After two weeks of high but stable COVID-19 case counts, numbers are increasing again all within our unvaccinated population. King County is at risk for a worsening outbreak in the coming weeks. Case and hospitalization trends since last week put us right on the edge of having to move back to Phase 2 in our reopening at the next state assessment on May 3.
Case rates have been increasing for all age groups except for ages 65 and older of which 91% have received at least one vaccine dose. The fastest-growing increase in cases is among those 18 to 24 years old. We are also seeing an increasing number of young adults being hospitalized for COVID-19. This trend shows the new variants are spreading rapidly among people who are not yet vaccinated.
Prepare your business to go back to Phase 2 restrictions if trends continue. Read the Phase 2 rules for your industry here.
Now is the time to double down on vaccine efforts and healthy practices: stay at home if you are sick, wear your mask, and maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and others. Our collective ability to maintain Phase 3 activities depends on slowing the spread of the virus.
Vaccine Update
Increasing vaccine coverage is our best and most effective weapon against COVID-19, and the growing number of people being vaccinated in King County is succeeding in reducing the impact and risk presented by new variants. The more people who are vaccinated, the less impact from the virus, which directly translates into our region’s pace of reopening and a return to full business and social interactions.
The good news is that more than one million King County residents have received at least one vaccine dose, which is more than half of our county residents! Thirty-four percent of King County residents have been fully vaccinated.
However, vaccine supply is still not keeping pace with demand. With last week’s vaccine eligibility opening to all adults ages 16 and older, we now have nearly one million people eligible and not yet vaccinated.
If you, your colleagues, friends, or family still need to make your vaccine appointment, we encourage you to use our state’s vaccine locator.
Chamber Clinics, and a Volunteer Opportunity
The Chamber is committed to taking action toward equitable recovery in our region and continues to vaccinate up to 1,000 individuals per week through our partnership with QFC, the Business Health Trust, and employers around our region who are providing financial and in-kind support for these clinics. Yesterday and today, we’re vaccinating residents in Mountlake Terrace at the Premera office and next week we head to the Bothell T-Mobile office.
We need volunteers for next week’s vaccine clinic on April 28 and 29. Support our recovery and get vaccinated the same day. Click here to sign up.
We are still on track to get more than 17,000 doses in arms of those around the region by mid-May.
Two Things to Read & Watch
- Prepare for Phase 2 operations, hope for the best
- Work to reduce case counts: Talk with staff and customers about healthy practices