Updates: Pandemic in Washington state (October 12-18)

This post is archived. Read the latest here.

As of Sunday, October 18, the Washington State Department of Health reports:

• 2,239 Covid-19 related deaths; 98,201 confirmed cases (2.4% death rate among positive cases).
• Compared to white people and Asian people, the rate of Covid cases is nearly three times higher for Black people, and nearly seven times higher for Latino/x people and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

Outbreak at Harborview Medical Center

11:30 a.m. -- Officials at Harborview Medical Center announced that they have uncovered a Covid-19 outbreak within one of the hospital's surgical units.

The earliest sign of the outbreak was on September 29, when a patient tested positive for Covid-19. It continued through early October.

Four patients and 10 staff tested positive. A total of 30 staff members connected to the surgical unit are being quarantined.

One patient who tested positive has since died.

Harborview officials said they are updating their pandemic procedures as a result. They note that mask-wearing was sufficient in the unit, but that eye protection was lacking in some cases. There will be increased restrictions on visitors. Patients will also have greater restrictions on their movement, such as not entering the cafeteria and not being allowed smoke breaks.

The hospital has since performed DNA sequencing of various Covid strands to find out where the outbreak came from. Their best guess so far is that the virus was brought in by a staff member.

-- Eilis O'Neil, Dyer Oxley

Mariners raise $70K for Covid relief

8:30 a.m. -- The Seattle Mariners say they've raised $70,000 for local Covid-19 relief efforts thanks to the Seat Fleet.

The Seat Fleet is the sea of cardboard cutouts that fans paid to have in the stands, since they're not allowed in the stadium. If you had one, you can pick it up and have it as a keep sake to remember this very strange year. Otherwise, it will be recycled.

-- Angela King

Movie theaters reopen in Washington

8:15 a.m. -- After being closed for about seven months because of the pandemic, movie theaters across Washington state can start reopening Friday.

But they can only operate at 25% capacity and must follow certain guidelines set up by the state. Some smaller, independently-owned theaters say it's cheaper to stay closed than operate with the 25% capacity cap.

AMC plans to reopen 14 theaters in Washington. Among Seattle-area theaters, this includes:

• AMC Pacific Place in downtown Seattle
• AMC Oak Tree in North Seattle
• AMC 10 in the University District
• AMC Southcenter
• AMC Alderwood Mall

All have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Cinemark chain, which includes Bellevue’s Lincoln Square as well as multiplexes in Federal Way and Tacoma, announced Tuesday that it will reopen Friday as well.

-- Angela King

WSU cancels spring break

8 a.m. -- Washington State University -- like other universities -- recently announced it’s canceling its 2021 spring break because of Covid-19.

Instead of a traditional spring break week, the university plans a series of single days off midweek.

“Our concern is that students may be ill and not know they are, and travel and spread the illness," said WSU spokesperson Phil Weiler. "Or if they travel on spring break, wherever they go they could end up getting infected and bring the illness back to the Pullman region.”

WSU is also asking students to stay home after Thanksgiving until the new semester if they plan to go see their families for the holiday.

-- Anna King

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

Seattle-area man reinfected with coronavirus

8 a.m. -- A local nursing home resident who came down with Covid-19 in March has become the third person in the United States to get reinfected with the virus.

The Seattle Times reports that a team of Seattle doctors and scientists confirm that the man, in his 60s, got reinfected in July. The second infection was a slightly different strain of the virus than the one he encountered in March. Therefore, it wasn't a relapse.

Initially, the man was infected with a strain sourced to the Wuhan region, while the second infection came from a strain that came from Europe.

The man wasn't as severely sick the second time around. The paper also says the Seattle team has confirmed one additional local reinfection and is looking into some other possible cases.

A total of 20 people worldwide have caught Covid-19 twice.

-- Angela King

About face from the King County Parks Department

7:30 a.m. -- The King County Parks Department sent out a notice Wednesday saying sporting activities could resume on play fields Thursday.

But now that the county has been moved to a higher risk category, because of an increase in coronavirus cases, sporting events won't be allowed on the fields.

Runs, rides, and races will still be allowed on county park trails, however.

-- Angela King

US-Canada border likely to remained closed past October deadline

7:15 a.m. -- The United States - Canada border could stay closed to non-essential travel beyond the October 21 deadline.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated during an interview with a Winnepeg radio station Wednesday that he plans to keep the border closed as long as coronavirus cases remain elevated here in the United States.

