recommended through this week at West Seattle High School because of “multiple” COVID cases. The original announcement to families didn’t say how many, however. But if you check the district dashboard, the stat is stark – between February 7th and 14th, for example, 82 cases were reported at WSHS – the only school in the entire district to even have a double-digit total; next-highest total in the district was 7 cases at three schools outside West Seattle, while the next-highest total in the greater West Seattle area was Madison Middle School with 5 cases. The WSHS masking recommendation runs through Friday, which is the last school day before the district’s weeklong mid-winter break.
Thanks for the forward. West Seattle High School principal Brian Vance has sent families this note:
Out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending that all students at West Seattle High School wear a well-fitting and high-quality mask for the next 10 calendar days starting Friday, 2/10/23 to help prevent further transmission of COVID-19. This will include Friday and next week. Masking is recommended but voluntary.
Our goal is to keep as many students learning in-person as possible while maintaining a safe environment. To help do that, we ask that you please monitor your child for COVID symptoms and keep them home if they are sick.
Covid Testing Event at WSHS – 2/10/23
In addition to the recommended masking, the district is initiating an in-school COVID-19 testing event on campus on Friday, 2/10/23. SPS staff will only test students who have consent for the current school year. If you would like to have your student tested, please consent to testing on the CIC Health website. Families will receive test results via text message or email.
Seattle Public Schools continues to update its COVID dashboard – you can see it here.
City of Seattle and King County employees are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. They sent a joint announcement today, saying that, among other reasons, “the overall risk forecast (is) low enough to lift the mandate”:
In alignment with updated Public Health – Seattle and King County guidance, Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Bruce Harrell announced today that King County and the City of Seattle will no longer require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment effective today.
Throughout the pandemic, King County and the City of Seattle have used the most up-to-date recommendations and expertise from Public Health officials to inform policy decisions to adapt to the conditions and threats from the virus. To keep employees and the community safe and healthy, in mid-2021 that included requiring all county and city employees, contractors, and volunteers to show proof they had received the initial COVID-19 vaccination series.
Before supporting a recommendation to lift the employee vaccine mandate, Public Health officials wanted to understand the impacts of a potential winter surge in 2022 – 2023. With King County’s high level of vaccination booster uptake and lower levels of community spread, hospitalizations due to COVID infection remained at a safe level, making the overall risk forecast low enough to lift the mandate for employees, volunteers, and contractors.
“Since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, King County’s policy has been to follow the science, listen to the experts, and protect life and health. Establishing a vaccine mandate for employees and contractors was critical to keeping employees and the public safe, and keeping services flowing. Today our experts advise that immunity has reached a level that allows these requirements to be relaxed,” said Executive Constantine. “With high vaccination rates and effective, updated boosters available, we are in a different place in the pandemic, and our policies and regulations will change to reflect the best information we have available today, as they have throughout the last three years.”
“The vaccine mandate was an effective and necessary tool for protecting the health and safety of City workers and the public we serve,” said Mayor Harrell. “The City’s actions then and now have always been informed by the science of the pandemic and recommendations of public health officials – an approach based on data and dedicated to saving lives. Rooted in our shared values of safety and health equity, we will continue to follow this approach as we respond to next steps in the pandemic and continue to advance efforts to ensure a thriving and equitable recovery for all Seattle residents and neighbors.”
More than 98% of King County’s nearly 15,000 employees provided proof of vaccination at the time the mandate launched and the nearly 4,000 employees hired since, while less than 2% were separated at that time due to the requirement. At the City of Seattle, more than 99% of employees provided proof of vaccination or received an accommodation, while less than 1% were separated at that time.
In addition to the employee vaccine mandate, Executive Constantine also rescinded the county’s COVID emergency proclamation today. Executive Constantine reissued the order pertaining to Metro service reductions which will remain in effect. Today’s orders will not impact booking restrictions at King County correctional facilities originally adopted at the beginning of the pandemic, and that remain in effect due to staffing shortages at the correctional facilities.
Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines continues to be critical for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Almost 90% of King County residents between 18 and 64 years of age have completed the primary vaccination series, although most have not yet received an updated bivalent booster and therefore are at increased risk for preventable serious infections compared to those who have received it.
“While the significant benefits of vaccination have not changed, the acute threat to our community and healthcare system has decreased. Therefore, it makes sense that vaccination is highly recommended but no longer required for King County and Seattle staff and contractors outside of health care settings,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “At this stage in the pandemic, we have higher levels of immunity from vaccination and from many people having had COVID-19 infections. Treatments such as Paxlovid antiviral treatment are available for people who get infected and may be at higher risk. We also have tools to further reduce the spread of illness through improving indoor air quality (e.g., through ventilation and filtration) and, in some settings, with the use of high-quality, well-fitting masks.”
Public health highly recommends following the current vaccination guidance which includes a bivalent booster dose for the best protection.
“We are now in a different phase of the pandemic compared to where we were in 2021 and 2022 and it makes sense to remove any requirements for vaccination,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Public Health continues to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and to be prudent about the use of masks in indoor settings.”
You can find the newest county stats on COVID here.
The Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW) is hosting another community vaccination clinic this Sunday – here’s the announcement:
COVID/Flu Vaccine Clinic
Community School of West Seattle
Feb 5, 2023
11 AM-4 PMAll approved COVID vaccines for 6-months+ olds! Pediatric (starting at 6 months) and adult flu vaccines, but no high-dose geriatric flu vaccines available.
Preregistration encouraged: tinyurl.com/2p8yz32m
We just checked at that link and plenty of appointments are available. If you prefer QR codes, there’s one on this event flyer. They say walk-ins will be welcome, too.
West Seattle’s Providence Mount St. Vincent was the venue today for a simple, urgent message delivered by federal Health and Human Services regional director Ingrid Ulrey and state Department of Health director Dr. Umair Shah: Before you spend time with senior friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure you’re not bringing them something unwanted as you bring gifts and good cheer – disease.
Briefing media after a private roundtable, they spotlighted the “tripledemic” that’s a factor right now – flu, COVID, and RSV – stressing that COVID in particular is not a thing of the past. It’s “not the disruptive force it used to be,” said Ulrey, but it’s still killing more than 300 people in the U.S. each day, and 90 percent of them are seniors. So, she urged, “show your love for your loved ones” – before gatherings, be up to date on vaccines and boosters, and take a COVID test. Here’s our video of the full briefing:
The other speakers were The Mount’s administrator Charlene Boyd, state AARP director Marguerite Ro, King County’s long-term-care ombudsman Pamela Williams, Mount residents’ son Chris Robert, and Public Health -Seattle & King County‘s adult-vaccine program manager Caren Goldenberg. In addition to urging everyone to get current on vaccines, the officials said that’s something long-term-care facilities nationwide have to work on, too, with only 47 percent of residents and 22 percent of staff up to date. Between the two sides of the effort, Williams said, it’s important to remember that care-facility residents have rights including “the right to be free of communicable diseases.” Indoor masking – as recently recommended by health officials – and good ventilation are important too.
The health officials also pointed out that federal and state programs offering free home COVID tests are still active. But some COVID-related resources have ended; we asked about their status. Dr. Shah called it a “complex issue”; Ulrey explained that Congress has failed so far to pass the White House request for resources including preparing for future pandemics. But in the short run, the bottom line of the briefing was that it’s time for you to do what you can and protect the people you love.
Those three reasons are RSV, flu, and COVID-19. From today’s announcement:
Public Health – Seattle & King Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin joins other local health officers and health care leaders in recommending masking in indoor public spaces and other prevention measures given the high level of respiratory viruses circulating and stress on hospitals.
Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. As health officers and health-care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents, we recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.
We also urge everyone who is eligible to stay up to date on your vaccinations. Vaccinations are the most important way to protect against severe influenza and COVID-19 infections, including hospitalization and death. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against these diseases and those who are eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster should get it now.
Other necessary strategies include:
-Staying home from work and school and testing for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms.
-Having a plan for rapid treatment for COVID-19 and influenza for people who are at increased risk for severe infections.
