[OLYMPIA] – (MTN) According to the Washington State Department of Health, the state is just 2.2% away from its goal of 70% of residents 16 years old and above, with at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. By the numbers, roughly 134,000 more Washingtonians will need to get their first dose (or one dose Johnson & Johnson) to reach the goal of 70% inoculated. Currently, the state is administering 15,000 first doses a day, indicating on paper, we could be back to full reopening on June 25.

However, vaccination rates in the state are plummeting – down over 70% from mid-May. Washington state has provided a number of incentives to push over the finish line including a vaccine lottery, a specific lottery for veterans and military members, and other incentives such as free college tuition.

Federal data indicates that Washington state has already reached the 70% mark but there are differences in methodology. The federal data is counting adults 18 and over and is using older census data. Washington state is counting people 16 and over and using the more up-to-date population estimates.

King County Health announced on June 15 that the county achieved its goal of 70% of residents vaccinated. The King County mask mandate will end on June 29, 2021. In a press conference on Thursday, Governor Jay Inslee made it clear that by June 30, the state will be fully reopened.

King County residents can visit the King County Health, Getting Vaccinated page to find a vaccination site, get transportation assistance, and find childcare assistance.