Showing posts with label public health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label public health. Show all posts

Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina closed by health department for insufficient refrigeration

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Santa Fe Mexican Grill closed by Health Department

Public Health - Seattle & King County:

Santa Fe Mexican Grill & Cantina at 630 NW Richmond Beach Rd, Shoreline, WA 98177

Closed: August 13, 2024 at 12 pm

Reasons: Imminent health hazard: Insufficient refrigeration to keep food safe

Status: Closed

Establishments are allowed to reopen after correcting the situation and a follow up from the health department.



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Some appointments remain at free vaccination event May 22, 2024

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

There are still some appointment times open, but they are going fast for the free vaccination clinic on May 22, 2024.

Learn more and pre-register: bit.ly/SSDvax24
  • Do you have a child entering kindergarten in the fall who needs school-required immunizations?
  • Do you have an older student who needs to stay up to date on their vaccines?
  • Do you or does someone in your household need a COVID-19 or flu shot?
Attend our free vaccination event on Wednesday, May 22, to check one or more of these off your to-do list and help keep your family and our community healthy!

Shoreline School District Vaccination Event
Wednesday, May 22 from 3:00-7:00 pm
Meridian Park Elementary School parking lot: 17077 Meridian Ave. N, Shoreline, WA 98133
 
No ID or insurance card required


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Public Health offers discount coupon for life jackets

Friday, May 10, 2024

Hey, King County, it’s going to be a nice weekend! 

Thinking about buying a life jacket that meets the U.S. Coast Guard Standard at a 20% discount? 

Look no further: To claim your discount, follow these simple steps:
  1. PRINT THE COUPON: visit kingcounty.gov/watersafety
  2. SHOW IT ON YOUR PHONE: 
  3. Alternatively, you can display the coupon on your phone when you visit any Big 5 Sporting Goods location in Washington. #watersafety
Stay safe in the water!

--Seattle - King County Public Health


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Public Health offers 20% discount on life jackets to King county residents

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Hello, King County residents! You have until September 30, 2024 to take advantage of a 20% discount on a range of life jackets that meet the US Coast Guard standard. 

It’s a great opportunity to enhance your water safety.

To claim your discount, follow these simple steps:
  • PRINT THE COUPON: visit kingcounty.gov/watersafety
  • SHOW IT ON YOUR PHONE: Alternatively, you can display the coupon on your phone when you visit any Big 5 Sporting Goods location in Washington.
Stay safe in the water!


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Research by Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County drives historic state law banning sale of lead-contaminated cookware

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Aluminum cookware manufactured overseas may contain high levels of lead.
Now banned by state law.

Research led by the Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County played a pivotal role in a groundbreaking state law prohibiting the sale of cookware tainted with lead and positioning Washington as a leader in public health protection.

The impetus for this legislative milestone stems from rigorous research conducted by the Hazardous Waste Management Program in collaboration with the University of Washington. Their investigation revealed alarming levels of lead in aluminum cookware manufactured overseas, sparking urgent action to safeguard public health.

"You should not need to be a scientist to purchase safe cookware,” said Maythia Airhart, Director of the Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County. “Our research found cookware that tested at over 50,000 parts per million of lead."

The newly enacted law, a result of these findings, restricts the sale of cookware exceeding lead levels of five parts per million, setting the most stringent limits on lead in cookware nationwide.

More information here


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Dr. Jeff Duchin to retire as Public Health Office for Seattle - King County

Friday, March 15, 2024

Dr. Jeff Duchin to retire as Public Health Officer 
for Seattle & King County on July 1, 2024
Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County and a nationally-recognized public health leader and communicable disease expert, today announced his retirement from the county after 30 years of distinguished service.

His retirement will go into effect July 1, 2024. Public Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan is appointing Dr. Mia Shim as Interim Health Officer while a national search is conducted.

“Dr. Duchin has served our community with unflappable dedication and distinction, helping improve our quality of life and elevating King County’s stature as a public health pacesetter,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“His expertise and leadership during the first COVID outbreak in the nation in King County drew praise from around the country. 
"Under his guidance, King County’s sustained response to the pandemic has led the nation, holding illness and death rates to among the lowest in major counties, while focusing on equity as a guiding principle in our work. I’m grateful for his wise counsel and for his long record of accomplishment on our behalf.”