-Improving indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and UV technology where appropriate.We expect the flu to circulate for months, so now is the time to get your flu shot!
You can see the full announcement – including the list of local health officers and health-care-organization leaders who have signed on to the recommendation – by going here.
Two months shy of two years after its opening, the Curative COVID-testing trailer at Don Armeni Boat Ramp has closed. We asked about its status after noticing it was no longer listed on the company’s webmap, though the trailer was still on site when we checked this morning. Curative spokesperson Pasquale Gianni tells WSB the company expects to close all its COVID-testing sites by the end of the year, unless “an unexpected demand for testing services” arises. (Gianni adds that the company is pivoting to another health-care venture, involving “a new approach to employer-based health insurance” that it’s launching in Austin, Texas.) For a while, Curative also had a testing van on the Summit Atlas campus in Arbor Heights, but closed that one in May.
With the Don Armeni Curative closure, one major testing site remains in West Seattle, in the parking lot of Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). UW Medicine operates that one in partnership with the city. We checked on its status; UW Medicine spokesperson Leila Gray tells WSB, “The site is likely to close when the Federal Public Health Emergency Declaration expires. This is the official declaration of the COVID pandemic’s status as a national public health emergency. This Federal Emergency Declaration was last renewed October 13, 2022, as announced by U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, and it would expire in about 3 months unless renewed.” So for now, that site remains in operation until further notice.
Also of note: The state Health Department is still offering free home-testing kits through at least the end of the year; this reminder last week explains how to get them.
ADDED TUESDAY: A commenter pointed out last night that the free-tests website says they’ve run out. We checked with the Health Department this morning; a spokesperson replied that they’re indeed out right now but: “We are working with our vendor to get a new supply, possibly as early as this week.”
The Community School of West Seattle is hosting another pop-up COVID vaccination clinic in two weeks, and you can make an appointment online right now if someone in your family is looking to get vaccinated or boosted. The clinic is set for 11 am-4 pm Saturday, December 10, at the school (9450 22nd SW). If you’re registering someone six months to 4 years old, use this link; for people 5 years old and up, use this link. They promise “all approved vaccines” at the event – free of charge, no insurance required.
We’re continuing to get questions about opportunities to get the newest COVID booster shots. Here’s an announcement of three more, open to all:
-Vaccine offered: Pfizer Bivalent Booster 5-11 and 12+
-These clinics are open to the community.
-All insurance is accepted.LOUISA BOREN STEM K-8
5950 Delridge Way SWDate: Saturday, Nov 12 in gym
Time: 9 am-1 pm
Medical Provider: Safeway
Please register before the clinic: kordinator.mhealthcoach.net/vcl/1654546758102DENNY INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL
2601 SW KenyonDate: Sunday, Nov 13 in lunchroom
Time: 9 am-1 pm
Medical Provider: Seattle Visiting Nurse Association
Please register before the clinic: schedule.seattlevna.com/service/9d20cac8-d510-ec11-b6e6-000d3a57ec4c?lang=enMADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL
3429 45th SWDate: Saturday, Nov 19 in lunchroom
Time: 9 am-1 pm
Medical Provider: Seattle Visiting Nurse Association
Please register before the clinic: schedule.seattlevna.com/service/9d20cac8-d510-ec11-b6e6-000d3a57ec4c?lang=en
If getting vaccinated is part of your plans in preparing for winter, here’s a reminder about clinics coming up this weekend, all for both children and adults:
FLU SHOTS: Everyone is welcome, not just students/staff/families, at the next Seattle Public Schools-presented clinic this Sunday at Madison Middle School (3429 45th SW), 9 am-3 pm Sunday (October 23). The appointment link is here.
COVID SHOTS: One opportunity on Saturday, 10 am-2 pm at the South Delridge Farmers’ Market (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor), details here including how to book an appointment (recommended but not required) … Two opportunities on Sunday – one is also at Madison Middle School, partly concurrent with the flu-shot clinic, 10 am-2 pm; info and registration link here, although we’re told they’ve been taking walk-ins at these clinics too. … Also on Sunday, the Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW) is hosting a COVID-vaccination clinic for ages 6 months and up, 1 pm-6 pm. Registration links are in our calendar listing.