Non-essential travel to Canada was initially restricted March.

-- Angela King

Potential consequences for UW Greek Row

7 a.m. -- The University of Washington is warning fraternities and sororities to either follow Covid guidelines, or face penalties.

Hundreds of UW students have tested positive in the last few weeks, largely along Greek Row.

On Monday UW President Ana Mari Cauce told fraternities and sororities that: “if they don't get it, and they continue to break the rules, party, that there will be harsher disciplinary actions."

That could include fines and banning a Greek house from on-campus events. But as Cauce said, that wouldn’t mean the students living in the houses would have to leave.

So far two fraternities have faced minimal consequences from the national Interfraternity Council.

After a similar outbreak at the University of Colorado last month, the city of Boulder ordered a mandatory quarantine on a frat house, threatening a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.

Similar penalties have been discussed in Seattle, but none have been approved.

-- Casey Martin

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

Health Officer Kathy Lofy resigns

2:30 p.m. -- Washington state health officer, Dr. Kathy Lofy, will be resigning from her role at the state Department of Health by the end of 2020.

"This decision is my own, and it’s a personal one,” Dr. Lofy said. “My only definitive plan after I leave the agency is to take a brief hiatus from my career to focus on being a mom, improving my health and reconnecting with friends and family.”

Lofy has become more well-known over 2020 as she played a leading role in the state's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are very fortunate to have had Kathy Lofy looking out for the health of all Washingtonians. Her leadership, her dedication to science and data have been invaluable not only during the Covid pandemic, but throughout her entire time at DOH,” Gov. Jay Inslee said.

No official date has been set for Lofy's exit from the health department. She has been in her current role for more than six years.

Lofy is the second health official to announce their resignation in Washington state. Secretary of Health John Wiesman gave notice in March that he would be leaving in January 2021.

-- Dyer Oxley

Snohomish health officials warn against bringing more kids back to class

7:45 a.m. -- Snohomish County Health officials are urging local school districts not to bring any more students back to class.

They say the county is dealing with a spike in Covid-19 cases -- up from about 42 cases per 100,000 people a month ago to 72 cases per 100,000.

Schools that have already welcomed back some of their younger and special needs students don't need to move backwards, but they shouldn't bring any new ones to campus for at least three weeks.

The Stanwood School District began its school year on September 10. In Sultan, kindergarten classes started in late September. In Arlington, kindergartners and first-graders started in-person classes on Monday.

-- Angela King

UW president gives warning to Greek Row

7:30 a.m. -- A stern warning from UW President Ana Mari Cauce for students living on Greek Row where more than 300 have tested positive for Covid-19 in two separate outbreaks.

"The best work is done collaboratively and I want to point out that we're getting a lot of cooperation," Cauce said. "Students are getting tested. They are quarantining. But we have made it clear, and we will continue to make it clear, that if they don't get it, and they continue to break the rules, party, that there will be harsher disciplinary actions."

Within the last month, 242 residents of UW sororities and fraternities tested positive for coronavirus. More than 150 tested positive during an outbreak in June.

While some have suggested suspending university affiliation for houses that continue to party, Cauce said that wouldn't necessarily close the facilities or result in any students moving out.

President Cauce says fraternities and sororities that are ignoring the school's moratorium on social events because of the pandemic could face harsher penalties. That includes potential fines and restrictions on activities the organizations can do on campus.

-- Kim Shepard

No more Washington counties in Phase 1

7:15 a.m. -- All Washington state counties are now out of Phase 1 of the state's reopening plan.

Governor Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that Chelan, Douglas, Yakima, Benton and Franklin counties have the green light to move into Phase 2.

He praised elected officials, agricultural employers, farm-worker organizations and residents throughout the region for wearing masks in public.

"It is a testament to the commitment of citizens to do scientifically credible things to save themselves. And that’s what they have done."

Businesses in the last five counties to move from a modified phase one had been allowed to operate under some of the Phase 2 guidelines.

State health officer Dr. Kathy Lofy and the governor stress that despite the progress, all is not well. Rates of transmission and case numbers are rising in the state’s largest urban areas – the Puget Sound region, Clark County, Spokane County.

“The more people that wear the masks, the more lives we save, and the faster we will build our economy. That’s the thing we are focused on right now – on the thing that we know works," Inslee said.

Inslee said the situation in Whitman County is concerning. Pullman has seen a huge spike in cases since Washington State University students returned in August. Hospitalizations are up. And in the past week, three people over age 60 have died. Those mark the first Covid-caused deaths in the county since the pandemic began.

