Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates, 5/12/22

Washington State Department of Health

Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Contact:

Public Information Desk doh-pio@doh.wa.gov

Statewide Response Updates

Newest numbers. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 1,524,078 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on May 10. There have been 12,724 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.

Data note (Wednesday, May 11): Due to a technical issue in our data systems, the Hospital Use data may be incomplete.

For the most recent number of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard.

[7-day count of hospital admissions in King County is 514. (4/28 - 5/4) Trend is up.]

[Cumulative cases in King County are:  40,736 cases, 11,712 hospitalizations, 2,754 deaths.]  5% hospital beds occupied by COVID patients; case trend is up.]

COVID Cases Rising in King County

COVID cases are rising a tad in King County.   DEFCON YELLOW!

Pam and I were vaccinated yesterday for a second Modera booster!😇 (Read KIRO'S article.)  After the shot, I read immunity is strengthened in the first four months but then wanes by the eighth month. This was disappointing, especially after having a reaction. (mild fatigue and achiness for a day.)  Pam was fine.  I'm happy having the shot and not as concerned about masks.  

Getting vaccinated is much easier now. Our hassle-free appointment for our Modera was quicker than the first; less paperwork, shorter waits, and still time to ask questions.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/25/2022

By Deedee Sun, KIRO 7 News

April 25, 2022 at 6:41 pm PDT

SEATTLE — COVID cases are again on the rise in King County. It’s pushed King County from the “green” to the “yellow” zone – meaning the county is back in the CDC’s medium COVID-19 community level.

King County Executive Dow Constantine Reflects On Successes Battling COVID

 

Executive Dow Constantine

Today marks the two-year anniversary of King County Executive Dow Constantine’s emergency declaration in response to the COVID outbreak in King County, the first community in the nation to face an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, shortly after the nation’s first case was discovered in Snohomish County.  Relying on trusted health leaders to chart the course forward and keep the community safe, King County has gone from the epicenter of the outbreak, to now one of the nation’s highest vaccinated communities with the some of the lowest cases and death rates two years later.

“There wasn’t a playbook when COVID hit, but King County residents worked together. Our largest employers and small businesses, friends and neighbors have followed the science and expertise of our public health leaders to achieve some of the highest vaccination rates in the nation,” said Executive Constantine. “The last two years have challenged all of us, taking a toll on our community and our day-to-day lives. Entering the next phase of our COVID response should be a moment for all of us to reflect on the loss and pain of the last two years, but also a chance to look forward to the recovery and future we’re building together.”

Since the first days of the pandemic, King County and Public Health – Seattle & King County have led the response focused on ensuring no community was left behind. From purchasing and distributing masks, to buying hotels so people would have a safe place to quarantine, here’s a look at some of the statistics behind King County’s response, and the impact the community has made together.

Case counts – among the lowest in the nation

Out of the 97 most populated regions in the country, King County ranks 90th in terms of COVID case rates, with 16,067 cases per 100,000 residents. Miami-Dade for comparison has 42,764 per 100,000. King County also ranks 90th in terms of rates of deaths from COVID in those 97 most populated regions. For counties with more than 2 million residents, King County has the lowest rate of any county for case counts and deaths from COVID.

-- King County Executive Office, March 1, 2022

FINALLY!! IT'S OVER! (effective March 12)

Governor Jay Inslee ends mask mandate / Internet

Washington State will end the mask mandate March 11th.  Oregon and California will lift their mask mandates at the same time, the California governor's office said.

The move comes partially in response to recent changes in CDC guidance, which was loosened Friday so that almost 70 percent of Americans would no longer be required to wear masks indoors.

Some businesses and small governments may insist on masking. Masks are still  required in medical facilities, nursing homes, long term care facilities and public transit and prisons.

--PATCH, 2/28/2022 quotes mandate ends March 11.

--CROSSCUT, 2/28/2022 quotes mandate ends March 12.

- Bob Yoder

Mayor Birney Requires Roll Calls To Squelch Absenteeism

Internet

By Yoder:  All across the State of Washington and world it's a no-brainer the pandemic has striked hell in our lives:  death, hospitalization, declining mental health, social and family isolation, low worker productivity, absenteeism in schools and workplaces, and the list goes on. My battle was (and is) declining mental health, and social isolation. The forever masking and lengthened bombardment of variants kindled fear, the root of anxiety. Had I not taken walks in the woods and pumped iron at the gym I'd probably be on medication today.

