Category Archives: Health and Lifestyle

Health and Lifestyle, Local, National

CDC moves Washington state up to “substantial transmission” as COVID cases skyrocket nationwide

[SEATTLE, Wash] – (MTN) COVID cases are increasing in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as the Delta variant of COVID rapidly spreads through the unvaccinated population. The South and Central Midwest show the most significant increases, with hospitals in Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana strained by caseloads.

COVID cases are up 140% nationally in the last seven days and are showing exponential growth. Only Vermont, one of the highest vaccinated states in the country and predominantly rural, is the only state with a low transmission rate. Tennessee has seen cases increase 340%, Massachusetts 261%, and Alabama 257%. Florida is trending 6,500 new cases a day, 21% of all new infections in the United States.

Hospitalizations, which is a lagging indicator of infections, are up 34% nationally. Arkansas, Missouri, Florida, and Nevada have more hospitalized COVID patients than the third wave over the winter and early spring of 2021.

Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, joined Los Angeles County in California, mandating masks for all residents and visitors. Governor Jay Inslee of Washington has said the state would not be moving forward with a renewed mask mandate. The CDC recently moved Washington state to “substantial transmission of COVID” in its latest weekly update.

The Delta variant of COVID originated in India. It brought the medical infrastructure of the nation of one billion to the brink of collapse. Officials wrestled with shortages of Oxygen, ventilators, and fuel to cremate the victims. 

In a non-peer-reviewed study of 167 patients infected with the Delta variant, viral load was 1000% higher than previous variants. Another study found the viral load to be 1200% higher, adding more weight to the first study. The increased viral load indicates that Delta is 225% more transmissible. In the United States, Delta now accounts for 58% of infections.

Another challenge facing health officials is some states moved away from reporting daily COVID data. Many believe infections numbers are worse. In Texas, for example, most COVID tests are happening at hospitals when patients are arriving much sicker than with previous strains. Many states, including Washington, converted testing sites to vaccination sites, making it more challenging to get tested.

Wall Street reacted negatively to the news of the “fourth wave.” The Dow Jones was down over 900 points, and the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil dropped almost 6% to $67.28 a barrel. Concerns over the economy slowing down again while most social safety nets related to COVID are ending were causing the retreat.

King County is offering free transportation to get vaccinated and is even offering free childcare for vaccination appointments and the recuperation period for those still unvaccinated.

Although side effects are mild, many have reported feeling fatigued, experiencing headaches, and having brain fog 24 to 48 hours after the second dose for a day or two. The one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been reported to have lesser side effects, but that evidence is anecdotal.

Vaccine hesitancy still is holding along political lines. Twenty-eight percent of Republicans and 20% of Independents have stated they will not get vaccinated. The survey also indicated 50% reporting they who would not get vaccinated were taking a wait and see approach and were somewhat likely or likely to get vaccinated in the future.

If you or a family member needs to get vaccinated in King County, you can visit the Getting Vaccinated King County page on the Public Health website.

Health and Lifestyle, Local, National

COVID cases on the rise as Delta variant becomes the dominant strain

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[KIRKLAND, Wash.] – (MTN) Health officials are increasingly concerned as the COVID Delta variant takes advantage of low vaccination rates in rural areas and communities with vaccine hesitancy. In Washington state, Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla counties have some of the highest COVID positivity rates in the country. Only three Washington counties, San Juan, Island, and Wahkiakum, have fewer than 25 cases per 100,000 people. In King County, new cases are creeping up.

The Delta variant emerged in Indian and has quickly spread through Europe and North America as the new dominant strain. Delta is more transmissible than the B.1.1.7 variant, or “UK” variant, and initial symptoms closely resemble RSV, a common virus. People infected with Delta are not reporting a loss of taste and smell, a red flag that is common with other COVID strains.

An area of particular concern is people who have opted not to receive their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. In Washington state, up to 125,000 people have had their initial dose, but not their second. Not everyone in that group has decided not to get the second injection. Incomplete vaccinations provide less protection, but even more so with Delta.

In areas with low overall vaccination rates, Delta is dramatically increasing case numbers and hospitalizations. In southern Missouri, hospitals are overwhelmed with more patients than during the coronavirus peak over the winter, and officials searched for ventilators.

Depending on the state, 96% to 99% of people hospitalized for COVID are unvaccinated. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 99 percent of people who died from COVID-19 in June were not vaccinated.