Duchin joined Public Health – Seattle & King County in 1994 as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Medical Epidemiologist assigned to Public Health’s TB and HIV programs, and was named as Chief of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Epidemiology & Immunization Section in 1998. Since 2015, he has served as Health Officer for King County.

More information here


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Medic One Foundation announces EMT scholarship opportunity - orientation on Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Monday, February 12, 2024

Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Medic One Foundation is partnering with North Seattle College to offer ten full training scholarships to future Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs.) 

There is a high demand for EMTs in King County and surrounding communities. 

EMTs are trained to provide emergency medical care and safely transport patients in various settings. 

Individuals with an EMT certification can go on to become firefighters, emergency room technicians, etc.

The scholarships are made possible through charitable donations to the Medic One Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by improving pre-hospital emergency care. 

"The goal of these scholarships is to help remove financial barriers for individuals interested in pursuing a career in emergency medicine in Washington state," said Kim Martin, Executive Director for Medic One Foundation. "Thanks to the community's generosity, we can offer up to 30 scholarships this year."
Applicants can download an application here  

The deadline to apply for the scholarships is Friday, March 7, 2024. The training class will begin at North Seattle College on April 1. The scholarship covers 100% of the tuition and fees, books, supplies, and a small stipend to offset travel costs to and from campus.

Scholarship applicants are required to attend an informational seminar on Tuesday February 13, 2024.

Scholarship applicants must complete and pass the North Seattle College EMT entrance exam, which is offered on February 26 at 3:00pm and 5:00pm.

Learn more about the Medic One Foundation EMT Scholarship program here

Medic One Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by improving pre-hospital emergency care. We fund extraordinary training for our region's paramedics and innovative research to develop new methods of pre-hospital emergency care that improve survival rates and patient outcomes. 

The Medic One Foundation is a major reason why Seattle and King County have a survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest that is among the highest in the world.


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Bothell espresso stand closed by Health Department

Friday, February 9, 2024

Beehive Espresso closed by Health Department
Beehive Espresso

Closed: February 6, 2024 at 3:15 pm

Reasons:
  • Imminent health hazard: Gross unsanitary conditions due to rodent infestation
Status: Closed


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Seattle-King County Public Health department closes Zeek's Pizza in Kenmore

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Zeek's Pizza
Photo from Google street vi
Zeek's Pizza at 18115 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 was closed on January 5, 2024 by Public Health of Seattle & King County.

Reasons: Imminent health hazard: Operating without hot water available.

The Food Establishment closures page is online


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If there's algae in the lake - don't go in

Friday, December 29, 2023

Echo Lake during an algae bloom
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that people and pets stay out of the water in King County lakes where algae is visible. Follow posted guidance at parks and beaches.

Remember – when in doubt, stay out of the water.

If algae is visible, don’t let pets drink the water or get it on their fur. It’s possible for toxins to be present even if you can’t see algae in the water.

If your pet goes in or near the water at a King County lake, we recommend monitoring them for these symptoms: low energy, not eating, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and seizures. Symptoms will typically occur within minutes to hours after exposure. If your pet becomes ill, call your veterinarian immediately.

If you are planning to swim or participate in a “Polar Bear Plunge” on New Year’s Day, check with event organizers or city parks departments for the latest information.


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Quarterly Overdose Prevention and Response Training from Public Health

Tuesday, December 5, 2023


Join Seattle - King County Public Health this Thursday, December 7, 2023, for their last Quarterly Overdose Prevention and Response Training of the year.

This FREE online one-hour training is for the public and professionals interested in 2023 overdose and drug trends, training on opioid overdose, and how to use and access naloxone.

Everyone is welcome. Please register.

WHAT: Quarterly Overdose Prevention & Response Training
WHEN: Thursday, December 7th, 5:30pm – 6:30pm
WHERE: ZOOM Please Register


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Taco Del Mar in Bothell closed for lack of adequate refrigeration

The Public Health department Seattle - King County has closed:

Taco Del Mar 

  • Closed: December 4, 2023 at 4:15 pm
  • Reasons: Lack of adequate refrigeration for holding foods
  • Status: Closed
The Food Establishment closures page is online here


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FDA warning about WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree is full of lead
Seattle / King County Public Health shares an FDA warning: Do not buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to babies and children. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these products may contain dangerous amounts of lead. 

Children six and younger are at the highest risk for health problems from lead exposure. More information can be found on the FDA website.