I'm retired and absenteeism isn't a problem for me.  I cried when children couldn't be out with their friends at school and teacher absenteeism spiked. Especially for children, mental health declined precipitously; anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation were more common. 

I feel no pain for employees working in a hybrid environment. Many actually benefit. However, absentee accountability can be a problem in a virtual - in person setting. 

I report on City Council meetings weekly for government transparency and to shed light. Unfortunately, the Council, the public, even democracy aches when a public servant is chronically absent from the peoples' work. Last week, the Mayor, City attorney and City Clerk finally confronted their problem.

The fix was easy. Identify and define "regular meetings" and take roll call at the top of each regular meeting. Yes, accountability!  The State of Washington gives Council authority to remove Members if they have three consecutive unexcused absences from regular meetings. The Council ultimately decides what constitutes an unexcused absence. 

Requiring roll calls at regular City meetings could be historically significant. We can "thank" the pandemic for that.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 2/12/2022

LWSD High Schools Transition To Remote Learning

Three Lake Washington School District schools transitioned to temporary remote learning earlier this week.

Lake Washington, Redmond, and Juanita High Schools moved on Monday to temporary remote classes.  Eastlake High School move to remote learning on Wednesday.

Per the district website, shortages are the result of COVID-related quarantines, general illness and other absences.

-- Seattle Times, 1/12/2022

Redmond Parks and Recreation To Reopen January 4th

December 28, 2021

Redmond, WA – After an extended closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Redmond’s Parks and Recreation Department will have a phased reopening of indoor programs, facilities, and services starting Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. With increases in COVID-19 vaccination rates, expansion of boosters, eligibility of vaccinations for children five and older, and additional safety protocols, city staff are eager to welcome back participants to a safe environment for indoor recreation.

The Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, Old Firehouse Teen Center, Old Redmond Schoolhouse, and Bytes Café within Redmond City Hall will reopen to the public while adhering to all city, state, and county guidelines including, but not limited to the following:

• Visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test administered within the last 72 hours to a staff member upon entering the building, per the King County Public Health Order.
• Participants ages two and older will be required to wear a mask at all times inside city facilities.
• In accordance with Governor Inslee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Proclamation, all recreation staff were required to be vaccinated as of Oct. 18.

Indoor facility rentals, for groups of five to 85 people, will be available starting Jan. 4 at the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village.

To find hours of operation, register for activities, and learn more about recreation and rental services, the community can visit www.redmond.gov/PlaySafe.

For questions and more information, contact Jill Smith, Communications Manager, at jesmith@redmond.gov or 425-556-2448. This press release is available on www.redmond.gov/PressReleases.

UPDATED: Councilmembers Steve Fields And Jeralee Anderson Should Renounce "Safe Eastside"

OPINION, 10/27:  As you know, housing in Redmond (and across the Eastside) is terribly unaffordable. Those without technology jobs can barely afford to live here.  Add the COVID dilemma and some people just can't pay rent or their mortgage. Sadly, a few unlucky souls are left homeless, living in their cars and on friends' couches.

The County is trying to do something about it.  About a month ago they bought the Silver Cloud Hotel in south Redmond near Microsoft to provide a sanctuary for some who've lost their homes. Support services and warm meals will be provided. Information about the hotel is found HERE.  I can't thank the County and City enough for extending their hand to these traumatised people.   

There's a boisterous group known as "Safe Eastside" on a mission to terminate this homeless hotel.  This group is the cause of a lot of misinformation.  Signs are staked all over town and near schools warning "no injection sites." Parents, students and neighbors have been frightened. 

I've sat in on council meetings where they've verbally attacked the Mayor, her staff, a councilmember, and commissioner. They often blame and shame the mentally ill.  This hurts because I and many others have serious illnesses, yet are able to have a productive career and a nice home or apartment. 

Safe Eastside is actively campaigning, and endorsing Dennis Ellis, Councilmember Jeralee Anderson and Councilmember Steve Fields in the election.  I'm not sure what they did to earn these endorsements. Dennis, Jeralee, and Steve should emphatically renounce this spiteful group and support the greater good.