When this month ends in three weeks, so will the status of the COVID-19 pandemic as a City of Seattle emergency. Here’s the announcement from the mayor’s office this afternoon, including an explanation of how it will affect some policies:
“Our city has been working under an emergency proclamation for nearly 1,000 days as we responded to a new pandemic and unprecedented resulting challenges,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “While the impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt by our neighbors and communities, it is thanks to our city’s strong response – including our high vaccination rate and strong healthcare system – that we can continue moving toward recovery and revitalization. We will continue to follow the recommendations of public health experts and science leaders to support the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Starting November 1, some of the temporary systems and waivers that were implemented during the pandemic will be removed and others will be phased out over time. City departments are informing stakeholders of upcoming changes, collaborating with labor partners, and working to identify any temporary measures that should be made permanent.
Examples of policies/programs impacted by this change:
Commercial Renters: Requirement for property owners to negotiate payment plans to limit evictions and limits on commercial tenant personal liability will expire six months after the end of the emergency proclamation.
Food Delivery: Premium pay for food delivery network gig workers established by ordinance will end November 1, 2022.
Sick Leave: Paid sick time for food delivery and transportation network gig workers will end six months after the end of the emergency proclamation. Starting January 1, 2023, transportation network drivers will be entitled to sick leave under a new state law.
Examples of policies/programs not impacted by this change:
Street Cafes: Temporary Safe Street Permits for outdoor dining, retail, and more were previously extended and currently expire January 31, 2023
Vaccines and Masks: The City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for employees, volunteers, and contractors will remain in effect. Masks will continue be available at City worksites and may be worn by employees or visitors but are not required.
The City is currently reviewing policies related to Design Review and Historical Review to identify improvements which should be made permanent.
Reminder as the weekend approaches, three schools are hosting vaccination clinics in West Seattle this weekend, with vaccine for flu as well as COVID. We’re told all clinics are open to everyone, not just people affiliated with the respective schools.
*On Saturday, Louisa Boren K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW) – 9 am-3 pm for flu (info here), 10 am-2 pm for COVID (registration info here)
*On Sunday, Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle), 10 am-2 pm for both (flu info here;
*On Sunday, Explorer West Middle School (10015 28th SW; WSB sponsor), noon-3 pm for both, details here
P.S. While registration is encouraged, clinic organizers say it is NOT reauired.
The weekend’s over, so here’s our weekly roundup of local COVID numbers via the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:
*21 percent fewer cases reported countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 279 new daily cases countywide (down from 349 a week ago)
*9 percent more hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 11 new hospitalizations daily (up from 10 a week ago)
*15 percent fewer deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two previous weeks (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 3 deaths daily (same as last week’s two-week average)
For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge, together comprising the entire peninsula):
*217 cases between 8/22 and 9/05, down from 318 between 8/7 and 8/21
*2 hospitalizations between 8/22 and 9/05, down from 6 between 8/7 and 8/21
*2 deaths between 8/22 and 9/05, down from 4 between 8/7 and 8/21
VACCINATION: Checking vaccination rates:
*82.5 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (unchanged from a week ago)
*86.9 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*52.5 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (unchanged from a week ago)
*In West Seattle, we’re now showing the vaccination rates for all ages, by ZIP code (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not wholly within WS), compared to a week earlier:
98106 – 83.5% completed initial series (up .1%), 52.7% have had a booster (up .1%)
98116 – 90.2% completed initial series (up .1%), 65.6% have had a booster (up .2%)
98126 – 79.7% completed initial series (up .1%), 54.6% have had a booster (unchanged)
98136 – 90.2% completed initial series (unchanged), 67.9% have had a booster (unchanged)
98146 – 79% completed initial series (up .1%), 47.8% have had a booster (up .1%)
GETTING VACCINATED: Pliable is offering two pop-ups with Pfizer’s bivalent booster this weekend – details here … We’ve been mentioning upcoming pop-ups at local libraries – here’s the list of what’s ahead (nothing this week).