Within Washington state, data is mixed. The positivity rate for COVID testing is 2.8%, indicating an appropriate level of testing. According to the most recent data, ICUs remain over 80% occupied. The number of COVID patients is low, with 370 in acute care and 80 in ICU.

A 2.8% positivity rate is a significant accomplishment from the spring; however, it has increased almost 50% in the past two weeks.

Governor Jay Inslee set a goal of 70% of Washington state residents 16 years and older vaccinated. The state is just under that goal at 69.8%. A lottery that included hundreds of prizes concludes today. The winner of the one-million-dollar grand prize is notified. Pundits consider the lottery a flop as it did little to move vaccination rates higher.

King County Health is continuing COVID vaccine outreach and providing transportation and childcare. You can visit the King County website to learn how to get vaccinated.

Health and Lifestyle, Local

With ICUs full and blood supply critically low, officials appeal for a safe 4th of July

[SEATTLE] – (MTN) Statewide ICUs are over 85% capacity and nationally the available blood supply for Type O is less than a day just as the busy summer trauma season is starting. The ICU is at full capacity at one area hospital, while Pierce County is over 90%.

“I think one of the things for people to realize is injury and trauma and having a major injury that requires blood can happen at an instant to any of us,” said Dr. Saman Arbabi, Medical Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Harborview to the Seattle PI. “It is a matter of life and death. We don’t give blood to anybody unless they have to have it. And when they get it, it is the difference between whether “I am going to be alive and I’m going to be dead.” So, it’s a major part of what we do.”

Despite the end of COVID restrictions, 9% of all patients in the ICU have COVID according to the Washington Department of Public Health. Earlier reports have shown that 97% of hospitalized COVID patients in Washington have not been vaccinated.

The end of statewide COVID restrictions, a national increase in violence, and the Fourth of July holiday have emergency departments girding themselves for patients.

Health and Lifestyle, Local

King County mask mandate ends as COVID cases drop to almost zero among the vaccinated

[SEATTLE] – (MTN) 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.

“Thanks to highly effective COVID-19 vaccines and decreasing rates of disease in our community at this time, vaccinated people are no longer directed to wear masks in most indoor public settings but may choose to do so at their discretion.” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County.

“We are in a much better place today, but the course of the COVID-19 outbreak remains unpredictable and we continue to depend on one another for community protection, including through vaccination as well as mask-wearing. People who are unvaccinated are at increased risk for COVID-19 along with people who do not respond to vaccines because they are immunocompromised due to underlying medical conditions. The best protection for both individuals and the community as a whole will be through more of us continuing to be vaccinated.”

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 cases, masks have been an important tool to slow the spread, so keep a supply ready.

 

Health and Lifestyle, Local

Updated for Tuesday: Cities open up cooling centers across the eastside

[KIRKLAND] – (MTN) We are providing a list of cooling centers to the community to help you find relief from the heat.

Auburn

King County Library

The Auburn Branch will be open to the public for emergency hours on Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Bellevue

King County Library

The Lake Hills Branch will be open to the public at 50% capacity and masks required from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday.

Cooling Centers

Bellevue is not opening any public cooling centers. They are advising residents to visit the following locations:

  • Bellevue Square Mall
  • Marketplace at Factoria

Bothell

Cooling Centers

The Northshore Senior Center is open as a cooling center from 11 AM to 6 PM Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Additionally, the center will be open on Tuesday from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Federal Way

King County Library

The Federal Way Branch on 320th will be open to the public at 50% capacity and masks required from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday.

Cooling Centers

The Federal Way Community Center will be opened as a cooling center. Federal Way is advising people to contact the center for available times.

Issaquah

King County Library

The Issaquah Branch will be open with emergency hours on Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Cooling Centers

The City of Issaquah has indicated that water, snacks, and “frozen treats” will be provided at its cooling centers.

  • Issaquah Community Center – Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Issaquah Senior Center – Monday from 8:30 AM to 9 PM

Kirkland

King County Library

The Kirkland Branch will be open to the public at 50% capacity and masks required from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday.

Cooling Centers

  • Kirkland City Hall has been added as a cooling center for the unhoused ONLY. It is open from 10 AM to 10 PM on Monday and 10 AM to 8 PM on Tuesday.
  • Peter Kirk Community Center – Saturday 10 AM to 8 PM, Monday 10 AM to 8 PM, and Tuesday from 2 PM to 8 PM
  • North Kirkland Community Center – Sunday 10 AM to 8 PM

People visiting cooling centers must complete a COVID screening before entering and must wear a mask. Social distancing requirements are lifted. Leashed dogs and cats in carriers are welcome. Owners are responsible for cleaning up – accidents.

