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

UW Medicine Virology Lab is on close watch for omicron

Monday, December 6, 2021

Pavitra Roychoudhury UW Med
Researchers at the UW School of Medicine’s Virology Laboratory think the omicron variant of COVID-19 will inevitably be detected in larger amounts locally. 
“It's at a pretty low frequency right now, given that we haven't picked up many samples from the last couple of weeks," says Pavitra Roychoudhury, instructor and research associate of Laboratory Medicine at UW Medicine. 

"I think it's a matter of time, given how connected the world is and given how much travel has been occurring over the last few weeks and months.”

Roychoudhury heads genomic sequencing, the process of determining the approximately 30,000-letter pattern of the virus’ genome in a positive COVID-19 test sample. 

This process detected the local presence of the Delta and other variants. UW Medicine’s Virology Lab has the capacity to sequence 2,000 test samples per week. The lab can also screen for a particular mutation found in the Omicron variant, and increase efforts to spot it. 

Monitoring the rate of omicron-positive samples over the coming weeks and months will be important to help researchers determine just how transmissible the variant is, Rouchoudry says. 

“Our ability to sequence a large number of samples every week has certainly bolstered the confidence that we will continue to find this variant. We’re in a much better place in terms of just our ability to find these variants in our lab. And, I think this is similarly true for labs across the country and across the world. 
Having said that, there’s also a lot of disparity in both genomic surveillance as well as vaccination across the globe.”

Roychoudhury notes that, even at a world-class research medical center, we remain a bit behind the virus’ spread. When a person receives the PCR test result, it is just indicating whether or not the COVID virus is present. In order to determine which variant is present, the best method is by sequencing the viral genome and that multi-step process takes time. 

The process of comparing a sample viral genome to others and concluding whether or not it is the omicron variant and what mutations are in that genome can take three or more days and is highly-batched process. That leads to the time lag in most labs.

It should be remembered that even though we are hearing about the new omicron variant, 99.9% of all sequences remain delta. 
Delta is the formidable virus and we need to remember that. 

While there may be some panic about potential new variants in the future, the one that is currently widely spread in the general population is what needs to be dealt with. And right now, that is delta.

Roychoudhury explained that the key to preventing highly transmissible and potentially lethal variants from emerging in the future is by continuing the practices that have been successful during the course of the pandemic. Masking and social distancing will continue to be the best line of defense.



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Walk-in vaccines at ICHS on Wednesday and Fridays

Sunday, December 5, 2021

ICHS Shoreline
Photo courtesy ICHS
ICHS continues to administer walk-in Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for children (5-11) and adults (12+) at their Shoreline clinic pharmacy on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Due to high volumes, please be prepared to wait in line as our dedicated pharmacy staff complete prescriptions and administer vaccines.

You do not have to be an ICHS patient to receive a vaccine with us. Visit for details! #ThisIsOurShot #VaccinateWA #SleeveUp

16549 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Click this link to see a copy of the pharmacy's consent form.



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Case updates December 3, 2021: Three Omicron cases in Washington state

Saturday, December 4, 2021

The Delta variant is the immediate threat but the
omicron variant is now present in the state
Public health officials have confirmed three cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus in Washington state. 

Gov. Inslee says that "It remains as important as ever to get vaccinated, get boosted, and wear a mask. 
"We cannot yield an inch to this virus and have the power to keep our communities safe."

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States

  • Total cases 48,918,251 - 149,222 new     
  • Total deaths 784,893 - 1,492 new   


Information from the Washington Department of Health (DOH) about omicron:

DOH and the UW Virology Lab have confirmed three cases of omicron variant, one each in Thurston, Pierce, and King Counties — two men, one woman, ages 20 to 39.
 
The best protection from Omicron and other variants comes from getting vaccinated and getting boosters as soon as possible. This is especially important for children and adults with chronic conditions that place them at higher risk for severe disease from COVID-19.

And continue practicing preventive measures that work to slow the spread of COVID:
  • Wearing masks indoors
  • Avoiding crowds and large gatherings
  • Testing when you have symptoms & staying home when you’re sick
  • Using WA Notify
Confirmation came in midday Saturday, and patients are still being informed. Details about their conditions are unknown to DOH. Samples were collected between Nov. 29 and Dec. 1, 2021 and confirmed at an in-state lab.

This is early in the investigation, DOH does not believe the cases are related, but the travel history of the patients is unknown.

