{"id":574,"date":"2021-03-04T15:29:51","date_gmt":"2021-03-04T23:29:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?p=574"},"modified":"2021-03-04T19:37:53","modified_gmt":"2021-03-05T03:37:53","slug":"3-4-thursday-briefing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/2021\/03\/04\/3-4-thursday-briefing\/","title":{"rendered":"3\/4: Thursday Briefing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_8059\"><!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-574-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3\">https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\">Podcast: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?powerpress_pinw=574-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3\">Download<\/a> (Duration: 11:25 &#8212; 8.6MB)<\/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=\"state\">STATE<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Dept of Health has issued <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/coronavirus.wa.gov\/news\/reminders-safe-building-re-openings-after-covid-19-closures\" href=\"https:\/\/coronavirus.wa.gov\/news\/reminders-safe-building-re-openings-after-covid-19-closures\" rel=\"nofollow\">warning and guidelines<\/a> for how to safely resume water service in buildings that were closed or underused during the pandemic, in order to minimize the risk of certain waterborne bacteria and infections due to stagnant water.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Building owners and maintenance staff should have two to three weeks lead time to start up the water plumbing system and make sure there is time for testing and possible disinfection if needed.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Once all start up efforts are complete, water should be tested for Legionella<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Links can be found at coronavirus.wa.gov in the \u201cnews\u201d section, and full documentation can be searched for online at doh.wa.gov<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">From the state Dept of Licensing:<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Most commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner permits (CLPs) with expiration dates on or after March 1, 2020 are now extended through May 31, 2021, unless renewed already.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Late fees will not be assessed during the extension period,<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">License and permit holders will not receive a new license with a new expiration date.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">DOL also has temporary rules in place making almost everyone eligible for online renewals<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Another temporary rule change allows some commercial drivers to continue operating with an expired medical certificate.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">For those with medical certificates that expired on or after Dec. 1, 2020, DOL will not downgrade your CDL through May 31, 2021.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">DOL also extended the deadline for intrastate CDL drivers to submit medical certificates through May 31<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">More info available online at dol.wa.gov or by emailing CDLProgram@dol.wa.gov.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h1 id=\"vaccine_info\">VACCINE INFO<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">Lots of changes have come quick this week regarding vaccines in our state:<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">About <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-on-the-pandemic-in-the-northwest\" href=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-on-the-pandemic-in-the-northwest\" rel=\"nofollow\">8% of Washingtonians have been fully vaccinated<\/a> against the virus, and 14% have received at least one dose.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">The FDA has given emergency use authorization to the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, and the <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.governor.wa.gov\/news-media\/inslee-announces-authorization-j-j-vaccine-western-states-scientific-safety-review\" href=\"https:\/\/www.governor.wa.gov\/news-media\/inslee-announces-authorization-j-j-vaccine-western-states-scientific-safety-review\" rel=\"nofollow\">Western States Working Group<\/a> has authorized it so it will be available in Washington.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department anticipates receiving doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-on-the-pandemic-in-the-northwest\" href=\"https:\/\/kuow.org\/stories\/updates-on-the-pandemic-in-the-northwest\" rel=\"nofollow\">as soon as next week<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">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.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\"><a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/local\/military\/article249678198.html\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/news\/local\/military\/article249678198.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Veterans of any age can also now get vaccinated<\/a> through the VA by calling 206-716-5716.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">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.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\"><a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/article249698838.html#storylink=cpy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenewstribune.com\/article249698838.html#storylink=cpy\" rel=\"nofollow\">The governor announced today<\/a> 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.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">That tier of eligibility will not include restaurant workers.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">By April 12, the governor\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">People living in correctional facilities and certain group home settings are slated to become eligible by April 26th.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">The website <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/covidwa.com\" href=\"https:\/\/covidwa.com\" rel=\"nofollow\">COVIDwa.com<\/a> has been a valuable resource for eligible individuals struggling to access vaccine appointments.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">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.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">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.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h1 id=\"regional\">REGIONAL<\/h1>\n<div class=\"level1\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">The Tacoma Pierce County Health Dept reported 114 new COVID cases today and 3 COVID-related deaths<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1\">\n<div class=\"li\">The 14-day case rate per 100,000 was 183<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Individuals who received a first-dose vaccine at one of the health department&#8217;s community vaccine events should have received an email with info for their second dose.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Those who can&#8217;t locate an email should call (253) 649-1412.<\/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\">\n<div class=\"li\"><a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tacomaschools\/posts\/4150754864958548?__cft__[0]=AZWCnwdiqyLfRr8Hy0TL52QX2YJXmzPDO-u34YOANPIBmCmCbP50PvA2a7XR8RICdmfN_iFvSrvAknefZho67DvKo0GUeJEi5coKx16cyrQAYoTfyDVpCpr62uCsYriIFFmXz0zcZmU2W2UT9-8L311n&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tacomaschools\/posts\/4150754864958548?__cft__[0]=AZWCnwdiqyLfRr8Hy0TL52QX2YJXmzPDO-u34YOANPIBmCmCbP50PvA2a7XR8RICdmfN_iFvSrvAknefZho67DvKo0GUeJEi5coKx16cyrQAYoTfyDVpCpr62uCsYriIFFmXz0zcZmU2W2UT9-8L311n&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R\" rel=\"nofollow\">Tacoma Public Schools is reminding the public<\/a> that now that students have returned to some in-person learning, school tracks and fields are closed to the public during school hours and during after-school activities.<\/div>\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, 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.<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">You can go to coronavirus.wa.gov and follow links for \u201cFind Covid Testing Near Me\u201d for specific locations.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">In addition to permanent regular testing locations, The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept offers free mobile testing events. The remaining ones this week include:<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Fri, Mar 5: Narrows Plaza Bowl in University Place and Centro Latino in Hilltop<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Sat Mar 6: Eatonville HS and UW Tacoma<\/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\">If you need later hours, the Lakewood State Emissions Inspection Station is open till 5:30pm<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">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.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"level1 node\">\n<div class=\"li\">Some Walgreens pharmacies also now offer free drive-up rapid antigen testing for people Ages 3 and up, including the Walgreens at 38th &amp; Pacific in Tacoma<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"level2\">\n<div class=\"li\">Go to <a class=\"urlextern\" title=\"https:\/\/Walgreens.com\/COVID19Testing\" href=\"https:\/\/Walgreens.com\/COVID19Testing\" rel=\"nofollow\">Walgreens.com\/COVID19Testing<\/a> to pre-register for this testing<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_8060\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-574-2\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3?_=2\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3\">https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p class=\"powerpress_links powerpress_links_mp3\">Podcast: <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_pinw\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Play in new window\" onclick=\"return powerpress_pinw('https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/?powerpress_pinw=574-podcast');\" rel=\"nofollow\">Play in new window<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/episodes\/KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3\" class=\"powerpress_link_d\" title=\"Download\" rel=\"nofollow\" download=\"KTQA-DB-20210304.mp3\">Download<\/a> (Duration: 11:25 &#8212; 8.6MB)<\/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>STATE The Dept of Health has issued warning and guidelines for how to safely resume water service in buildings that were closed or underused during the pandemic, in order to minimize the risk of certain waterborne bacteria and infections due to stagnant water. Building owners and maintenance staff should have two to three weeks lead [&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\/574"}],"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=574"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":575,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/574\/revisions\/575"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=574"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=574"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/daily.ktqa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=574"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}