COVID-19 BULLETIN
Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates
Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021
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 468,350 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 16. There have been 6,269 COVID-19 deaths in Washington.
For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard and the state’s Washington Ready and COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard.
Child immunization data are concerning for some ages. DOH has updated the state’s childhood immunization rate data, which shows that many school-aged children missed recommended vaccines in 2020. The decreases in pre-teen vaccine rates are especially concerning. Read the full news release here.
Third dose of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for certain immunocompromised individuals. Health care providers can now offer third doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to certain immunocompromised individuals. Read the full news release here.
Delta variant drives dramatic spike in cases, further exhausting hospital capacity across the state. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are accelerating across the state. Unvaccinated people are being hit hardest, and public health officials continue to urge everyone who has not gotten fully vaccinated to do so immediately. Read the full news release here.
New DOH guidance document on COVID-19 vaccination requirement. This document provides FAQ regarding Gov. Inslee's COVID-19 Vaccination requirement for health care providers, workers and settings.
COVID-19 long-term care report. As of Aug. 16, a total of 21,486 COVID-19 cases and 2,717 deaths have been identified as associated or likely associated with a long-term care facility (such as nursing home, assisted living facility, or adult family home). These cases include residents as well as employees and visitors. Read the full Aug. 17 report here.
Guard joint task force concludes food distribution support services. Joint Task Force Steelhead, Washington state’s COVID-19 response force, has concluded its mission in support of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. Since March of 2020, Washington National Guardsmen working in support of the COVID-19 response with Joint Task Force Steelhead supported 79 food banks and distribution centers across the state, providing 6.4 million meals and 98.7 million pounds of food. Read the full news release here.
Resources
Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor's Office is available here.
Find a COVID-19 testing location near you. To make it easier to find a test near you, the DOH has created a webpage to help people find COVID-19 testing locations throughout the state.
Guidance and resources for employers and business owners. Sign up for the weekly Economic Resiliency Team business and worker newsletter here.
The state COVID-19 Assistance Hotline is a general information line related to COVID-19. If you need information or have a general question, call 1-800-525-0127, then press # or text 211-211 for help. New hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and observed state holidays. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses, students, and more.
Washington Listens helps people manage stress and anxiety they may be experiencing because of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. TTY and language access services are available by using 7-1-1 or their preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are available on walistens.org.
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