1/21: 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

NATIONAL

  • New federal mandates now require face coverings at all airports, and on planes, ships, intercity buses, trains and public transportation.
  • Travelers from abroad must furnish a negative COVID-19 test before departing for the U.S. and quarantine upon arrival.
  • Masks are required on all federal property.

VACCINE INFO

  • Washingtonians can find out if they are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines online at FindYourPhaseWA.org.
    • The state department of health reminds residents that even if you qualify today, you may have to wait a few weeks to get an appointment for the vaccine due to available doses and appointment times
    • The two vaccines currently available in Washington are the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses 21 days apart, and Moderna, which Requires two doses 28 days apart.
    • Children are not eligible or approved to receive vaccines at this time.
    • Those currently eligible for vaccination include the following individuals:
      • All people 65 years and older
      • People 50 years and older in multigenerational households, defined as someone caring for their grandchild, niece or nephew.
      • Health care workers at high risk of COVID exposure or severe illness
      • First responders at high risk of COVID exposure or severe illness
      • Residents and staff of congregate living settings such as nursing homes.
    • Next up but not yet currently eligible will be Phase 1B tiers 2-4, which include those who work in group settings that include agriculture, food processing, correction facilities, grocery stores, public transit, schools, and child care.
    • Amazon and Virginia Mason will hold a pop-up clinic in Seattle Sunday morning with a goal to administer 2,000 COVID-19 vaccines that day to anyone who’s eligible
      • Individuals who have registered with Virginia Mason and are on appointment wait-lists for vaccine are urged to check their registration in the coming hours.
      • Individuals can register at VirginiaMason.org
    • As of yesterday, the following health systems and clinics in our region are offering vaccine appointments for eligible individuals:
      • MultiCare, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Kaiser Permanente, Sea Mar, Orting Family Practice, OM Life Health Clinic, University Place Medical Clinic, and UW Medicine
    • The following pharmacies also have vaccine programs by appointment:
      • Safeway pharmacies in Bonney Lake & Lakewood
      • Kirk’s Pharmacy in Eatonville
      • Lincoln Pharmacy in Tacoma
      • Alberton’s pharmacy in Puyallup

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is hosting a virtual community presentation to help address questions and concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine tomorrow, Jan 22nd, at 10am via zoom
    • Participants can use zoom or call in to participate
    • Links can be found in today’s Daily Briefing notes at daily.ktqa.org, or online on the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s facebook page. (Zoom Link here.)
    • Topics will include
      • Why is the vaccine important?
      • Is the vaccine safe?
      • Is the vaccine effective for all racial/ethnic groups?
      • Who can get the vaccine now?
      • When can I get the vaccine?
      • What are the vaccine’s side effects?
      • Who should talk to their healthcare provider before taking the vaccine?
      • The department will present accurate, clear information to dispel myths about the vaccine, and address the deep, historical traumas that have created distrust in vaccines
  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department reported 304 new cases today and 302 cases yesterday.
    • With a 6-day lag to account for data accuracy, the county’s case rate per 100,000 people is 406.
    • More than 4,000 Washingtonians have died from COVID, including 9 new deaths reported today, and Nationally, more than 400,000 people have succumbed to the disease.

TACOMA

  • The city of Tacoma is partnering with the Salvation Army Church located at 1110 S Puget Sound Avenue to offer a third temporary 24-hr warming shelter for those experiencing homelessness starting at the end of January.
    • Those who stay at the site will be provided meals, transportation to showers, and access to an on-site case manager.
    • The two other shelter locations are The Norpoint Community Center in Northeast Tacoma, and the Eastside Community Center.
    • People working, volunteering, or staying at any of the shelter sites are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

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.
      • 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