COVID-19 BULLETIN

Recap of Recent COVID-19 News and Updates

Thursday, Sept. 2, 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 512,162 confirmed cases as of 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 1. There have been 6,643 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 page.

Testing programs ramp up as students return to school.COVID-19 testing at schools is a crucial way to track and prevent disease spread, so DOH has partnered with the Health Commons Project to provide districts with end-to-end testing support, including a testing strategist to help develop the best strategy and tools. Read the full news release.

Sept. 2 COVID-19 response update media briefing. Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah provided an update on the state's COVID-19 response. He was joined by Dr. Scott Lindquist, acting state health officer, DOH; Michele Roberts, acting assistant secretary, DOH; Nate Weed, acting deputy secretary, DOH; Amanda Gefroh, guidance and external affairs lead, DOH; and Michaela W. Miller, deputy superintendent, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. View the briefing.

Statewide COVID-19 outbreak report. This weekly document provides an overview of reported COVID-19 outbreaks in our state, based on information in DOH's Washington Disease Reporting System (WDRS). Read the full Sept. 2 report.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough surveillance and case information resource. This weekly report provides data and criteria on fully vaccinated people who test positive with SARS-CoV-2 and may or may not develop COVID-19 symptoms. Read the full Sept. 1 report.

DOH SARS-CoV-2 sequencing and variants report. This weekly report summarizes genome sequencing coverage of Washington SARS-CoV-2 specimens from multiple laboratories from across the United States and our state. It provides a statewide view of sequencing capacity and data, including breakouts by county and demographics. Read the full Sept. 1 report.

Case investigation and contact tracing metrics for DOH centralized investigations. This weekly report shows the timeliness of reaching COVID-19 confirmed and probable cases and their contacts for case investigations and contact tracing activities. Read the full Sept. 1 report.

COVID-19 long-term care report. As of Aug. 30, a total of 22,094 COVID-19 cases and 2,759 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. 31 report.

Inslee updates proclamation on truck driver hours. This update extends the COVID-related commercial truck driver hour waiver to Nov. 30, 2021, in alignment with federal waivers. Read the full news release.

Resources

Latest COVID-19 reopening guidance for businesses and workers. See a full list of current reopening guidance from the Governor's Office.

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 Economic Resiliency Team business and worker newsletter.

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. See resources and self-help tips from Washington Listens.

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