Kent

King County Library

The Kent Branch will be open to the public at 50% capacity and masks required from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday.

Cooling Centers

  • Kent Valley Ice Centre – Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM, and Monday 10 AM to 7 PM
  • CCS Engagement Center – Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 6 PM and Monday 9 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Kent Memorial Park – Sunday and Monday noon to 5 PM

Water will be provided and well-behaved pets will be allowed at the Kent Memorial Park location. Masks are optional for vaccinated individuals with proof of vaccination. All locations are open to the general public.

Redmond

Cooling Center

Redmond City Hall will be open to the community as a cooling center from noon to 7 PM on Sunday and Monday. Visitors must wear a face covering unless you can provide proof of vaccination. Water will not be provided.

Renton

Cooling Centers

  • The Senior Activity Center has been opened as a cooling center for seniors only from 2 PM to 8 PM Sunday and Monday
  • The Renton Community Center has been opened as a cooling center for all residents from 2 PM to 8 PM Sunday and Monday

Seattle

Seattle Public Libraries

Seattle Public Libraries will be open as cooling centers at 50% capacity. COVID protocols are still in place and masks are required.

  • Central Library – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Ballard Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Beacon Hill Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Broadview Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Columbia Branch – Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Douglas-Truth Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Greenwood Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday noon to 6 PM
  • High Point Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday noon to 6 PM
  • International District – Sunday noon to 6 PM
  • Magnolia Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday noon to 6 PM
  • Northeast Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday noon to 6 PM
  • Northgate Branch – Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Rainier Beach Branch – Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday noon to 6 PM
  • South Park – Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Southwest Branch – Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
  • University Branch – Sunday noon to 6 PM

Community & Senior Centers

  • Northgate Community Center – Saturday and Sunday 2 PM to 8 PM
  • Rainier Beach Community Center – Saturday and Sunday 2 PM to 8 PM
  • Greenwood Senior Center – city advises calling ahead for hours
  • Pike Place Senior Center – city advises calling ahead for hours
  • West Seattle Senior Center- city advises calling ahead for hours
  • Southeast Seattle Senior Center – city advises calling ahead for hours
  • Central Area Senior Center – city advises calling ahead for hours
  • Wallingford Community Senior Center – city advises calling ahead for hours
  • Lake City Community Center open Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM with evaporative coolers (swamp coolers)
  • International District Community Center open Saturday and Sunday 2 PM to 8 PM

Emergency Shelter

  • The COVID isolation center at 206 SW 112th Street in White Center has been turned into a 24-hour emergency cooling shelter There are 24 units available for families and indviduals.
  • The Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center will open as a 24/7 shelter on Saturday, June 26, in the morning and will remain open through Tuesday, June 29. The facility can accommodate 73 individuals and meals will be provided.
  • Community Drop-In Center (Seattle Indian Center) 1 PM to 7 PM Saturday and Sunday
  • The Salvation Army Jefferson Day Center at 4th and Jefferson from 7 AM to 5 PM daily
  • Urban Rest Stop – 1924 Ninth Avenue – 8 AM to 2 PM Saturday and Sunday
  • Women’s Day Center – 1830 9th Avenue – 9 AM to 1 PM Saturday

Woodinville

King County Library

The Woodinville Branch will be open to the public at 50% capacity and masks required from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM on Monday.

Cooling Centers

Woodinville city government has not announced the opening of cooling centers.

Health and Lifestyle, Local

Washington COVID vaccination rate flatlines

[OLYMPIA] – (MTN) Hopes that Washington state could go to full reopening before June 30 crumbled today after the Washington Department of Health Updated the COVID Dashboard. According to the Department of Health, 68.0% of Washingtonians 16-years old and older have had at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Governor Jay Inslee has previously announced the state would end almost all COVID business and health restrictions on June 30 or if the state achieved a 70% vaccination rate earlier.

Last week the state reported 67.8% had already received their first dose, and approximately 134,000 more residents over 16 needed to get the COVID vaccine. Based on existing vaccination rates, in theory, the state could have moved to reopen on June 25. Instead, it appears Washington will fall short of the 70% goal as residents who got their first dose have slowed to a snail’s pace.

It isn’t all bad news. According to the Biden Administration, over 70% of all residents in Washington over 18 have had at least once COVID dose, joining 12 other states in reaching the milestone. King County was the largest county in the United States to have over 70% of residents vaccinated, achieving King County Health’s goal on June 15.