-- Bob Yoder, 10/21/2021

Firefighter Vaccine Resistance At City Hall

The Fire Chief said at last night's Business Meeting that his department is fully staffed.  He said he lost some well trained employees but was confident with the replacements.  10/20/2021

Redmond Fire, Facebook

To watch the firefighters, and homeless hotel protesters on City of Redmond video click HERE.  (Advance the tape to 2 hours: 17 minutes.) [Homeless Hotel protests start at 40 minutes.]

NOTE:  Firefighter family members visited last night's city council meeting to share their concern that up to 20 employees could lose their job if they do not seek a vaccine by October 18.  Many firefighters and their families addressed the Mayor and Council  emphasizing that in this pandemic none were ever infected. However, early on before the necessity of PPE was recognized four were sent home to quarantine and one quarantined at a fire station. Later the Fire Chief was let go. -- Bob Yoder, 9/212021

###

 -- Steve Kiggins, Q-13, 9/21/2021

REDMOND, Wash. - "Controversy is building in Redmond on whether first responders will be granted a religious exemption from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Family members and firefighters from the **Redmond Fire Department say they jumped through all the hoops to apply for the exemption, but now worry the city might not provide accommodations. 

"For us to even contemplate to fire any of these heroes, shame on us," said firefighter mother Sknge Alsin. "We should keep every job intact."

Alsin’s daughter Kayleight is married to a firefighter. Her husband joined the department after spending 10 years as a Redmond cop. 

The family joined a group of firefighters and other family members who expressed their concerns. 

The City of Redmond says it has 164 full time employees at the department. Firefighters say as many as 20 have applied for a religious exemption asking the city to allow them to continue mirroring the health protocols they have been using since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Last week, firefighters say they believed the city would accept their exemption, but now worry the accommodations may not be allowed.

A city spokesperson said the department is following Gov. Jay Inslee’s state mandate on the vaccine. 

-- Steve Kiggins, Q-13, 9/21/2021, edited

-- Bob Yoder, cc: Mayor / Council, 9/22/2021

Redmond's Homeless Hotel - A Recovery Resource

 National Recovery Month 

In the September 7th Business council meeting Mayor Birney proclaimed September as National Recovery Month.   Immediately afterwards, during "Items From The Audience," over 15 individuals vehemently spoke against the Silver Cloud Homeless Hotel, some even challenging Mayor Birney. They were bothered by poor notice, poor information on how the hotel will operate, it's location near 12 schools, absence of long and short term goals, and other issues. Unfortunately, the hotel will be low barrier. 

Stigmatism of the mentally ill at the meeting was at an all time high. The importance of consistent medical pharmaceutical treatment was barely addressed.  Hotel shelter and socialization with case managers would provide a safe environment to reliably facilitate medical management.  

In each weekly report I will address one mental health and/or substance abuse topic relevant to the Homeless Hotel.  My first topic is the mentally ill and "acts of violence":

SUMMARY:

1. Most individuals with serious mental illness are not dangerous.
2. Most acts of violence are committed by individuals who are not mentally ill.
3. Individuals with serious mental illness are victimized by violent acts more often than they commit violent acts.
4. Being a young male or a substance abuser (alcohol or drugs) is a greater risk factor for violent behavior than being mentally ill.
5. No evidence suggests that people with serious mental illness receiving effective treatment are more dangerous than individuals in the general population.

That being said, a small number of individuals with serious mental illnesses commit acts of violence. Individuals who are not being treated commit almost all acts of violence; many of them also abusing alcohol or drugs.

Source: "Treatment Advocacy Center"

-- Bob Yoder, 9/13/2021

Microsoft return to U.S. offices delayed indefinitely

 

technologyrecord.com

Date September 09, 2021   Time 11:39 AM Source Associated Press REDMOND, Washington (AP) — Microsoft told employees Thursday that it has indefinitely delayed their return to U.S. offices until it's safer to do so. “Given the uncertainty of COVID-19, we’ve decided against attempting to forecast a new date for a full reopening of our U.S. work sites," Jared Spataro, a corporate vice president, wrote in a blog post.

