State Announces Progress on Roadmap to Recovery, Vaccinations
As announced by Gov. Jay Inslee last week, the Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery is moving from a regional approach to a county-by-county evaluation process. Inslee introduced a new third phase of the Roadmap, which the entire state will enter on March 22. Phase 3 includes a return of in-person spectators for professional and high school sports. (Read more on the governor’s Medium page.)
The governor also announced that starting this Wednesday, March 17, everyone in Phase 1B, Tier 2 will be eligible for their COVID vaccine. This includes workers in agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, firefighters and law enforcement, among others. Tier 2 also includes people over the age of 16 who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high-risk.
Inslee yesterday signed an emergency proclamation requiring the state’s school districts to provide at least some in-person instruction to all students by the end of April.
President Biden Calls for Common Purpose
Addressing the nation on March, 11, the anniversary of COVID-19 being declared a pandemic, President Joe Biden acknowledged the losses and sacrifices endured over the past year and shared progress on his administration’s efforts to combat the pandemic. President Biden also called on all Americans to do their part to bring an end to the crisis. “We need everyone to get vaccinated. We need everyone to keep washing their hands, stay socially distanced and keep wearing the mask as recommended by the CDC.” Read the full transcript here »
SU Community Members Asked to Voluntarily Self-Report when Vaccinated
As part of the university’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of its community members, SU students, faculty and staff are asked to voluntarily register when they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An option has been added to the Safe Start Health Check for SU community members to self-report that they are fully vaccinated. By providing this information voluntarily, you will help the university to continue effective contact tracing and support proactive measures in alignment with public health protocol.
To find your vaccination phase and sign up to be notified when you are eligible, visit Department of Health.
Arrival of New Variants Underscores Need to Stay Vigilant
All three of the three COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs) present in the United States have been identified in King County. One of the strains, B.1.1.7, has proven to be more easily spread and there are signs that the other two are also more highly contagious.
“If we let down our guard, these variant strains will make us pay,” said Jeff Duchin, health officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County. “The upside is that we can take steps to limit the damage. The same precautions that have helped us drive down case counts in the past can also protect us from the variants, as long as we are diligent.”
The good news, Public Health Insider shares, is that masks, physical distance, good airflow, indoor ventilation, handwashing “and all the things that should be second nature to us by now still work against these variants.”
In Case You Missed It
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), passed by Congress in December, has provided additional COVID-related relief funds to Seattle University, including $1,846,460 for emergency grants to students, Provost Shane P. Martin announced Friday. Read the full announcement for information on how the funds will be distributed to eligible students.
Other Helpful Resources
Student Support Center
Events for Students
COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard
Free COVID-19 Testing Locations