COVID transmission remains high in Snohomish County

Snohomish County saw seven weeks of slowly decreasing COVID-19 rates before seeing an uptick again in the week ending on Oct. 23.

During that week more than 1,600 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the county.

“We saw our case rate increase again,” said Shawn Frederick, administrative officer with the Snohomish Health District, during an Oct. 26 press briefing.

The two-week average daily case rate was down to 331 per 100,000 people but has increased to 351 per 100,000 people.

In August the case rate reached its highest level ever with 481 per 100,000 people, but it had been slowly going down since then.

“Snohomish County remains in what the CDC defines as ‘high transmission’ levels,” said Frederick.

At the current case rate, there is still more COVID transmission in the county than anytime except the 2020 winter COVID-19 wave.

“If that trend continues this week, we’ll quickly see our case rate over 400 again,” said Frederick.

Although whether the recent bump of cases is predictive of another upward swing remains to be seen.

“These last few weeks have shown some real progress,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “That progress is rather fragile."

In the month of October, as of Oct. 23, 20 Snohomish County residents have died of COVID. Patients are using 60 to 70 beds in county hospitals as well.

“What we need now is for everyone to mask up and vax up,” said Frederick.

The county passed a milestone in late October with 70 percent of eligible people in the county now fully vaccinated.

“That’s great news. Although it’s time to remind everyone that each of us plays the greatest roles. Get your shots, wash your hands and wear masks,” said Somers.

The CDC approved the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 as well, which could be in Washington state as soon as the week of Nov. 1 according to Department of Health officials.

State officials have ordered 230,000 doses for pharmacies and other providers across the state.

“The manufacturers know they have to provide dosage in a different manner than they did for the adult version,” said Somers.

“It’s the same vaccine, just a different dose,” he added.

A mandate for restaurant workers, such as the requirement that King County has, is not in the works for Snohomish County, said Somers, although a federal mandate may be coming soon.

“The county is waiting for the federal requirements to come down for organizations of 100 employees or larger. We know those are coming,” he said.

The county is still planning on how to use their second wave of federal coronavirus relief funds as well.

“The federal funds will be used for the county’s ongoing response and recovery work,” said Somers.

The county created a specific ‘Office of Recovery’ meant to help plan recovery efforts, part of which is effectively using those federal dollars.

“They have been convening discussions with mayors, community leaders and partners in the private and non-profit sectors,” said Somers.

Part of those funds will be going toward shelter and behavioral health support.

“That is in conjunction with our city partners, since many of the people affected are in our cities,” said Somers.

Childcare and job training options may also be expanded for those having trouble finding a job.

“We’ve clearly heard that we can do more for those looking to get back to work,” said Somers.

County officials also hope to turn the old Carnegie Library building in Everett into a job resource center soon.

“The center is really going to ensure a family-friendly approach for those who have suffered negative economic impact because of COVID,” said Somers.