1/14: Thursday 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.
  • Many resources are available for adults and youth experiencing distress, as well as those caring for anyone experiencing emotional distress.
    • The “Washington Listens” support line for managing stress and getting referrals for behavioral health services is 1-833-681-0211.
    • The Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 800-273-8255 for English, o en espanol: ocho ochenta y ocho, seis veintiocho, noventa y cuatro, cincuenta y cuatro 1-888-628-9454
    • 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. If you text FRONTLINE to 741741, you’ll be connected with a crisis counselor trained to help frontline workers in the fight against COVID.
    • 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

  • Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on COVID-19 yesterday, and found that case counts rebounded after Christmas and appear to be increasing steeply in the most recent data, which is still incomplete.
    • The flat and declining case count trends seen in mid-to-late December may be due to fewer people seeking care or getting tested over the holidays, rather than an actual decrease in COVID-19 activity.
    • Hospitalization trends show a similar decline through Dec. 30 followed by a rebound in early January.
    • COVID-19 transmission continues to plateau at a level above 1.0, meaning the number of people becoming infected is increasing.
    • Both Pierce and King Counties experienced declining case counts through late December with post-Christmas rebounds, and appear to be approaching or exceeding peak November levels in recent, incomplete data.
    • The estimated overall percentage of Washington state residents with active COVID-19 infection remains close to peak estimates for late March 2020.
    • The data can be found on the dept of health’s dashboard, and comes from analysts and researchers at the Institute for Disease Modeling, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, and Microsoft AI for Health.

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department reported 181 new COVID 19 cases today and 423 cases yesterday, noting that yesterday’s high case count included cases from Tuesday’s undercount due to lab processing delays.
    • Of the 25 COVID-related deaths in Pierce County so far this week, one included a man in his 50s with no underlying health conditions.
    • The County’s average cases per day over the last 2 weeks is 284, and with a 6-day lag to account for data accuracy, the case rate per 100,000 people is 441.
  • Black and Healthy Pierce County is a new online resource for COVID-19 information, community conversations and support.
    • Their website is blackandhealthypiercecounty.com, and they are also on Facebook and Instagram @blackandhealthypierceco, Twitter: @BlackHealthy253, and TikTok: @blackandhealthy_pierceco
  • Tonight, at 6pm NAMI Seattle, King County, and Rainier Avenue Radio will host an online town hall on Black Mental Health.

TACOMA

  • At 6pm, the City of Tacoma will host a virtual community listening session on the use of the Center at Norpoint as a warming location during inclement weather.
    • Links and phone numbers for participation can be found on the City’s facebook page, or by going to our website and clicking on today’s date. Link.Passcode: 547162.

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free COVID-19 testing sites in our region:
    • For King County locations visit KingCounty.gov.
    • For Pierce County locations, visit TPCHD.org/covidtest.
      • Tomorrow, Jan 14: Centro Latino in Hilltop, STAR Center at 3873 S. 66th St, Lakewood Emission Inspection Station
      • Friday, Jan 15: West Pierce Fire & Rescue in University Place, Bethlehem Baptist Church 4818 Portland Ave E, and the Emission Inspection Station in Lakewood
    • No ID is required, tests are free and open to anyone, and most testing runs 10am-3pm, except the Lakewood station goes till 5:30), but check TPCHD.org for specifics
    • Results are available in 3-7 days