Pup Demos Proper Mask Wearing

24 Hour Fitness poster

Only 12 unruly pups were seen romping around this day. 😅

-- Bob Yoder, 9/3/2021

UPDATED: Washington State Has One Of The Strictest Mask Mandates

Behind that mask is a fatigued, anxious person, B. Yoder

  

Care of Governor Inslee, by August 23th, almost every citizen must be masked when indoors even if  vacinnated.  Inslee's mask mandate is one of the strictest in the Nation.   I'm vacinnated and masking up but it doesn't feel fair; 2 steps forward, 1 step back.  At this time, only 72% of Washingtonians have one shot or more.  It appears we are paying the price for the iodiotic, ignorant, or listless behavior of the unvaccinated 28%.  

However, the deadly Delta variant is taking it's toll on even the vacinnated, though only a sliver are hospitalized.  "Breakthrough infections" are rare, but the government is looking out for us ... to the chagrin of some.  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/25/2021

    Photo, Pam Yoder, QFC Bear Creek

The above is a dated post; now breakthrough infections are commonplace, As of October 25 proof of vacinnation and full masking is required in King County in indoor places and outdoor events over 500.  Two of my relatives have had breakthough infections.  Booster shots will soon be available for seniors 65+.   9/18/2021  

City To Receive Over $9M In Covid Recovery Funds

Seems like a pretty tidy sum for a medium-sized city. Yoder

$9.6M of the $9.9M has been formally allocated to the City as part of the federally funded COVID American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA.)  

On March 11, 2021 President Biden signed a bill to provide additional relief for states, counties, cities and towns as well as public utilities, libraries and transit agencies affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 

The City of Redmond will receive a total of $9,928,999, in two increments, during the 2021-2022 biennium. The APRA funds will be held in the COVID Recovery Fund until a recommended spending plan is approved by Council. The funds must be obligated by December 2024 and spent on qualifying expenses by December 2026. 

Staff is still gathering information on ARPA, but allowable uses of the funds include: 

· COVID-19 emergency response; 

· Assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits related to the negative economic impacts of COVID19; 

· Aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; 

· Hazard pay for eligible local government essential workers; 

· Grants to eligible private employers to provide hazard pay to essential workers; 

· Provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to COVID-19; and 

· To make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.

-- Council Regular Meeting memo, 8/16/2021

Herfy's Hamburgers Scheduled For Tear Out - 6-Story Sunrise Apartments Construction Soon

The Redmond Corner Market was a poorly lit convenience store.  My daughter's coach bought his trophies from "Redmond Trophy."

.

Herfy's is the cornerstone of the mall.

Herfy's has the broadest selection of hamburgers at the lowest price.  Great shakes too.
Click to enlarge. Find the "mask required sign."  Delta Covid variant is running wild.

 

A warehouse will be built on this site, south of Sunrise.  The popular Brown Bag restaurant was here. Click (double) to see a mall sign and Animal Emergency sign.

 

Description of the Six-Story Sunrise Apartments

Story and photos by Bob Yoder

8/4/2021

Redmond Council Candidate Janet Richards Walks For Mental Health

 I'm endorsing Janet Manuel Richards! Go Janet!  (Bob Yoder)

Janet Manuel Richards (r) and daughter Jada Walk for Mental Health

"I'm so proud of Jada, she was the youngest person walking today at the Kirkland Marina park location. We walked for all the youth in Redmond who need and have needed mental health support during this difficult year. No one should be shamed or embarrassed about seeking professional help to be as healthy as they can be."

-- Janet Manuel Richards

Election Website

King County Mask Directive Ends, 6/29/21

 

King County's mask directive ends as COVID-19 rates are down and number of people fully protected hits 70% goal