The slowdown is happening nationally as the Delta variant of COVID is quickly becoming the dominant strain. Many people testing positive for COVID are unvaccinated, and hospitals report 95% to 99% of COVID patients are unvaccinated. Over 34 million Americans have had COVID, and up to 10 million suffer from long-term effects of the illness, known as COVID long haulers. Over 602,000 have died.

A number of false rumors have circulated over the last six months about the COVID vaccine. Disproven claims have included the vaccine includes microchips from Microsoft, trackers that connect to 5G, metal flakes that turn you magnetic, and programming that is somehow activated by 5G or the government.

Another challenge is outreach to low income, rural, minority, and English as a second language communities. Some areas are vaccine deserts, where residents do not have easy access to medical providers. In minority populations such as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and Pacific Islander, there is significant distrust in medical care in the United States due to historic mistreatment by the government. For non-English speakers, language barriers have existed in understanding how to get a vaccine or make an appointment.

Washington state has shifted its vaccination strategy to focus less on large scale vaccination centers to focus on mobile and pop-up clinics, and community outreach. King County is offering free transportation and childcare to get a vaccination. Childcare is also available for those who experience moderate side effects, which many have reported after their second dose.

In King County, you can visit the Department of Health website to find a vaccination clinic, and almost all locations support walk-up appointments. You can also visit the Facebook Group, Find a COVID Shot WA if you need language or technology assistance in making an appointment.

Health and Lifestyle, Local, Safety, Weather

How you can keep it cool during this weekend’s heatwave

[KIRKLAND] – (MTN) Meteorologists don’t toss around words such as historic and unprecedented lightly, but those adjectives perfectly describe the heatwave that starts on Friday. Temperatures of 95 to 105 degrees are dangerous for humans and pets and not typical for the Puget Sound lowlands. 

We have reached out to Kirkland, Bellevue, and King County Health to find out their plans with the community. Kirkland and King County are finalizing their programs, and at publication time, Bellevue has not responded to our request. 

Here are some tips from King County Health and other area experts on dealing with the extreme weather this weekend. If you don’t have access to air conditioning, we can’t promise these tips will keep you from being miserable, but they will help keep you safe.

Stay cool

  • The best way to keep cool is to find air conditioning. If you don’t have access to air conditioning, consider visiting a mall or other cooled public spaces. The indoor mask mandate for COVID ends on June 29, so you will still need to mask up indoors. Locally, Crossroads Mall is a popular place to go to beat the heat.
  • Consider having a staycation at an area hotel with air conditioning. Occupancy rates are low but expect hotels to be booked solid the closer we get to the weekend.  
  • Cover your windows and follow the indoor and outdoor temperatures. In the evening, open your windows as soon as the outside temperature is cooler than the inside temperature. In the morning, close your windows and all your blinds and curtains. You can wrap cardboard with aluminum foil to reflect solar energy from windows that face the west or south. When the inside becomes hotter than the outside, open the windows again.
  • Wear light-colored clothing and dress lightly. Your body can cool itself better.
  • Take a cool-cold shower or bath. If you live in a multistory building with no air conditioning, covering yourself in cold, wet towels can provide some comfort.
  • If you live in a multistory building, move to the lowest level. If you can move to a basement area, you’ll find even more relief.
  • Most in-room portable air conditioners are ineffective. Air conditioners that face outside and can be placed in a window work best. Be sure to secure a portable air conditioner following the manufacturer’s directions.

Stay hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water. If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Watch your urine to check your hydration – it should be straw-colored to clear looking. If it is dark yellow to brown, you could be dangerously dehydrated.
  • Don’t drink alcohol or large amounts of caffeine. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and tea, dehydrate you.
  • Carry bottled water or a water bottle with you at all times and take frequent small sips. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.

When outside

  • Limit your time in direct sunlight. Avoid being outside from 11 AM to 6 PM if at all possible. Our heatwave is coming during the longest days of the year in the Puget Sound region. The extended daylight elongates our hottest hours, and peak temperatures typically come between 5 PM and 6 PM this time of the year.
  • Never leave infants, children, or anyone with mobility challenges in a parked car, even with the windows down.
  • Wear sunscreen and reapply frequently. There isn’t much difference in protection above SPF-30. If you get sunburned, you diminish your body’s natural ability to cool down. Don’t swim for 30 minutes after applying sunscreen and reapply when you come out of the water. Consider wearing a swim shirt with UV protection if you’re going to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Washington state has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the United States.
  • Wear footwear everywhere. We rarely get so hot in Puget Sound, where sand, concrete, and pavement can burn. Don’t walk on hard surfaces or the beach without footwear. If you are wearing sandals or open shoes, be sure to apply sunscreen to your feet. 