TESTING: If you want to get tested and don’t have – or want to get – a home kit, here’s info on West Seattle’s two public testing sites: The city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Monday-Saturday this week) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday this week). … To report self-test results, this page explains how (click “What should I do if my test is positive?”). … Ans among the many places you can get home-test kits, we’re told free kits also have been seen at some local libraries.
Just in – the West Seattle health-care providers from Pliable will be offering the updated COVID boosters at two pop-up clinics next weekend:
You can go to Pliable’s website to find the registration links as well as FAQs/eligibility/other info.
At the very end of this long holiday weekend, here’s our weekly roundup of local COVID numbers via the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:
*14 percent fewer cases reported countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 349 new daily cases countywide (down from 403 a week ago)
*31 percent fewer hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 10 new hospitalizations daily (down from 13 a week ago)
*27 percent fewer deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two previous weeks (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 3 deaths daily (same as last week’s two-week average)
For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge, together comprising the entire peninsula):
*280 cases between 8/15 and 8/29, down from 371 between 7/31 and 8/14
*3 hospitalizations between 8/15 and 8/29, down from 13 between 7/31 and 8/14
*4 deaths between 8/15 and 8/29, down from 6 between 7/31 and 8/14
VACCINATION: Checking vaccination rates:
*82.5 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*86.8 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (unchanged from a week ago)
*52.5 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .2% from a week ago)
*In West Seattle, we’re now showing the vaccination rates for all ages, by ZIP code (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not wholly within WS), compared to a week earlier:
98106 – 83.4% completed initial series (unchanged), 52.6% have had a booster (unchanged)
98116 – 90,1% completed initial series (up .1%), 65.4% have had a booster (up .1%)
98126 – 79.6% completed initial series (up .1%), 54.6% have had a booster (up .1%)
98136 – 90.2% completed initial series (up .1%), 67.9% have had a booster (up .1%)
98146 – 78.9% completed initial series (up .1%), 47.7% have had a booster (up .2%)
GETTING VACCINATED: We’ve been mentioning upcoming pop-ups at local libraries – at Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW), the list includes a Moderna vaccine pop-up 2-7 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, September 6th).
TESTING: If you want to get tested and don’t have – or want to get – a home kit, here’s info on West Seattle’s two public testing sites: The city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Monday-Saturday this week) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday this week). … To report self-test results, this page explains how (click “What should I do if my test is positive?”).
As the weekend ends, here’s our latest update on local COVID numbers via the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:
*16 percent fewer cases reported countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 403 new daily cases countywide (down from 472 a week ago)
*7 percent fewer hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 13 new hospitalizations daily (up from 11 a week ago – with a caveat that some cases remain under review)
*20 percent fewer deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two previous weeks (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 3 deaths daily (same as last week’s two-week average)
For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge, together comprising the entire peninsula):
*338 cases between 8/8 and 8/22, down from 463 between 7/24 and 8/07
*6 hospitalizations between 8/8 and 8/22, down from 12 between 7/24 and 8/07
*4 deaths between 8/8 and 8/22, down from 7 between 7/24 and 8/07
VACCINATION: Checking vaccination rates:
*82.4 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*86.8 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*52.3 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .1% from a week ago)
*In West Seattle, starting this week (so week-to-week comparisons resume next week), we’ll show the vaccination rates for all ages, by ZIP code (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not wholly within WS):
98106 – 83.4% completed initial series, 52.6% have had a booster
98116 – 90% completed initial series, 65.3% have had a booster
98126 – 79.5% completed initial series, 54.5% have had a booster
98136 – 90.1% completed initial series, 67.8% have had a booster
98146 – 78.8% completed initial series, 47.5% have had a booster
GETTING VACCINATED: We’ve been mentioning an upcoming pop-up at Delridge Library. The date has changed, and several other pop-ups have been added, both at Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW) and at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), starting this Tuesday – here’s the list.
TESTING: If you want to get tested and don’t have – or want to get – a home kit, here’s info on West Seattle’s two public testing sites: The city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Monday-Saturday this week) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday this week). … To report self-test results, this page explains how (click “What should I do if my test is positive?”).
