COVID-19 BULLETIN
Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 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 579,684 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 27. In all, there have been 7,591 deaths in Washington due to COVID-19.
For the most recent data on cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's dashboard and the state's Washington Ready page.
COVID-19 response update media briefing. Secretary Shah and other response leaders will provide a media briefing Wednesday, Sept. 29, 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. PT. Please join the call 5-10 minutes early.
TVW will livestream the briefing.
Reporters participating in the Q&A must register.
If you would like to ask a question, you must register and log into the Zoom conference, and email doh-pio@doh.wa.gov with subject line Briefing Question.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster dose recommended for certain individuals. DOH will immediately begin offering booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to certain individuals following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP), and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Read the full news release.
These DOH guidance documents have been updated:
Secretary of Health’s Mask Order FAQ, to align with a technical update to the secretary’s order related to athletes and coaches at large outdoor gatherings.
K-12 COVID-19 Requirements for Summer 2021 and the 2021-2022 School Year, to integrate the relevant information on vaccine requirements for staff, clarification on medical or disability accommodations to face covering requirements, and other technical updates to align with CDC recommendations on testing for close contacts.
Inslee updates worker vaccine requirement proclamation. Gov. Jay Inslee amended the proclamation on vaccine requirement to include on-site contractors who contract with certain state agencies. Read the full news release.
Inslee letter to President Biden urges action for Point Roberts and border communities. Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter to President Joe Biden reiterating his call for a targeted exception to border restrictions for the Point Roberts community and a partial reopening of the U.S.-Canada land border. Read the full news release.
Inslee updates eviction moratorium bridge proclamation. The eviction bridge transition is extended through 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2021, to allow more time for local jurisdictions to distribute rental assistance funding. Read the full news release.
Resources
Get a vaccine, exposure notifications, and testing. Use the DOH vaccine locator to help end the pandemic. Next, get WA Notify so you’ll know if you’ve been near another person who later tests positive for COVID-19. To get quickly and easily tested anywhere in Washington, visit the DOH COVID-19 testing locations page. For K-12 students, staff, and parents/guardians, learn more about our partnership that helps schools provide easy COVID-19 testing on site.
Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. A full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor's Office.
Guidance and resources for employers and business owners. Sign up for the weekly Economic Resiliency Team business and worker newsletter.
The state COVID-19 Assistance Hotline is for general COVID-19 information and questions. Call 1-800-525-0127, then press # or text 211-211 for help. Hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and on state holidays. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive links to the latest COVID-19 information on your phone, including county-level updates, and resources for families, businesses and students.
Washington Listens support line helps people manage stress and anxiety. If you or anyone you know is having difficulties managing stress right now, call the Washington Listens support line at 1-833-681-0211 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 your preferred method. Resources and self-help tips are also available on walistens.org.
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