For pets

  • Never leave your pets in a locked car, even if the windows are down.
  • If you have access to air conditioning, it is best to bring your pets inside – if you’re hot, they are hot.
  • If you have outdoor only pets or livestock, ensure they have access to shade and cool surfaces to stand and lie on, such as grass. Enclosed dog houses and chicken coops can get much hotter than outside areas and won’t provide adequate shade.
  • Don’t walk your dog or other pet on hard surfaces like pavement and concrete, even for short distances. Their paws can get burned. If it’s too hot for you to stand still barefoot, it is too hot for them.
  • Provide plenty of water for your pets and livestock. Consider getting a kiddie pool for animals to drink from or lay in to cool off.
  • Do not assume that your electric car or car with a remote starting system will stay running even for a short time. It is best to leave your pet home.
  • It is illegal in Washington for someone who is not a commissioned law enforcement officer or animal control officer to break a car window to rescue a pet in distress. Call 911 first and seek permission for immediate intervention. If you are still compelled to break a window, only do so with third-party witnesses who agree that the animal is in immediate danger.
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in your pets
    • Excessive panting
    • Confusion and disorientation
    • Vomiting or diarrhea
    • Bright red gums
    • Body temperature over 104° F.
    • Collapse, seizure, or coma
At 95 degrees, the inside of a car can become dangerous for pets and humans alike in under 10 minutes

Pre-Existing health issues

  • Certain medications can impact your natural ability to deal with hot weather or increase your chances of getting sunburned. If you have questions, contact your medical provider.
  • Do not take salt tablets unless directed by a medical professional.
  • Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, can lose their effectiveness due to sun exposure. Check with your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Water safety

  • All of our bodies of water are still very cold, and hypothermia is possible even on a 100-degree day. Wear a lifejacket (personal floatation device) if you plan to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, waterski, or go boating.
  • Swim in designated areas, preferably with a lifeguard. Do not swim alone, and do not swim outside of your abilities.
  • Never allow children to swim unsupervised.
  • Don’t leave backyard pools, even above ground or shallow portable pools, unsecured. If you own a private pool, check to make sure your gate is up to code and the safety latches operate correctly.
  • If you plan to tube, raft, kayak, or canoe in our area rivers, stay within your ability. High temperatures increase snowpack and ice melt, raising river levels, increasing flow, and lowering temperatures.
    • Never do water recreation near low head dams. If you go over, the currents at the base of the dam are almost impossible to escape.
    • If you find yourself in white water, try to head downstream feet first and face up to prevent head injuries, and see where you are going. Don’t panic, and try to steer yourself to where you can get out of the water, even if that means becoming stranded mid-river and waiting for rescue.
    • Avoid down trees in the water, also known as strainers and plan your route around them. It is extremely difficult to escape from the branches due to the water pressure pushing against your body. 
    • Never dive in areas where you don’t know the depth or unaware of any possible underwater obstacles.

Protecting others

  • If you have friends or family who are elderly or have mobility challenges, do periodic welfare checks, especially if they don’t have access to air conditioning.
  • The extreme heat will dramatically increase fire danger, even in the urban areas of the lowlands. Refrain from using fireworks, which are currently illegal in all areas of King County. If you use a backyard fire pit, make sure the fire is completely extinguished, and there are no hot embers when you are done using it.
  • The houseless community has fewer options for getting out of the heat. Donations of bottled water and non-caffeinated sports drinks will help keep the unhomed community safe.

Recognizing heat-related injuries – heat exhaustion and heat stroke

  • Heat exhaustion is caused when a person’s body can’t cool down quickly enough. Know the symptoms:
    • Muscle cramps, especially in the arms, legs, and abdomen
    • Weakness
    • Dizziness
    • Extreme thirst
    • Headache
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
  • If you see someone exhibiting these symptoms, move them to a cool area, have them slowly sip water or a sports beverage. If they do not start feeling better after 30 minutes, seek medical attention for heat stroke.
  • Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency and can be fatal. Heat exhaustion usually precedes heat stroke. Know the symptoms:
    • Body temperature over 103° F.
    • Red, hot, dry skin – the inability to sweat
    • Rapid, strong pulse
    • Fast breathing
    • Severe nausea
    • Confusion, altered mental state
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Seizure
  • If you see someone exhibiting these symptoms, contact emergency services and move them to a cooler area immediately.  
Health and Lifestyle, Local

67.8% of Washingtonians have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine

[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.