Summary Public Health – Seattle & King County is announcing the end of the current King County Mask Directive that has been in place since May 20, 2021. Now that the local directive has ended, the Washington state mask guidance is in effect in King County. Unvaccinated people will need to continue wearing masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces.  Story With 70% of King County residents age 16 and older considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the number continuing to increase, Public Health—Seattle & King County is announcing the end of the King County Mask Directive as of today, June 29. The end of the local mask directive marks a remarkable achievement for the residents of King County as high vaccination coverage has led to drops in COVID-19 cases. King County has reached this milestone today, two weeks after 70% of residents age 16+ completed their vaccine series, as it takes two weeks after completing the vaccine series to be fully protected. Now that the local directive has lifted, the Washington state mask guidance is in effect in King County. Unvaccinated people will need to continue wearing masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces and continue to take other precautions including avoiding crowded indoor spaces and physical distancing. The end of the local directive nearly coincides with an end to most COVID-19 pandemic restrictions statewide, including in King County. That happens tomorrow, June 30.   Now that the local mask directive has ended in King County, it’s important to know that: Vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in most public settings but may choose to do so based on personal considerations. Everyone, vaccinated or not, should continue to keep a mask with them when they go out. Masks will be needed in some indoor spaces. People who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must continue to wear face coverings when they enter indoor public spaces, according to state guidance. This helps protect not only adults who are unvaccinated, particularly as more contagious variants are spreading, but also children and those with medical conditions that prevent them from getting vaccinated or from being fully protected by vaccines. Businesses are allowed to request or require their customers and employees to wear masks regardless of vaccination status. If there is a surge in COVID-19, masks will be an important tool.  Don't throw away those masks!

Temperatures reach historic highs -- 109 degrees in Redmond

 

Do you know what Redmond park this is?
redmond.gov

Due to the continued high temperatures, Redmond City Hall (15670 NE 85th St.) has extended community cooling center hours today until 9 p.m. and will be open again tomorrow, June 29, from 12 pm – 9 pm. Visitors must wear a face covering unless fully vaccinated. Please bring your own refillable water bottle. http://ow.ly/qlYC50FkdKs

-- Mayor Angela Birney, Facebook, 6/28/2021

We had three days over 100 degress.  

UPDATE!! Safeway: "Masks Are Encouraged For Non-Vaccinated Customers" - Not Required

 

Redmond Safeway, 6/01/2021

UPDATE:  World Health Organization encouages fully vaccinated wear masks owing to malicious variant.  6/29/2021

Seattle/King County Department of Health discontinues mask directive - permits fully vaccinted to de-mask.  6/29/2021

This Safeway sign blew me away:  "Masks are encouraged for non-vaccinated customers."  Not required.

 

Subtitle:  "Safeway, Albertsons and Carrs care about the well-being of our Associates, Customers and Neighbors, as well as maintaining a safe and comfortable store enviroment." 

Fine print:  

"This does not apply to children under the age of 2 or those with the following exemptions:  Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disablility that prevents wearing a facecovering that could obstruct breathing or persons who are incapatitated, or otherwise unable to remove a facecovering without assistance.  Persons who are hearing impaired or communiting with a person who is hearing impaired where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication." 

NOTE:  A few weeks ago I was shopping in Costco without a mask when 97% were masked-up. I began to feel uneasy and mildly anxious so masked-up.  It helped.  After that one episode I've had no problems entering an establishment where masks aren't required; in fact I look for them.  I cherish the freedom and happiness from being vaccinated.  I also feel like I'm supporting our businesses.  I was fully vaccinated on February 20; all is well.  

-- Bob Yoder, 6/17/2021

UPDATED - QFC Grocery Store Lightens COVID Restrictions

Sign at entrance to QFC - Bella Bottega (click to enlarge) 

UPDATED, 6/29/2021 - The World Health Organization encourages fully vaccinated individuals to mask-up owing to DELTA variant.

Seattle/King County Department of Health end mask directive  -- fully vaccinted don't need to wear masks in most situations. 6/29/2021

When President Biden and the CDC announced masks weren't required if you were fully vaccinated, I was both shocked and elated.  Several times in a speech, President Biden merrily explained we can now show our smiles again!  

Voila!  When we returned from a trip to Winthrop (most of the boutiques had restrictions) we discovered  this COVID sign at QFC-Bella Bottega alerting customers:  "Masks not required for fully vaccinated individuals."   Was I smiling! 😃  I'm fully vaccinated.  Thanks President Biden! 

When we were in the store at 6:30 p.m. yesterday it appeared everyone was masked-up. I discussed the new policy with a checker.  He said his vaccination card was on file in the office and he wasn't required by management to mask-up.  But he thought the opening was too early.  

It's amazing  when only six months ago we were told to limit our time there, shop alone, or "pick up."  Grocery stores were some of the most dangerous places to be.  Personally, feel comfortable when not wearing in grocery stores; Costco is a different thing - I felt anxious.

-- Bob Yoder, 6/3/2021 Photo: Yoder