12/22: Tuesday Briefing

By rebecca No comments

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PERENNIAL RESOURCES

  • 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.
  • A number of mental wellness support phone lines and text services are available
  • The “Washington Listens” support line for managing stress is 1-833-681-0211.
  • The Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 800-273-8255
  • The Crisis Text Line provides confidential text access from anywhere in the U.S. to a trained crisis counselor when you Text HEAL to 741741
  • Teens can call or text the Teen Link number at 866-833-6546
  • And individuals struggling with substance use or addiction can call or text the WA Recovery Help Line at 366-789-1511

STATE

  • The governor has adjusted rules for religious and spiritual worship in light of a Dec 15th federal court ruling.
    • Under governor’s orders, houses of worship were permitted to hold indoor services only up to 25% room capacity or 200 people, whichever was fewer.
    • The 200 person maximum attendance cap is being removed due to a Nevada numeric cap being struck down.
    • Because the Governor believes the attendance cap will help save lives, he is converting the required 200-person cap to a recommended cap.
    • The percentage capacity still stands as a legal requirement in Washington.

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department reported 207 new COVID 19 cases today
    • The County’s average cases per day over the last 2 weeks is 348, and the 14-day case rate per 100,000 people is 540.
    • For reference, community spread of COVID-19 is said to be under control when that figure is below 25 per 100,000 residents.
    • Record levels of testing over the past several weeks caught many new cases, but the department reports that our percent positive percent rate is declining.
  • The Puyallup Tribe of Indians has announced that they have selected to utilize the Moderna coronavirus vaccine due to expected increased availability over the Pfizer vaccine, along with ease of administration.
    • The state has designated the Puyallup Indian community as high-risk – which means members will be able to get the vaccine quickly.
    • Tribal officials anticipate the vaccine arriving toward the end of December, and have chosen to vaccinate the high-risk Elders and health-care workers first.
    • Meanwhile: A Tribal government employee reported testing positive for COVID-19 late Monday
    • As a result the Admin building underwent a deep cleaning–as a reminder the admin building is closed to non-employees and the public.
    • More info available at Puyallup-tribe.com or via the tribes social media outlets.

TACOMA

  • The City Council will hold its regular meeting this evening at 5pm.
    • It will air on TVTacoma and stream on the city’s facebook live and at TVTacoma.com.
  • The City of Tacoma’s Solid Waste Management will be adjusting operating hours at the Tacoma Recycle Center (3510 S. Mullen St.) starting Saturday, December 26, 2020.
    • After this week, the Recycle Center will be open for residential customers seven days a week, from 8 AM to 5:30 PM.
    • Customers are required to observe COVID-19 guidelines by wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing while visiting all Solid Waste Management facilities.
    • More info can be found online at https://cityoftacoma.org/solidwaste, or customers can call (253) 502-2100.

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free COVID-19 testing sites in our region:
    • For King County locations visit KingCounty.gov.
    • Note that King County is no longer allowing individuals to book free COVID-19 tests days in advance, in order to discourage would-be holiday travelers, and to prioritize testing for those who’ve been exposed or those who are experiencing symptoms.
    • For Pierce County locations, visit TPCHD.org/covidtest.
  • This week and the weekend’s mobile testing events include
    • Wed, Dec 23: Key Peninsula Longbranch Improvement Club, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, and the Lakewood State Emission Inspection Station
    • No ID is required, tests are free and open to anyone, and most testing runs 10am-3pm, but check TPCHD.org for specifics
    • Results are available in 3-7 days
    • Bonus: Some COVID test sites are also doing free adult flu shots too!
  • A new program even arranges for a test to be delivered to you if you have mobility issues or trouble getting to a test site.
  • Cheney Stadium is partnering with Discovery Health to offer COVID-19 testing Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Feb. 28.
    • The site will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.
    • Individuals looking to get tested are asked to pre-register online at testdirectly.com, and those with health insurance are asked to enter their information during registration as well as bring it with them to the site.