3/8: Monday Briefing

By rebecca No comments

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VACCINE INFO

  • We are in Phase 1B, tier 1 for vaccine eligibility: Those currently eligible to receive COVID shots now include k-12 education staff and childcare workers, per a recent directive by the president and governor.
  • Veterans of any age can also now get vaccinated through the VA by calling 206-716-5716.
  • Educators and vets join healthcare workers, first responders, elders 65 years and up, longterm care residents, and those over 50 who live in multigenerational households who are all eligible.
  • The governor announced today that he expects that by March 22, vaccine eligibility will open up to pregnant people and those with disabilities that put them at high risk, as well as people who work in certain settings such as agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, firefighters, law enforcement, and workers in prisons and jails.
    • That tier of eligibility will not include restaurant workers.
    • By April 12, the governor’s office expects to open vaccine eligibility to people age 16 and older with two or more medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe COVID illness complications, as well as anyone over 50 who had not been previously eligible.
    • People living in correctional facilities and certain group home settings are slated to become eligible by April 26th.
  • The website COVIDwa.com has been a valuable resource for eligible individuals struggling to access vaccine appointments.
  • Pierce County businesses or organizations with capacity to run or facilitate a community vaccination clinic can contact Gabe Moa-ali-i with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department by calling 253-649-1412.
  • Individuals can also go to coronavirus.wa.gov to search for providers, clinics, and pharmacies that may be offering vaccine appointments elsewhere in the state.

REGIONAL

  • The Tacoma Pierce County Health Dept reported 54 new COVID cases today and 1 COVID-related death
  • The 14-day case rate per 100,000 remains at 169
  • As of our live airing, the department still had appointments available for a 2-day drive-through vaccine event occurring at the Tacoma Dome on March 10 and 11th for first-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.
    • Registration links are online at TPCHD.org, or via the department’s twitter and facebook feeds.
    • You MUST be in Phase 1A or 1B Tier 1 to register.
  • Individuals who received a first-dose vaccine at one of the health department’s community vaccine events should have received an email with info for their second dose.
    • Those who can’t locate an email should call (253) 649-1412.
  • Pierce County tenants struggling to pay rent can apply for rental and utility assistance at piercecountywa.gov/housinghelp.
    • Residents without internet access can call 2-1-1 to apply.
  • On Wednesday, March 10 at 12 p.m., Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier will present the virtual 2021 State of Pierce County Address
    • Dammeier will discuss the economy, pandemic recovery, and criminal justice reform.
    • The address will be streamed online at piercecountytv.org/live and on facebook, and will be broadcast on Comcast channel 22, Click channel 22/522 HD, and Rainier Connect channel 20.
  • On March 12th starting at 11 am, The Salvation Army will be holding a drive-thru food box distribution event for anyone in need.
    • Individuals and families in vehicles may go to the Washington State Fair fairgrounds Gold Lot at 110 9th Ave. SW. on Friday to receive food free of charge, with no eligibility requirements.

TACOMA

  • The Tacoma City Council will hold its weekly meeting tomorrow, Tuesday Mar 9 at 5pm
    • It will be broadcast on TVTacoma, and streamed live on Facebook and at TVTacoma.com
  • The Tacoma School Board of Directors will resume in-person business meetings beginning with its March 11 meeting
    • All attendees must wear a mask at all times, remain at least six feet apart during the meeting, and complete a health survey attesting that they do not have COVID-19 symptoms, have not been exposed to COVID-19 nor are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test.
    • Only 30 seats are available by reservation at tacomaschools.org
    • Board study sessions will continue to occur virtually
  • Sixth graders in Tacoma schools begin in-person learning 2 afternoon per week as of today.
  • On Monday, March 15, high school seniors will start in-person learning in their cohorts two afternoons a week – either Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday.

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, at the Lakewood State Emissions Testing Center, and more.
    • You can go to coronavirus.wa.gov and follow links for “Find Covid Testing Near Me” for specific locations.
    • In addition to permanent regular testing locations, The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept offers free mobile testing events. The remaining ones this week include:
    • Wed Mar 10:Sprinker Rec Center
    • Thu Mar 11: Buckley Fire Dept, Asia Pacific Cultural Ctr
    • Fri Mar 12: PLU, TCC
    • Testing runs 10am-3pm.
    • If you need later hours, the Lakewood State Emissions Inspection Station is open till 5:30pm
    • If your business or organization has the capacity to serve as a mobile testing site, get in touch with Tony Smith of the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department by emailing TSmith@TPCHD.org.