11/19: Thursday Briefing

By rebecca No comments

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As Always

  • State-level updates on COVID-19 can be found online in multiple languages at coronavirus.wa.gov.
  • Dialing 311 will get you to the City of Tacoma’s non-emergency information line.
  • The state’s Coronavirus Q&A line is staffed 7 days a week, 6am-10pm, at 1-800-525-0127. For interpreters in other languages, press # when they answer and say your language.
  • You can also text the coronavirus Q&A line at 211-211 in any language.
  • Dialing 211 will connect you to community resources statewide through United Way, and you can also visit wa211.org online.
  • The “Washington Listens” support line is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, to help Washingtonians cope with pandemic-related stress as a free service for those who are not in crisis but need an outlet to manage stress. The number for Washington Listens is 1-833-681-0211.
  • Influenza vaccines are now widely available at pharmacies and clinics; go to KnockOutFlu.org or https://fluzone.com to find a vaccination location.

STATE

  • The Washington State Department of Health has updated its report on COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution plans.
    • The department noted that there are potentially two effective vaccines close to being ready for approval.
    • All vaccines will go through an FDA approval process and will be vetted for safety.
    • Clinics, Health care providers, and pharmacies are able to enroll to be COVID-19 vaccine administrators when vaccines become available.
    • The department reports that most applications that ave been submitted so far are still in progress, but that six vaccine administration sites have been approved.
    • Vaccine administration site nrollment materials are available at COVIDvaccineWA.org
    • The state health department has no new information from the federal government about Washington’s allocation or timing for receiving vaccine, but the state’s interim plan that addresses who might get the vaccine in what phases can be found at www.covidvaccinewa.org.

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department reported 213 new COVID 19 cases today and 7 deaths from COVID 19, which occured between November 7th and 18th.
    • One of the deaths occurred in a man in his 40s, who had no known underlying health conditions.
    • The County’s 14-day case rate per 100,000 people has increased from 307 yesterday to 309.5 today.
    • The figure is recommended to be at 75 per 100,000 to consider bringing back youngest students for hybrid in-person learning at schools.
  • Fred Meyer and QFC announced the launch of rapid antibody testing at its pharmacies throughout the region
  • The tests are not free, and are authorized under emergency use for people who believe they may have previously been infected with COVID-19 and are not currently experiencing symptoms.
  • Although regional health officials note that viral transmission is as bad now as it was in March, hospitals remain safe for non-coronavirus health care, and urge Washingtonians to seek care for both routine, preventative, and acute conditions.

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free COVID-19 testing sites in our region:
  • This week’s remaining free pop-up testing events in Pierce county include:
    • Tomorrow, Nov 20th at Gig Harbor High School
    • Saturday, Nov 21st at at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Tacoma, at Roy Elementary School, at Eatonville Middle School
    • Sunday, Nov 22nd at Sprinker Recreation Center and at Oakland Madrona Park
    • No ID is required and tests are free and open to anyone
    • results are available in 3-5 days
    • Testing runs 10am-3pm.