Public Health – Seattle and King County (PHSKC) recommends the following actions for families and caregivers:
  • If you have WanaBana brand apple cinnamon puree products in your home, do not eat them or feed them to children. Dispose of the products immediately.
  • If your child has recently eaten the product or you are concerned about lead exposure, ask your doctor about a blood lead test.

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Hidden Door BBQ closed by the Health Department for lack of permit

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Hidden Door BBQ at 14525 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 was closed October 31, 2023 at 2pm.

Reasons: Operating without the benefit of a permit or plan review

Status: Closed


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Dr. J. Matthew Lacy appointed as Chief Medical Examiner for King County

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Dr. J. Matthew Lacy appointed 
Chief Medical Examiner for King County
Public Health has announced the appointment of Dr. J. Matthew Lacy, as Chief Medical Examiner for King County, following a national search. 

He succeeds Dr. Richard Harruff, who recently retired after a 30-year career in the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Dr. Lacy has most recently served as Chief Medical Examiner for Snohomish County. He previously served as an Associate Medical Examiner in Snohomish, Pierce and King Counties.

“Dr. Lacy stood out as an exceptionally well-qualified candidate, with his knowledge and expertise in the field, the strong relationships he's built with local and state partners, and his deeply humane leadership qualities. 
"He's a remarkable addition to an already outstanding office,” said Dr. Faisal Khan, Director for Public Health – Seattle / King County. 
“I want to thank Dr. Harruff for his distinguished service to our community, creating an office of high professional standards and enduring commitment to its mission of investigating deaths in King County with compassion.”

Dr. Lacy brings a range of valuable experiences to his work, having authored over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Washington State University’s Floyd College of Medicine. 

He's a member of the Washington State Coroner and Medical Examiners legislative committee, serves on the state's Forensic Investigations Council, and is a trained National Association of Medical Examiners inspector. In addition to his training in medicine and pathology, he also holds a law degree.

“The public health focus of the King County Medical Examiner’s Office has been a national model for improving the safety and health of our communities through death investigation work. I am incredibly excited and humbled by this opportunity to make a contribution to one of the premiere death investigation teams in the country,” said Dr. Lacy.

The King County Medical Examiner's Office brings trained medical evaluation to the investigation of sudden, violent, unexpected, and suspicious deaths that occur in King County. 

In addition to determining the cause and manner of death, the office works to provide accurate identification of decedents under their jurisdiction, and to notify the next of kin and provide compassionate support to families. 

The office has been continually accredited with the National Association of Medical Examiners since 1978.

Dr. Lacy will begin his position with King County this fall.


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Get access to FREE naloxone for yourself, your friends in case of drug overdose

Sunday, June 11, 2023


Naloxone works on opioids, such as: heroin, fentanyl, oxycontin / oxycodone and other opioid pain medications. If the victim presents with the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, naloxone should be administered regardless of what drug was assumed to have been consumed. 

Washington's Good Samaritan Law provides some protection when calling 9-1-1 to save a life — even if drugs are at the scene. (RCW 69.50.315). 

You should give naloxone to anyone who has taken drugs and may be overdosing. Someone who is overdosing may stop breathing or their breathing may be slow and labored. Act fast! An overdose is life threatening. 

Give naloxone even if you do not know what kind of drugs a person took.  Naloxone will only work on opioids, but there is no harm if they took a different kind of drug.
Access to free naloxone (Narcan)


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Students from Shorecrest and Shorewood win honors in state Youth Science Contest

First place winner Minseo Kim,
Shorewood High School
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) congratulates the winners of the second annual Washington Tracking Network (WTN) Youth Science Contest

The contest is an opportunity for high school students to develop their science and communication skills by engaging with health and environmental data from their own communities.

“I would like to thank DOH for this wonderful opportunity to have fun doing research while positively contributing to my community,” said first place winner Minseo Kim who is a tenth grader at Shorewood High School in Shoreline.

Students could submit projects in three tracks: Health Science, Science Communication, and Community Engagement. 

Winning projects ranged from research papers to poems and were selected based on content, health and equity impact, and presentation. Projects were judged by relevant experts within DOH.

“It’s great to see the diversity of health issues the students care about, and to be able to provide them feedback to help them use science to improve the health of people in Washington,” said WTN Manager Jennifer Sabel.

