1/19: Tuesday Briefing

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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

  • Effective yesterday afternoon, statewide, Washingtonians who fall into Phase 1B vaccination categories may begin being vaccinated.
  • The first tier of Phase 1B is changing to include any Washingtonian aged 65 and older–this change is owing to the fact that around 80% of COVID deaths have occurred in people age 65 and older
  • Additionally, individuals age 50 and older who live in multi-generational households are eligible immediately
  • Once 1/2 of Phase 1B, Tier 1 have received their vaccinations, Tier 2 will open up, and providers will have flexibility to open eligibility to those in Phase 1B Tiers 2-4, especially in workplace settings.
  • The governor also announced plans to establish mass vaccination sites across the state, with the help of the National Guard, volunteer vaccinators, and contracted resources, starting as early as next week in Eastern Washington and Clark County, with later sites planned for our region
  • There is a new timeframe criteria requirement where 95% future vaccine allocations must be given within 1 week of receipt and reported to the state.
  • Any previously allocated vaccines must be delivered by Jan 24, this Sunday.
  • Phase Finder is now fully live at doh.wa.gov, https://findyourphaseWA.orgwhere individuals can answer a questionnaire to determine whether they currently qualify for vaccines and where vaccines can be obtained in one’s area.
  • If you’re not currently eligible for a vaccine, you can enter your contact info and be notified when you are eligible.
  • FOR VETERANS ENROLLED IN VA HEALTH CARE, the VA is now offering vaccines to Veterans living in VA long-term care facilities, and VA health care personnel.
  • Once individual veterans are eligible to get a vaccine, their VA health care teams will contact them.
  • There is no need for vets to reserve a vaccine, or come to a VA facility to request or receive a vaccine until the VA contacts you.
  • When more vaccines become available, the VA plans to offer a free COVID-19 vaccine to all Veterans receiving VA health care who want one.
  • The Washington State House of Representatives and Senate voted to continue the suspension of job search requirements until the Pandemic State of Emergency is withdrawn by the Governor or legislative action, whichever is first.
  • This means you can continue to answer “no” to the job search question on your weekly claim until the suspension is lifted.

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department reported X new cases today and 142 COVID 19 cases yesterday.
    • The County’s average cases per day over the last 2 weeks is 260, and with a 6-day lag to account for data accuracy, the case rate per 100,000 people is 444.
  • The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Equity Action Network will be holding an open meeting on Wednesday, January 20th, 9-11am
    • The agenda will include updates and Q&A on the COVID-19 vaccine, the department’s Health Equity assessment, and 10 policy areas.
    • The meeting will be held via zoom
    • Contact the department at (253) 649-1500 and ask for the Health Equity Action Network meeting info, or go to daily.ktqa.org, click on today’s Daily Briefing, and find the links to join.
    • Links: https://https://zoom.us/j/5456875206
    • Call-in info: 1 (253) 215-8782, meeting ID 545 687 5206
  • The Pierce County Emergency Management Department is in the initial stages of planning for the implementation of 3 mass vaccination sites, and 8 mobile teams, throughout the county.
    • Officials estimate the initiative will deliver 700,000 doses to 350,000 people (2 each) in approximately 7 months, depending on vaccine availability.
    • Site location has not yet been determined, but criteria being used to locate the sites include proximity to public transportation, equitable access, and geographic diversity.
    • Vaccines will also be available through registered medical provider clinics or participating pharmacies, as well as through some local employers who plan to host vaccination clinics.

TACOMA

  • The City of Tacoma will present a virtual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on this evening, Jan 18th, at 8pm.
    • The event will be broadcast on TV Tacoma and streamed live on tvtacoma.com and Facebook, with rebroadcasts throughout the month on TV Tacoma.
    • The theme of year’s celebration is “Collective Voices/Collective Hope,“ will highlight the present and the future of Dr. King’s impacts on our community, and will feature local performers, speakers, and volunteers.
  • The City is also seeking to fill 6 positions on the Human Rights Commission, which investigates and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or disability.
    • Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by Sunday, January 31, 2021.
    • Applications can found online at https://cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication, and for assistance with alternate formats applicants can call (253) 591-5505
  • Welcome to your first day of in-person kindergarten, Tacoma PUblic Schools students! More information is available at tacomaschools.org.

TESTING SITES

  • There are numerous free COVID-19 testing sites in our region, including at Multicare, Franciscan, and Kaiser facilities; at Community Healthcare and SeaMar Community Health Centers; at Cheney Stadium, and more.
    • For King County locations visit KingCounty.gov.
    • For Pierce County locations, visit TPCHD.org/covidtest.
      • Tuesday, Jan 19: Washington State Fairgrounds-Blue Lot in Puyallup, State Emission Inspection Station
      • Wednesday, Jan 20: Pacific Lutheran University and the Lakewood Inspection Station
      • Thursday, Jan 21: Gig Harbor’s Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, The Church For All Nations in Tacoma, and the Lakewood Inspection Station
      • Friday, Jan 22: Tacoma MetroParks Kandle Park, Bonney Lake High School, and the State Emission Inspection Station
    • 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