{"id":445,"date":"2020-12-15T16:42:56","date_gmt":"2020-12-16T00:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?p=445"},"modified":"2020-12-15T16:42:56","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T00:42:56","slug":"12-15-tuesday-briefing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/2020\/12\/15\/12-15-tuesday-briefing\/","title":{"rendered":"12\/15: Tuesday Briefing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_5674\"><!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-445-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3\">https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\">Podcast: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?powerpress_pinw=445-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3\">Download<\/a> (Duration: 10:59 &#8212; 8.8MB)<\/p><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_subscribe_links\">Subscribe: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/feed\/podcast\/\" class=\"powerpress_link_subscribe powerpress_link_subscribe_rss\" title=\"Subscribe via RSS\" rel=\"nofollow\">RSS<\/a><\/p><h1 id=\"perennial\">PERENNIAL RESOURCES<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">State-level updates on COVID-19 can be found online in multiple languages at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/coronavirus.wa.gov\/\" href=\"https:\/\/coronavirus.wa.gov\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">coronavirus.wa.gov<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">Dialing 311 will get you to the City of Tacoma&#8217;s non-emergency information line.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">The state&#8217;s Coronavirus Q&amp;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.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">You can also text the coronavirus Q&amp;A line at 211-211 in any language.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">Dialing 211 will connect you to community resources statewide through United Way, and you can also visit wa211.org online.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">A number of mental wellness support phone lines and text services are available<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">The \u201cWashington Listens\u201d support line for managing stress is 1-833-681-0211.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 800-273-8255<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">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<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">Teens can call or text the Teen Link number at 866-833-6546<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">And individuals struggling with substance use or addiction can call or text the WA Recovery Help Line at 366-789-1511<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h1 id=\"state\">STATE<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Pfizer\/BioNTech vaccine was granted <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/coronavirus\/article247816615.html#storylink=cpy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/coronavirus\/article247816615.html#storylink=cpy\" rel=\"nofollow\">emergency use authorization<\/a> by federal authorities as well as a workgroup of experts from the Western State Pact, who unanimously concluded that the vaccine is \u201csafe and efficacious.\u201d<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Initial vaccine doses this week will go to about 40 facilities in 29 counties, one pharmacy serving long-term care facilities across the state, two tribal nations and one Indian health facility.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Recipients will include health care workers and longterm care facility residents.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">In Pierce County, <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-on-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-washington\" href=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-on-the-covid-19-pandemic-in-washington\" rel=\"nofollow\">MultiCare will be the first to receive vaccine doses for Pierce County<\/a> and the hospital system expects to start vaccinating staff on Friday.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Further information can be found online at coronavirus.wa.gov in the news section and at the department of health website at doh.wa.gov.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The State Department of Health notes that while the COVID19 vaccine won\u2019t be available for the general public for quite some time, most members of the public can and should get their flu vaccine.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">If you don\u2019t have yours yet, find a location at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"http:\/\/vaccinefinder.org\" href=\"http:\/\/vaccinefinder.org\" rel=\"nofollow\">http:\/\/vaccinefinder.org<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Washington Employment Security Department, also known as \u201cUnemployment,\u201d is offering webinars this week Tuesday thru Friday to help Washingtonians apply for unemployment benefits or restart unemployment claims<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The sessions are free and are designed to help applicants understand the process and avoid common mistakes.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">See the schedule and sign up <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/esd.wa.gov\/uiwebinars\" href=\"https:\/\/esd.wa.gov\/uiwebinars\" rel=\"nofollow\">esd.wa.gov\/UIwebinars<\/a><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Washington State Department of Health is holding two online webinars to address frequently asked questions about vaccines in the era of COVID-19.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The panel discussions will feature experts in the fields of virology and medicine from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center and the Latino Center for Health.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The English-language session will take place tonight at 5pm, and the Spanish-language session will be held on Thursday, Dec 17th at 6:30pm.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Washington residents can register for each webinar in advance and submit their vaccine questions.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Links to each can be found by going online to coronavirus.wa.gov and looking in the \u201cNews\u201d section.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Those unable to attend should still register, and a link to a recording of the webinar will be emailed to you!<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Washington State Department of Health <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/coronavirus\/article247855790.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/coronavirus\/article247855790.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">announced yesterday that it will disable all text message notifications<\/a> for its subscription email topics beginning Dec. 22, in order to save costs.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Those who only subscribe by text and wish to continue receiving notifications are advised to create a new account and register by email.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">No action is necessary for those who already have an email subscription.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h1 id=\"regional\">REGIONAL<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department reported 194 new COVID 19 cases yesterday.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The County&#8217;s average cases per day over the last 2 weeks was 345, and the 14-day case rate per 100,000 people was 535.