All winning projects can be viewed on the WTN website

Health Science:

Individual Division
  • 1st Place - Air Stagnation and Lung Cancer Mortalities in Washington State, by Minseo Kim, Shorewood High School
  • 2nd Place - The Association of Radon Poisoning Levels and Poverty Rates in Washington, by Rishav Panigrahi, Shorecrest High School
  • 3rd Place - Lung Cancer and the Environment, by Kennedy Camacho, Selah High School

Ava Jensen and Rebecca Swinney, Shorecrest High School
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
Group Division
  • 1st Place - Lung Cancer in Washington State, by Mehuli N. and Keerthi Rajesh, Tesla STEM High School
  • 2nd Place - Indigenous Peoples’ Mental Health, by Ava Jensen and Rebecca Swinney, Shorecrest High School
  • 3rd Place (tie) - Diabesity: Diabetes and Obesity Related to Corporate Fast Food Chains, by Laci Ross and Lauren Rice, Selah High School
  • 3rd Place (tie) - Opioid Crisis in Washington, by Samuel Lin, Interlake High School, and Ian Yum, Bellevue High School
L-R Samia Ahmed, Ella Richardson, Rishav Panigrahi,
 Dawson Bailey, Shorecrest High School
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
Science Communication:

Individual Division
  • 1st Place - Antibiotic Resistance Public Service Announcement (“Help Prevent a World Without Cure”), by Krithi Iyer, Redmond High School
  • 2nd Place - Health Disparities in Skin Protection Education and How We Can Combat Them, by Saisha Lakkoju, Bothell High School
  • 3rd Place - Turmoil: Mental Health and Illness Disparities, by C. Dawson Bailey, Shorecrest High School
Group Division
  • 1st Place - Lead by the Numbers: School Water Toxicity, by Srishti Boral and Vihitha Kumar, Eastlake High School
  • 2nd Place - Abortions and Safe Pregnancies, by Samia Ahmed and Ella Richardson, Shorecrest High School


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Bacterial infection kills seven patients at downtown Virginia Mason

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae
A bacterial infection at the downtown campus o Virginia Mason Hospital has infected 31 people to date and killed seven of them.

According to Seattle / King county public health:

Klebsiella pneumoniae are common bacteria that can be part of the normal bacteria living in our bodies, including in our intestines. 

However, sometimes the bacteria can enter a part of the body where it is not normally found and can cause infections such as urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and pneumonia.

In healthcare settings, the bacteria can spread through person-to-person contact, often from contaminated hands. 

This can happen if you touch someone who has the infection and don’t wash your hands well afterward. Additionally, the bacteria might contaminate environmental surfaces, such as medical equipment like ventilators or catheters. Bacteria can then spread from the equipment to the patient.

One of the reasons Public Health is concerned about the bacteria circulating in this outbreak is because it has a specific enzyme that breaks down common types of antibiotics, making them ineffective.

Seattle / King county public health has issued a Q/A which can be read here.


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New Crisis Response Center in Kirkland to serve five North King County cities in a regional partnership

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

The cities of Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Kirkland, and Bothell announce the siting of a new multi-service crisis response center dedicated to serving the behavioral health needs of community members across north and northeast King County.

The new crisis center will be operated by Connections Health Solutions, a national innovator in behavioral health crisis care. The facility will be located at 11410 NE 122nd Way in Kirkland’s Totem Lake neighborhood, conveniently located near Evergreen Hospital and Highway 405. 

The crisis response center will be the first of its kind in King County to provide a spectrum of care services, from walk-in mental health urgent care to continued stabilization of behavioral health or substance use crises.

“The new Connections crisis response center adds a critical element in the continuum of behavioral health care for community members in Kirkland and throughout the region,” said City of Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet

“This new center complements the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) announced in 2022, which will deploy Crisis Responders on some 911 calls for community members experiencing behavioral health crisis across the north county region. This announcement culminates a year-long effort by Kirkland and our north King County city partners to proactively address critical behavioral health needs in our communities.”


“The benefit to individuals in crisis, first responders, healthcare providers, and our community comes at a critical time, as the lasting impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt across our communities – and especially for those in need of life-saving behavioral health care,” said Shoreline Mayor Keith Scully.”

The “no wrong door” clinic will be open to everyone regardless of severity of need or insurance status, and care will be available 24/7 with no appointment required. Connections expects to open the new facility in Kirkland in 2024.


