CDC updated the high-risk list. And it’s not just older adults.
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
In spite of Washington State’s ongoing efforts to contain it, COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly by the day, especially among people aged 20-40. And while they are less likely to become seriously ill from the virus, they can still spread it to friends, family and neighbors – without even knowing they have it. Many young people are also in the higher risk categories recently updated by the CDC.
Who’s at risk: An update
Much about the virus remains a mystery, but we are learning more each week about who is most vulnerable. The CDC has updated its list of people who are at increased risk of severe illness and those who should take extra precautions to avoid getting the virus, regardless of age. Among them are some members racial and ethnic groups that have experienced longstanding health and social inequities, including Black people, Native Americans and Latinos.
Native Americans and Black people are five times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, and Latinos are four times as likely to be hospitalized, according to the CDC. Black, Brown, and Indigenous lives truly matter—we can protect those lives if we take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading to them.
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Black mental health matters
Crossposted from Zero Youth Detention
The direct effects of increased exposure to violence, police brutality, and systemic racism placed on the Black Community, and a pandemic that has disproportionately affected communities of color here in King County, continues to be a concern for Black Children and Families.
Depression, stress and anxiety impacts adults and children in the Black Community in many ways. Inherited and experienced racial trauma and systemic inequities in healthcare limits an individual’s quality of life and life expectancy.
It is particularly important for parents and caregivers to be mindful of the emotional and mental well-being of children and young adults during this time. Their feelings are real and justified. They need and deserve support.
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Featured Job: Assistant Personal Health Services Supervisors (A-PHSS) for the Isolation and Quarantine facilities
Salary: $41.91 – $54.69 Hourly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)
Department: DPH – Public Health
Job Number: 2020AC11808
Division: Community Health Services
Closing: 7/14/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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Tech Tip: New Microsoft Teams training webinars, multiple dates
Does this sound familiar? “Teams does so much. But what exactly is applicable to me and my work?” or “I have so many tools already! Teams feels overwhelming!” or “I’ve got the basics-how I can I go to the next level with my Teams skills?”
We’ve got you! KCIT Training is offering a series of free webinars all about Microsoft Teams. We think Teams has a lot to offer, and we want to make it work for YOU! Select the free King County webinar that best fits your interests or skill level or attend them all.
Webinars are available multiple dates from Monday, July 13 through Wednesday, Sept. 9. Register here.
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Wear your mask and keep your distance! We need you to fight the surge of COVID-19 in King County
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
Since May 7, the greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network — or SCAN — has been asking volunteers to fill out a survey about their mask and physical distancing habits.
Through June 30, SCAN survey respondents have reported increased rates of mask usage across all age groups. However, as the percentage of people who say they always wear face masks has gone up, the percentage who say they always try to stay six feet away from people who do not live with them has gone down.
This is particularly evident among those between the ages of 20 and 59. Approximately half of these survey participants report that they always both use a face mask and adhere to physical distancing recommendations. One in seven in this group said they only sometimes or never do either. This mirrors the shift of the epidemic into younger people over time.
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Pet of the Week: Newman
Hi! My name is Newman and I am available for adoption. I am an affectionate lovebug who likes to get attention on my own terms. I can get overstimulated with petting, so please move carefully with me and keep an eye out for signs that I might need a break. My caregivers have noticed that I seem to not do well with other cats. I would do best as the only cat in my new home, or would need a slow introduction. My personality color is RED. I am a spirited cat with a fun-loving personality! I may be sensitive to handling, so I would do best in a home with a cat savvy family who knows when to give me some space.
Read more and view all available pets at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Have you or someone you know adopted a pet from RASKC? Let us know. We’d love to tell your story.
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Featured Job: Senior Applications Developer
Salary: $96,926.40 – $122,032.80 Annually
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Regular, Full time, 35 hrs/week
Department: KCSC – Superior Court
Job Number: 2020-11646
Closing: 7/31/2020 11:59 PM Pacific
Learn more about this position or view all available positions.
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More people need help getting food in the pandemic
Pictured: A National Guard member helps pack food for distribution. About 330 National Guard members were deployed to help at food banks in King County. Of those, 116 ended their assignments by the end of June. That leaves a significant gap, since volunteers have for the most part followed the governor’s stay-home order.
Food banks need your help now more than ever. “The pandemic and the resulting unemployment and economic downturn are having a severe impact on people’s ability to pay for basic necessities, including food,” said Brendan McCluskey, director of King County Emergency Management.
Financial donations and volunteers are critically needed at food banks. “Especially with the potential for a second wave (of COVID-19), food bank providers are showing concern,” said Jennifer Rosenberger, Senior Manager with King County Emergency Management.
The King County Donations Connector directs people who want to give money to the Washington Food Fund through Philanthropy Northwest. You can also sponsor a food box. Read the full media release.
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Sharp increases in COVID-19 driven by cases among younger adults
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
Two weeks of sharp increases in COVID-19 cases in King County points to a concerning sign that our community is moving in the wrong direction to contain the virus. The daily average number of cases has more than doubled in the past two weeks, from an average of 40 daily cases in mid-June to 87 daily cases the week of June 21.
Our target is to have about 39 cases or fewer per day. This is the number of cases that meets the statewide target of fewer than 25 new cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week period. Currently, the rate in King County is 54 new cases per 100,000 residents.
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Donations Connector making a difference
Pictured: Director General Alex Fan of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office brought 10,500 surgical masks from the Taiwanese government to King County Emergency Management recently. The masks will be distributed to long-term care facilities, EMS and others on the front lines working against COVID-19.
The King County Donations Connector is making a big difference in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic! As of June 19, King County had received:
- More than 47,000 N95 respirators
- More than 2,000 KN95 respirators
- More than 144,000 surgical masks
- About 105,000 gloves
- More than 1,800 gallons of hand sanitizer
- More than 37,000 face shields
- Nearly 2,400 gowns
- 200 thermometers
- More than 5,300 “ear savers”
You can still help or get help in the COVID-19 response through the King County Donations Connector! Check the Donations Connector for an updated list of current needs. If you are with an organization in need, you can also get help! Donations are distributed to first responders, health care providers and others fighting against COVID-19.
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