11/13: Friday Briefing

By rebecca No comments

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STATE

  • The Washington state Department of Health reported 2,142 new cases of COVID-19 today, which represents a record high for our state.
    • The previous record was from just last week, when 1,770 cases were reported on November 7th.
    • Last week and this week, the state had 6 straight days of more than 1,000 new Covid-19 cases.
    • The increased case number aligns with state and local health warnings that a winter surge in COVID-19 cases has accelerated across the state, resulting in a doubling in just two weeks.
    • Washingtonians are strongly urged to recommit to preventative measures, including severely restricting interacting with anyone outside one’s household, masking whenever interacting with anyone from outside ones household for any period of time, and washing hands.
  • The governor addressed the state on Thursday to reiterate warnings and guidance from health officials, and told the public to expect announcements on restrictions next week.
    • All Washingtonians have been asked to forgo Thanksgiving gatherings unless all members of a party can quarantine immediately and faithfully for two weeks.
    • A guide to safer gatherings can be found online at coronavirus.wa.gov/gatherings.
    • The guide includes how to plan and host gatherings or meetings in ways that reduce risk of coronavirus transmission, along with alternatives to in-person meetings.
  • The governors of Washington, California, and Oregon today issued a travel advisory asking people arriving from out-of-state for non-essential travel to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days after they arrive.
    • Washington’s governor also implored that individuals stay home as much as possible, and to stay in their region, to combat the spread of COVID-19.
  • The Washington Department of Emergency Management is asking the public to buy only what you need when shopping for food and household items at grocery stores.
    • The department states that supply chains will remain healthy if we all buy only what we need, and asks all shoppers to please respect grocery store limitations on supplies and plan ahead.
  • UW Medicine is reporting the results of a study that indicates that Covid-19 is twice as deadly as a severe case of the flu among hospitalized patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

REGIONAL

  • Pierce County’s 14-day case rate per 100,000 people is just over 240.
    • For comparison, schools are not advised to resume any in-person classes until that number is below 75.
  • Pierce County will be offering a virtual workshop entitled “Bringing Parents Home,“ where participants will learn what to anticipate when aging parents move into fa family member’s home and how to make necessary adjustments.
    • The hour-long workshop will be offered online and by telephone on Saturday, November 14th, at 10am
    • Contact the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600 or (800) 562-0332 for details on how to call in or attend via zoom.
  • Sound Outreach is providing financial assistance to Federal Way residents who has been affected by COVID-19
    • EMERGENCY funds are available for such things as car repairs, food, internet and more.
    • Individuals can call 253-593-2111 to see it you qualify
  • Pierce County is hosting a video context called “Let’s Fight COVID-19”
    • Entrants create engaging and educational minute-long videos that promote healthy habits to prevent the spread of COVID
    • Entrants have the chance to win up to $2,500.00 in prize money
    • The entry deadline is November 30th, and You can find out more online at TalithaConsults.com/lets-fight-covid-19

TACOMA

  • Starting Monday, anyone over 2 years old who enters a Costco warehouse must wear a face mask or face shield, including those who were previously exempt due to medical conditions.

TESTING SITES

  • Saturday, Nov 14th at FOUR locations: Portland Avenue Park & Center, Journey Church at 1801 N. Pearl St. in Tacoma, and the Pierce County AIDS Foundation at 3009 S. 40th St., and Salvation Army Camp Arnold in Eatonville.
  • Sunday, November 15th at Fort Steilacoom Park and Portland Avenue Park and Center
  • Monday, November 16th at Salishan Community Health Center in East Tacoma, and STAR Center in South Tacoma
  • Tuesday, November 17th at Peck Athletic Field, at Stewart Heights Park, and at the 72nd and Portland Park & Ride, all in Tacoma
  • Wednesday, November 18th at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in South Tacoma and at the University of Puget Sound in North Tacoma
  • Thursday, Nov. 19th at Centro Latino in Hilltop and at the Washington State Fairgrounds Blue Lot in Puyallup
  • Friday, Nov 20th at Gig Harbor High School
  • No ID is required and tests are free and open to anyone.
  • Testing runs 10am-3pm.
  • Community Health Care, with locations in Tacoma, Spanaway, and Lakewood, is offering testing for COVID-19, even if you are not a Community Health Care patient.
  • Call (253) 722-2161 for a Tele-Health Screening Appointment