“We’re honored to partner with the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline to provide immediate access to care and to connect the North King County community to a local crisis response center where high-quality treatment occurs and hope is restored,” said Colin LeClair, Chief Executive Officer for Connections Health Solutions. “We look forward to the ongoing collaboration between the five cities and all partners as we bring immediate and accessible care to those in need.”

“Connections has been serving communities for more than 30 years. Expertise and experience of that caliber matter in behavioral health crisis care and treatment,” said City of Lake Forest Park Mayor Jeff Johnson. “The positive impact of this center will be felt among families across the five North King County cities for generations to come.”
 
Connections’ effort to open the north King County facility is made possible, in part, by $21.52 million financial support from grants from the State of Washington and King County.

“Crisis stabilization centers are an effective and important tool in our state’s efforts to address behavioral health issues and reform approaches to behavioral health care and public safety,” said Governor Jay Inslee

“Our communities need a place where people in crisis can go to receive compassionate and focused behavioral health care. Programs like this that allow for first responder referrals decrease the use of jails and emergency rooms, which are not well-equipped to address these needs. I’m proud of the investments our state and our communities are making in these programs.”

“Providing a 24/7 place for people in crisis to receive effective care helps make recovery possible as part of a connected behavioral health system that provides people with the care they need when they need it in their communities,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine
“King County invested $11.5 million of state and local dollars toward this crisis center in Kirkland, and it’s the start of what we can achieve together when it comes to community behavioral health.”


“For too long, we have relied on our police officers, jails and courts to substitute for a missing behavioral health care system,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski

“It’s an unfair burden on them, and unfair to our community. That’s why King County is proud to partner with the five North County cities in my district who are leading the charge to stand up the essential behavioral health response system our community needs. 

'This new facility builds on the work we have done in recent years to create the RADAR program, partnering with law enforcement to ensure an effective response to community health and safety needs. 

"We will now have a community-based care center to support our front-line mental health professionals in delivering compassionate and effective care to those in crisis, and enhancing public health and safety. I thank and congratulate all involved in this powerful partnership, and look forward to seeing its positive impact in North King County.”

Together with the national 988 Crisis Lifeline and the RCR (Regional Crisis Response) Agency, the new crisis response center fills a void of coordinated behavioral health care in King County by providing community members in crisis with three important resources: someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.


The RCR Agency was formed in collaboration by the partner cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline to provide consolidated and standardized regional mobile crisis response services for the five-city region.

Learn more about the new crisis response center.

Find out more about the Regional Crisis Response Agency.


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Department of Health launches second annual science contest for high school students

Thursday, February 16, 2023

OLYMPIA – Following a successful inaugural event, the Washington State Department of Health’s (DOH) Washington Tracking Network (WTN) is excited to launch its second annual WTN Youth Science Contest

The contest provides a unique opportunity for high school students across Washington to develop their science and communication skills while working with health and environmental data from their own communities.

“It’s important for students to learn how to understand and use data because it plays a big role in their lives,” said Jennifer Sabel, WTN manager. 
“In this contest, students learn not only how to work with and study public health data, but also how data can be used to create positive change in their communities.”

Participants can choose from three tracks:
  1. Health Science – students will perform an analysis with WTN data to reveal correlations, impacts, and/or disparities.
  2. Community Engagement – students will use WTN tools and data to address health and equity concerns. They will develop either a public policy proposal or work with a local organization to create or improve a project or program.
  3. Science Communication – students will identify an issue that is important to them and develop a message to increase awareness or drive action related to the issue.

Public health is an interdisciplinary field. The tracks of this contest help students explore different facets of what working in public health is like.

Each track requires students to use WTN data and examine how their project addresses equity issues within their communities.

"The different tracks bring public health data to life. There are so many professional roles that go into supporting and improving health, all of which are important,” said Sabel. “Last year students came up with inspiring projects, and I look forward to seeing what students create this year.”

Registration is open through March 15. The official contest period is March 1 - April 30. Winners will be announced in early June.

WTN is a DOH program that makes public health data more accessible. The mission of WTN is to provide health and environmental data and tools, develop partnerships, and inform data-driven policy and programmatic decisions, with the goal of improving health and health equity in Washington. 

Winning projects from last year’s contest are available to view on DOH’s website.

The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for the DOH blog, Public Health Connection.



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