We’re continuing weekly updates on local COVID numbers via the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:
*14 percent fewer cases countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 472 new daily cases countywide (down from 542 a week ago)
*30 percent fewer hospitalizations countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 11 new hospitalizations daily (down from 16 a week ago)
*18 percent more deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two previous weeks (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 3 deaths daily (same as last week’s two-week average)
For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge, together comprising the entire peninsula):
*385 cases between 8/1 and 8/15, down from 530 between 7/17 and 7/31
*8 hospitalizations between 8/1 and 8/15, down from 10 between 7/17 and 7/31
*3 deaths between 8/1 and 8/15, same number between 7/17 and 7/31
VACCINATION: Checking vaccination rates:
*82.3 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (up .2% from a week ago)
*86.7 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (unchanged from a week ago)
*52.2 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .2% from a week ago)
*In West Seattle, here are the vaccination rates by ZIP code for ages 5 and up (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not wholly within WS):
98106 – 89% completed initial series (unchanged from a week earlier), 56.3% have had a booster (up .1%)
98116 – 93.9% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 68.5% have had a booster (up .2%)
98126 – 84.6% completed initial series (unchanged from a week earlier), 58.4% have had a booster (up .2%)
98136 – 94.6% completed initial series (unchanged from a week earlier), 71.6% have had a booster (up .1%)
98146 – 83.8% completed initial series (unchanged from a week earlier), 50.6% have had a booster (up .2%)
GETTING VACCINATED: Ten days until the vaccination pop-up scheduled for August 31st at Delridge Library, all ages … Look for other options here.
TESTING: If you want to get tested and don’t have – or want to get – a home kit, here’s info on West Seattle’s two public testing sites: The city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Monday-Saturday this week) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday this week). … To report self-test results, this page explains how (click “What should I do if my test is positive?”).
The weekend’s ending, so it’s time for our regular Sunday night check of local COVID numbers from the Public Health – Seattle/King County dashboard:
*15 percent fewer cases countywide in the past week than the week before
*Currently averaging 542 new daily cases countywide (down from 631 when we checked a week ago)
*4 percent fewer hospitalizations countywide in the past week thab the week before
*Currently averaging 16 new hospitalizations daily (up from 14 a week ago)
*8 percent more deaths countywide in the past two weeks than the two previous weeks (the dashboard doesn’t offer a one-week increment)
*Currently averaging 3 deaths daily (up from last week’s two-week average, 2)
For West Seattle, we have two-week comparisons (these are the combined totals from two “health reporting areas,” labeled West Seattle and Delridge, together comprising the entire peninsula):
*479 cases between 7/25 and 8/8, down from 614 between 7/10 and 7/24
*11 hospitalizations between 7/25 and 8/8, down from 14 between 7/10 and 7/24
*5 deaths between 7/25 and 8/8, up from 2 between 7/10 and 7/24
VACCINATION: Checking vaccination rates:
*82.1 percent of all King County residents have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*86.7 percent of all King County residents ages 5 and up have completed the initial series (up .1% from a week ago)
*52 percent of all King County residents have had the initial series plus a booster (up .1% from a week ago)
*In West Seattle, here are the vaccination rates by ZIP code for ages 5 and up (reminder, 98106 and 98146 are not wholly within WS):
98106 – 89% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 56.2% have had a booster (up .2%)
98116 – 93.8% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 68.3% have had a booster (up .1%)
98126 – 84.6% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 58.2% have had a booster (up .1%)
98136 – 94.6% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 71.5% have had a booster (up .2%)
98146 – 83.8% completed initial series (up .1% from a week earlier), 50.4% have had a booster (up .1%)
GETTING VACCINATED: A vaccination pop-up is scheduled for August 31st at Delridge Library, all ages … Look for other options here.
TESTING: If you want to get tested and don’t have – or want to get – a home kit, West Seattle still has two public testing sites: The city-supported site at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle, 9 am-5:30 pm Monday-Saturday this week) and the Curative kiosk at Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1220 Harbor SW, 9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday this week). … To report self-test results, this page explains how.
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