COVID-19 BULLETIN
Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates
Tuesday, Aug. 3, 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 439,141 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 2. There have been 6,136 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.
Delta variant drives sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations. Between July 31 and Aug. 3, an average of 1,500 new cases has been reported each day. Hospital occupancy is at the highest levels seen to date in 2021 due to increased COVID-19 transmission, patient demand, and hospital staffing challenges. Read the full news release here.
DOH adds data enhancements to the COVID-19 dashboard. DOH added new data about testing and health care system readiness trends to the COVID-19 data dashboard. Read the full news release here.
New DOH guidance document. Checklist for In-Home Care Settings with Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 was added to the Infection Prevention page under the Home Health/Home Care Guidance subsection.
COVID-19 outbreaks in Washington state K-12 schools. Between Aug. 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, 310 COVID-19 outbreaks and 1,1171 COVID-19 cases in K-12 schools were reported to DOH. Read the full July 31 report here.
Inslee updates K-12 education proclamation. Gov. Jay Inslee issued an update to the K-12 Schools COVID emergency order, Proclamation 20-09.4, to continue to require that all teachers and students wear face coverings inside, consistent with the CDC’s recommendations for K-12 schools. Read the full news release here.
Washington National Guard members of Joint Task Force Steelhead demobilize. After more than a year of supporting the community throughout the pandemic, National Guard members at Camp Murray went through the demobilization process on July 13 to ensure each returning individual receives the care they are entitled to. Command Sgt. Maj. Kelly Wickel of Joint Task Force Steelhead talks about demobilization in this video.
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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