-- Derek Wang

Uptick in Covid-19 cases in King County

7 a.m. -- Confirmed cases of Covid-19 are ticking upwards in King County. But Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health -- Seattle King County says we can keep the outbreak from getting out of hand if we practice better social distancing now.

"What we’re probably seeing now is a combination of people spending more time closer together indoors with less natural ventilation, spending less time outdoors and probably doing too many activities that are discretionary," Dr. Duchin said.

Dr. Duchin urges people to not hang out with people outside their household, if they don’t have to.

And if you do, limit the time you spend inside with them, wear a mask and keep your distance.

With restrictions being relaxed for movie theaters, restaurants, and other activities, Dr. Duchin says just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

-- Anna Boiko-Weyrauch

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

Health officials warn against giving in to "Covid fatigue" as case counts rise

2 p.m. -- Covid-19 cases are starting to rise in King County, as health officials have anticipated for the fall season.

Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer with Public Health - Seattle and King County, said that recent Covid-19 numbers should be a "wakeup call" for the community as he urged people not to give in to "Covid fatigue."

Duchin said that the county has been testing more people, but that the increase in cases has been largely coming from wider transmission of the virus.

“In the last three weeks, since the 21st of September, transmission and cases have been increasing in King County, and regionally, as well as in many states across the country,” Duchin said Tuesday. “Last week, we had over 1,000 cases reported in King County, and we’ve had more than 140 cases reported each day over the past week. This is more than twice what we saw in late September.”

The rate of people testing positive for Covid-19 has gone from 2% in September to 2.5% currently. Dr. Duchin says that number is “relatively low,” but is of some concern.

“This is consistent with our interpretation that the increase in cases reflects an increase in transmission, not just an increase in testing,” he said.

Dr. Duchin also reported on the status of King County's pandemic:

• Hospitalizations are relatively low, but have increased by more than a third in the past three weeks (from 66 to 88).
• The reproductive rate of the virus is 1.6, meaning that each infected person infects 1.6 other people. Health officials want this number to be below one, meaning that an infected person does not spread the virus.
• The recent increase in cases has mostly been among ages 18-24 (89 per 100,000 people), 25-34 (51 per 100,000), then 35-49 (54 per 100,000).
• 10% of cases in King County are linked to UW's Greek Row, indicating that this outbreak is not solely responsible for the local rise in cases. There are currently 223 cases reported along Greek Row, among six fraternity organizations, showing that the number of cases is decreasing in recent days.
• People of color are still disproportionately infected, particularly in the South King County region. White people accounted for more than half of cases in the past week.

"We expected it would be more challenging to manage Covid-19 during the fall and winter as we spend more time indoors and environmental conditions favor the spread of infection," Dr. Duchin said. "I want my pre-Covid life back as soon as possible. I know you do too. I understand that Covid-fatigue is real and the steps we need to take are hard. But the trends we are seeing today should be a wakeup call for everyone. The longer we wait, the more difficult it gets to change the trajectory of an increasing outbreak. And if we let it get away from us now, we may be in for a very dark time in the coming months."

-- Dyer Oxley

Yakima Speedway fined for violating pandemic restrictions

7:45 a.m. -- Washington regulators have fined Yakima Speedway operator Doug Bettarel for violating the state's coronavirus prevention rules.

The speedway held an auto-racing event in early October that officials say violated state rules meant to keep people healthy. Yakima County currently doesn't allow events over five people.

The fine is $2,500. The operator could face suspension if public events continue.

-- Paige Browning

Update on UW Greek Row outbreak

7:30 a.m. -- The new coronavirus outbreak at the University of Washington has now grown to 238 positive cases.

The majority of them are in people who live in large sorority and fraternity houses, north of the UW campus along Greek Row.

Students who have tested positive or have Covid-like symptoms are being told to isolate themselves, according to the university.

Governor Jay Inslee has expressed frustration about the behavior in these chapter houses, saying it "is exposing all of us to great risk."

-- Paige Browning

More people are getting tested for Covid-19 in King County

7 a.m. -- More than 9,000 people got tested for Covid-19 last Thursday -- a new single-day record.

There is a troubling indicator in that data. Of all the people getting tested, the proportion of those people who test positive (called the percent positivity), that number is going up.

So proportionately, it appears more people overall are starting to test positive, and it's an indication that the virus is starting to spread more.