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">For reference, community spread of COVID-19 is said to be under control when that figure is below 25 per 100,000 residents.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Yesterday, the governor <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/news.yahoo.com\/inslee-stops-pierce-county-dissolving-234721762.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9sLmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAI0uQ0VyciXZ6KOIc9gOyPrMEGJ4b2bvborHT4CN6KnZQu1uCyVuBSNE8K8c72a88wmwbugh0NFdB594zTk0p-hCL2hHyaM-x7q2YtWDWKr8Xgh9CZ8-fSXFrB6SuOkgxRmdd__7BURFKmEQQ01VcsNzS6GCRrff2-x-tGX2LQCo\" href=\"https:\/\/news.yahoo.com\/inslee-stops-pierce-county-dissolving-234721762.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9sLmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAI0uQ0VyciXZ6KOIc9gOyPrMEGJ4b2bvborHT4CN6KnZQu1uCyVuBSNE8K8c72a88wmwbugh0NFdB594zTk0p-hCL2hHyaM-x7q2YtWDWKr8Xgh9CZ8-fSXFrB6SuOkgxRmdd__7BURFKmEQQ01VcsNzS6GCRrff2-x-tGX2LQCo\" rel=\"nofollow\">issued a moratorium on any efforts to dissolve or dismantle existing health departments<\/a> across the state, with few exceptions.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">This means that the vote scheduled to take place today by the Pierce County Council on bill #2020-316, which would have put an end to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, is effectively moot.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The proclamation is in effect as long as the COVID-19 state of emergency exists, in order to ensure continuity and stability of public health efforts throughout the pandemic.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The only exception to the rule is if all parties agree to the termination (The department itself and the city of Tacoma were in opposition to the Pierce County Council bill), or if one party receives approval from the Washington State Dept of Health.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">You can still give your input to the Pierce County Council by calling 253-798-7777.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h1 id=\"tacoma\">TACOMA<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Students in grades 3-5 who attend Lister, Boze, Sheridan, Blix, Birney, Larchmont, Fawcett, DeLong, Edison, Manitou Park, Jennie Reed, and Whitman Elementaries are eligible to sign up for Online ELO, or extended learning opportunities, at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tacomaELO.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tacomaELO.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.tacomaELO.com<\/a>.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Registration closes on Dec 17th<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Activities include Sketch Club, hip hop, Step, world drumming, and ukelele.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">All activities are conducted and attended virtually.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Hilltop Action Coalition is facilitating a Hilltop Holiday Crawl to support local businesses through Dec 20th.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Individuals can stop by Hilltop Action Coalition for a Passport, face masks, and sanitizer from 10am to 4pm at 1116 Earnest S Brazill ST. \u2800\u2800<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">More info can be found at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.hilltopcrawl.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hilltopcrawl.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/www.hilltopcrawl.com<\/a>.\u2800<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Tacoma Public Library has created TPL Book Bundles for early and emergent readers that focus on themes like animals, vehicles, the great outdoors, alphabets &amp; numbers, and board books.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">While the library building is closed to the public to comply with restrictions designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, patrons can still check out books through online reservation and curbside pickup<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Visit <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tacomalibrary.org\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tacomalibrary.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">TacomaLibrary.org<\/a> and click on TPL Now<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u2800\u2800\u2800<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h1 id=\"testing_sites\">TESTING SITES<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">There are numerous free COVID-19 testing sites in our region:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">For King County locations visit <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.kingcounty.gov\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kingcounty.gov\" rel=\"nofollow\">KingCounty.gov<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">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&#8217;ve been exposed or those who are experiencing symptoms.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">For Pierce County locations, visit <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tpchd.org\/covidtest.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tpchd.org\/covidtest.\" rel=\"nofollow\">TPCHD.org\/covidtest<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">This week&#8217;s mobile testing events include<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Wed, Dec 16: Metroparks Kandle Park, the Asia Pacific Cultural Center (where adult flu vaccines will also be available!)<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Thurs Dec 17: Puyallup Fairgrounds Blue Lot, Centro Latino<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Fri, Dec 18: Tacoma Nazarene Church, Chapel Hill Presb Church in Gig Harbor<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">No ID is required<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Testing runs 10am-3pm.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">tests are free and open to anyone<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">results are available in 3-7 days<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_5675\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-445-2\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3?_=2\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3\">https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\">Podcast: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?powerpress_pinw=445-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"KTQA-DB-20201215.mp3\">Download<\/a> (Duration: 10:59 &#8212; 8.8MB)<\/p><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_subscribe_links\">Subscribe: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/feed\/podcast\/\" class=\"powerpress_link_subscribe powerpress_link_subscribe_rss\" title=\"Subscribe via RSS\" rel=\"nofollow\">RSS<\/a><\/p><p>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&#8217;s non-emergency information line. The state&#8217;s Coronavirus Q&amp;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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/445"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=445"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/445\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":446,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/445\/revisions\/446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=445"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=445"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=445"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}