Health and Lifestyle, Local

Ready to throw away your mask on June 29? Not so fast

[KIRKLAND] – (MTN) Yesterday, King County Health announced that the county had achieved 70% of those 16 and over completely vaccinated, and the indoor mask mandate would be ending on June 29. If you’re ready to throw your mask away, you might need to reconsider because even though the mask mandate itself is being lifted in King County, there remains plenty of exceptions.

Community living areas

Community living areas where people congregate without being able to socially distance such as homeless shelters, jails, and prisons will still require masks. That will include people who are visiting or work in these facilities.

Hospitals

Hospitals, medical art buildings, and surgical centers are required to continue the mask mandate for visitors, employees, and patients when they are waiting or involved in procedures where they don’t need to remove their face covering.

Public transportation

The mandate to wear masks on public transit such as commercial aircraft, ships, trains, light rail, and buses, is a federal mandate, not a state or county one. People will still need to wear a mask when using these forms of transportation. All of these services could decide to maintain mask requirements even if the federal requirements are lifted.

Federal buildings and property

The federal mask mandate is still in effect, however, pieces of it are being lifted. Until it is announced masks are still required inside federal buildings including offices, courthouses, and facilities at National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management grounds.

Private businesses that still require masks

Private businesses such as restaurants, hotels, retailers, and venues, can still require masks for entry even after the county mandate ends. The request does not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or HIPAA. Private companies can also request to see proof of vaccination as a condition of employment or entry. Private businesses that require masks do need to provide some alternative to shop such as personal shopping or curbside pick up.

Gray areas

We checked with the Washington State Department of Health on whether Uber, Lyft, taxi, or limousine services count as public transportation. We were told these services are not considered public transportation and do not fall under federal mandates. Until June 29, masks are still required but after that date, it will be up to the policy of the companies and their drivers.

According to the websites of Uber and Lyft, both have a no mask, no ride policy in place nationally regardless of local regulations. Yellow Cab and STITA Taxi did not have mask policies on their website.

One other thing to consider before you throw away your masks, especially if you have N-95 or KN-95 masks. Models still indicate we will have a significant fire season from California to British Columbia, and from Alberta to Texas. If we have our orange skies and chewy air, only N-95 and KN-95 masks are effective at blocking the soot and other small particulates in wildfire smoke.

Health and Lifestyle, Local

70% of King County is fully vaccinated for COVID – mask mandate ends on June 29

[SEATTLE] – (MTN) King County Health announced that the county is the largest in the nation to achieve 70% of the population 16 years and older fully vaccinated today, and will drop the indoor mask mandate on June 29. Currently, 77.8% of King County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, and 70% of those 16 and over have received both doses. The 14 day lag from the immunization milestone is to let the second dose for those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination reach full efficacy.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee had previously announced that Washington state would move to full reopening on June 30 or earlier if the state could achieve 70% of residents with at least one dose. It appears the state will get close to the goal but not achieve it.

Despite the victory, the vaccination rate for Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander populations lag behind their white counterparts. King County is still experiencing 2 COVID deaths a day on average. Black/African American and Latinx residents have the lowest vaccination rates among racial/ethnic groups in King County, with about 52% have completed their vaccination series compared to 66% for Whites, 74% for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders, 76% for American Indian/Alaskan Natives and 79% for Asian Americans.

New cases are down 90%, and the COVID Alpha variant first identified in the United Kingdom was responsible for a fourth wave of cases. Currently about 10% of those tested are testing positive for the Delta variant out of India. That variant is between 40% to 80% more contagious and is making people much sicker.

There have been signs of vaccination success, including closing the mass vaccination site at Lumen Field over the weekend. The county is offering free transportation to get vaccinated and is even offering free childcare for vaccination appointments and the recuperation period. Although side effects are mild, many have reported feeling fatigued, experiencing headaches, and having brain fog 24 to 48 hours after the second dose for a day or two. The one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine has been reported to have lesser side effects, but that evidence is anecdotal.

Vaccine hesitancy still is holding along political lines. Twenty-eight percent of Republicans and 20% of Independents have stated they will not get vaccinated. However, in that same survey 50% also reported they were taking a wait and see approach, and were somewhat likely or likely to get vaccinated in the future.

If you or a family member needs to get vaccinated in King County, you can visit the Getting Vaccinated King County page on the Public Health website.