{"id":452,"date":"2020-12-18T16:29:06","date_gmt":"2020-12-19T00:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?p=452"},"modified":"2020-12-18T16:29:06","modified_gmt":"2020-12-19T00:29:06","slug":"12-18-friday-briefing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/2020\/12\/18\/12-18-friday-briefing\/","title":{"rendered":"12\/18: Friday Briefing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_9846\"><!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-452-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3\">https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\">Podcast: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?powerpress_pinw=452-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3\">Download<\/a> (Duration: 15:44 &#8212; 12.6MB)<\/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_resources\">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 FDA and an independent panel of experts organized by Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington approved the Pfizer BioNtech coronavirus vaccine for emergency use authorization last week, and distribution began this week in Washington for certain health care workers.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">A 20-member FDA panel <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/health\/2020\/12\/18\/covid-news-moderna-vaccine-california-icu-310-k-us-deaths\/3947074001\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/health\/2020\/12\/18\/covid-news-moderna-vaccine-california-icu-310-k-us-deaths\/3947074001\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">recommended granting the same Emergency Use Authorization<\/a> to a similar vaccine made by the company Moderna, and if granted authorization, it too will go through approval by the Western States Pact workgroup panel of experts.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">In most places in Washington, individuals who are eligible to receive the vaccine right now include healthcare workers, first responders who treat patients with COVID-19, and older adults who live in congregate care settings like nursing homes.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Washington&#8217;s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.tpchd.org\/Home\/Components\/Blog\/Blog\/31859\/333?backlist=%2fhome\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tpchd.org\/Home\/Components\/Blog\/Blog\/31859\/333?backlist=%2fhome\" rel=\"nofollow\">will make further recommendations this weekend<\/a> on distributing vaccine to the next priority groups, which include: Critical workers at high risk of exposure at work, People with multiple high risk health conditions, and People older than 65.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\"><a class=\"wikilink2\" title=\"tpchd.org_coronavirus\" href=\"https:\/\/answer.atheist.radio\/wiki\/tpchd.org_coronavirus\" rel=\"nofollow\">Vaccination for those individuals is expected to begin in late January<\/a>, when more doses become available.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The federal government estimates the national supply will be adequate to begin widespread vaccination of the general public by the second quarter of 2021.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">In the meantime, local, state, federal, and international health authorities emphasize the importance of wearing a mas, staying 6 feet from others, staying home if sick, getting tested if you have symptoms, keeping gatherings small, and washing hands often.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Bloodworks Northwest will be <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.bloodworksnw.org\/covid19study\/antibody-testing?fbclid=IwAR0kVCb0sgmXykaBS4OtozHn__Mn9o87L7Y2z-XzEesuewTXJEf1iLi5Ym0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloodworksnw.org\/covid19study\/antibody-testing?fbclid=IwAR0kVCb0sgmXykaBS4OtozHn__Mn9o87L7Y2z-XzEesuewTXJEf1iLi5Ym0\" rel=\"nofollow\">testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies<\/a> from through the end of the month.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Anyone who gives blood will get results that indicate whether their immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether the donor ever showed symptoms or felt sick.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">If antibodies are present, it means that the donor&#8217;s blood products might be able to help critically ill coronavirus patients, in addition to patients who need blood for other reasons.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Prospective donors can book an appointment online at <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/schedule.bloodworksnw.org\" href=\"https:\/\/schedule.bloodworksnw.org\" rel=\"nofollow\">bloodworksNW.org<\/a> or by calling 1-800-398-7888.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">As a followup to Wednesday&#8217;s <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/local\/education\/article247900695.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/local\/education\/article247900695.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">big news<\/a> where the governor and superintendent of public instruction issued updated recommendations for when and how to allow in-person schooling for children in Washington State, several districts have made statements about their plans for 2021:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Seattle Schools plan to welcome kindergarteners, 1st graders, and special education students back to campus by March, with the option for students to continue remote schooling.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Federal Way school superintendent stated that it will take 6-8 weeks to transition from remote learning to face-to-face instruction for Prek-1st grade and small groups of other grade level students needing supportive instruction.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Tacoma Schools anticipated sharing an update by today, but at air time had not yet publicly issued any new statements about their timeline.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Additionally, Microsoft announced that it\u2019s going to provide technology that tracks Covid testing data, for free, to all school districts in the state.<\/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 165 new COVID 19 cases yesterday.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">There are an estimated 8,553 active confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The County&#8217;s average cases per day over the last 2 weeks is <em class=\"u\">, and the 14-day case rate per 100,000 people is <\/em>.<\/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<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">And for further reference the number is recommended to be below 350 to begin the process of bringing young students back to school buildings.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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 and the weekend&#8217;s mobile testing events include<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Fri, Dec 18: Tacoma Nazarene Church, Chapel Hill Presb Church in Gig Harbor and the Lakewood: State Emission Inspection Station<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Sat Dec 19: Sumner High School, teh WPFR in the University Place, and the Lakewood State Emissions Inspection Station.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Sun Dec 20: Dacca Park in Fife, and the Lakewood emissions station<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Mon, Dec 21: Sprinker Recreation Center<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Tue, Dec 22: PLU and Spanaway Elementary School<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Wed, Dec 23: Key Peninsula Longbranch Improvement Club, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, and the Lakewood State Emission Inspection Station<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">No ID is required, tests are free and open to anyone, and most testing runs 10am-3pm, but check TPCHD.org for specifics<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Results are available in 3-7 days<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Bonus: Some COVID test sites are also doing free adult flu shots too!<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">A new program even arranges for a test to be delivered to you if you have mobility issues or trouble getting to a test site.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Go online to <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/scanpublichealth.org\/\" href=\"https:\/\/scanpublichealth.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">SCANpublichealth.org<\/a> for more info.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_9847\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-452-2\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3?_=2\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3\">https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\">Podcast: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?powerpress_pinw=452-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"KTQA-DB-20201218.mp3\">Download<\/a> (Duration: 15:44 &#8212; 12.6MB)<\/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\/452"}],"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=452"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/452\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":453,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/452\/revisions\/453"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=452"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=452"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=452"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}