Notably, health department data shows people living in South King County are less likely to get tested, yet more likely to test positive when they do.

Testing options are expanding in that area. A new center opened in Tukwila last week, and another is opening in Federal Way Tuesday.

-- Anna Boiko-Weyrauch

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

Vigil for those who have died from Covid-19

7:45 a.m. -- A special vigil for those who have died of Covid-19 will happen Monday tonight in Seattle.

Two Seattle women organized a series of vigils nationwide. Seattle's event is at the First AME church.

The Reverend Carey Anderson will host the vigil, called The Mourning Project, commemorating those who have died of the virus.

A second event is scheduled for October 19.

-- Paige Browning

Cases rise in Pierce County

7:25 a.m. -- Pierce County health officials say 98 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed Sunday. That's part of the 830 new cases reported in just the last 14 days in the county.

Yesterday, there were no new reports of people dying from Covid in Pierce County; 180 people have died in the county since last spring.

The recent high case count is due to an increase in household transmissions, and cases in one long-term care facility, according to public health officials.

-- Paige Browning

Still more time to get a flu shot

7:15 a.m. -- The CDC says people still have time to get a flu shot before the season sets in. Getting a flu shot by the end of October is best.

Last Tuesday, Dr. Leandris Liburd with the CDC said: “We know that they are safe. We know that they are effective … and we know that they will reduce hospitalizations and even greater risk of death.”

On Wednesday, the message came from Washington State Secretary of Health, John Wiesman: “You know, flu is a serious disease. Many times people sort of underestimate it.”

-- Anna Boiko-Weyrauch

UW Medicine preps for anticipated Covid patient surge

7 a.m. -- Lisa Brandenburg, president of UW Medicine's hospitals and clinics noted over the weekend that the hospital is preparing for a surge of patients this fall.

"Based on the work we did in the spring, we have extensive surge plans and we are still ready to implement those if needed," Brandenburg said. "We also have an adequate supply of PPE. We are continuing rigorous cleaning 24/7. We screen all our employees coming in and our patients. And we are ready for a fall surge, if needed."

There are about 25 Covid-19 patients across four UW Medicine sites as of October 9.

"If you look at our number of staff who have tested positive for Covid-19, it is at a much lower rate than the general community, " Brandenburg said. "This tells us our safety measures are working."

Looking ahead to the coming months, Brandenburg stresses that mask wearing along with social distancing is vital to keeping the coronavirus at bay. She also urges people to get a flu shot. One concern among medical professionals is that an active flu season, on top of the pandemic, will further strain hospital systems.

-- Dyer Oxley

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

Many movie theaters will remain closed, despite new rules

Noon -- Movie theaters can now open in the Puget Sound Region at 25% capacity, but you’d be hard pressed to find an open movie theater this weekend.

Many theaters are staying closed for now, including Central Cinema, a small dinner theater in Seattle’s Central Area.

With costs from staffing and utilities to cleaning supplies, it’s cheaper to stay closed said owner Kevin Spitzer.

“It’s not like they give you plexiglass shields,” he said. “Restarting right now, it’s not free. And then the 25 percent capacity really limits what kind of income we can have to pay those bills.”

Under the new rules for Phase 2 and 3 counties, Central Cinema could have 30 customers max – a slow night in regular times.

Spitzer is also worried about safety, he said. “I don’t want our space to become a hot zone,” he said.

A total of 14 AMC theaters will open in Washington state, beginning Friday, October 16.

All Regal theaters in the U.S. are closed, following an announcement Monday.

SIFF cinemas are staying closed until 2021.

-- Anna Boiko-Weyrauch

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

UW, Fred Hutch seeking volunteers for antibody trial

11:15 a.m. -- The University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center are recruiting patients for a Regeneron antibody trial.

Dr. Ruanne Barnabas, an infectious disease physician at UW School of Medicine, is involved in the research. She says they’re hoping to learn a few things about the drug.

“Firstly, whether the monoclonal antibody cocktail prevents Covid-19 so if you receive the cocktail you don’t develop the infection at all. We’re hoping to understand more about how it works… and we’re also hoping to establish that it is safe and well tolerated.”

Barnabas says they're looking for people who’ve been exposed to the virus or is living with someone who has it.

The trial is recruiting 2,000 people at more than 100 sites in the U-S. For more information about the study, consult this website or call 206-773-7129.

-Ruby de Luna

Read previous updates here.