As we enter into the new year, some COVID-19 safety measures are returning to curb the spread of the Omicron variant in our city. Here’s a snapshot of where Seattle stands.
Both Washington State and King County are seeing the highest daily average for COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic following the spread of the Omicron variant.
- 2,701 daily average cases for the past seven days (a 38% increase from the previous week).
- 93.2% of King County residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, 86.3% have gotten two, and 52% of eligible residents have gotten their booster.
COVID-19 test kit availability
The uptick in cases has added strain on medical facilities and led to some limited COVID-19 test availability. Governor Jay Inslee announced the state has acquired a total of 5.5 million at-home COVID tests, 4.7 million of which will be delivered next week. These tests will go to:
- Schools — Seattle Public Schools held system-wide testing on Monday
- Local health departments
- Residents — delivered to doorsteps through new partnerships with Amazon and CareEvolution (coming soon)
The state will also start distributing 10 million surgical and KN95 masks.
Vaccination options
Earlier this week, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Seattle will see:
- A new partnership with Virginia Mason Clinic, which will provide Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, pediatric vaccines, and booster shots. The clinic opens Mon., Jan. 10 at 1100 9th Ave. on First Hill.
- Rainier Beach and West Seattle clinics will continue to provide vaccines through the rest of the month with a capacity to give out 700 shots a day.
- The city will also expand mobile vaccination through community partner pop-ups in order to ensure equitable vaccination opportunities.
You can find appointments here.
Official recommendations
- Surgical or KN95 masks give the best protection, per the Washington State Hospital Association. If you’re unable to get ahold of any, you can also double up on cloth face coverings.
- King County Department of Health encourages everyone to get a flu shot, as doctors have been worried about the potential impact of a “flurona” twindemic.