Little is known clinically about the omicron variant at this time. Researchers are working to learn more about it, but it was found here quickly thanks to increased surveillance efforts; lab specialists have been looking for omicron through PCR testing and genomic sequencing. The state also increased its lab capacity to detect genetic markers associated with new and existing variants.

Sequencing has been prioritized for anyone with travel history or close contact with a confirmed case. Case investigation and contact tracing among those at higher risk for contracting and spreading omicron has been prioritized. Travelers who have been to a country or state with omicron, or anyone identified as a close contact receive that prioritization.

“We knew that it was a matter of time before omicron was sequenced in our state and so we were anticipating this very news,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health. “We strongly urge people to get vaccinated and get their boosters as soon as possible to maximize their level of protection from any variant.”

The best protection from this variant and others comes from getting vaccinated and getting boosters as soon as possible. This is especially important for children and adults with chronic conditions that place them at higher risk for severe disease from COVID-19.

“Even with a highly mutated virus like omicron, we are not going back to square one of the pandemic,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle and King County. 
“Omicron may pose new challenges that we will need to respond to, but compared to the early days of the pandemic, we know much more about COVID-19, and we’re better prepared for it. We know layered protections work together to maximally reduce risk, and that will continue to be the case for delta and for omicron if that becomes a dominant strain circulating in our community.”

“If there is room for improvement in how we are using our current tools and strategies, this is a good time to make those improvements, especially vaccination and booster doses when eligible, good-quality masks indoors, improving indoor air quality and avoiding crowded indoor spaces along with other COVID-19 prevention measures,” said Duchin.

“We suspected that the omicron variant was circulating in our region, and now our laboratory has confirmed the first three cases in Washington state by viral genome sequencing in the last 24 hours. 

"Throughout the pandemic, it's been a huge team effort by the UW Medicine Virology Laboratory, requiring development and implementation of several diagnostic and sequencing assays to detect and confirm the variety of COVID-19 variants that have surfaced in Washington state,” said Dr. Geoffrey Baird, chair of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at UW School of Medicine. 

To date, the laboratory has tested approximately 3.8 million COVID-19 samples.  



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Case updates December 2, 2021

Delta variant
Booster shots encouraged for all who are 18 and over. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic or check their website for scheduling. UW Med locations are taking names for a call-back. 
Call 844-520-8700 for all their clinics and vaccine locations. 

The omicron variant is now present in the U.S. Scientists are evaluating how much of a threat it poses and still urging people to be fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States

  • Total cases 48,767,329 - 138,489 new     
  • Total deaths 783,215 - 1,235 new   


Washington state - a data improvement effort resolved a small number of duplicate hospitalizations
  • Total confirmed cases 686,549  - 1,619 new     
  • Total hospitalizations 43,188  -  -29 new    
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 18.8%
  • Total deaths 9,413  - 33 new  

Levels of Community Transmission:
based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

December 1, 2021: There is currently an issue with the WA Department of Health data system, resulting in a large number of duplicate records. Public Health Seattle King County has manually removed 1,600 duplicate case records from today’s counts of COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. There may be additional duplicates reflected in today’s COVID Daily Summary Dashboard.

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 164,167 -  353 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 8,828 -   7 new    
  • Total deaths 2,100 -  4 new   2100
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 40,579  -  94 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 1,868  -   -2 new    
  • Total deaths 517  -   0 new  
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,591 - 9 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 248 -   1 new   
  • Total deaths 112 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 555 - 4 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 23 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL


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Case updates December 1, 2021

Friday, December 3, 2021

Delta variant - still the biggest threat
Booster shots encouraged for all who are 18 and over. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic or check their website for scheduling. UW Med locations are taking names for a call-back. 
Call 844-520-8700 for all their clinics and vaccine locations. 

The omicron variant is now present in the U.S. Scientists are evaluating how much of a threat it poses and still urging people to be fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States

  • Total cases 48,628,787 - 129,818  new     
  • Total deaths 781,963 - 1,546 new   


Washington state  
  • Total confirmed cases 684,930  - 3,648 new     
  • Total hospitalizations 43,217  - 305 new     
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 18.3%
  • Total deaths 9,380  - 77 new   

Levels of Community Transmission:
based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

December 1, 2021: There is currently an issue with the WA Department of Health data system, resulting in a large number of duplicate records. Public Health Seattle King County has manually removed 1,600 duplicate case records from today’s counts of COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. There may be additional duplicates reflected in today’s COVID Daily Summary Dashboard.

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 163,814 -  172 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 8,821 -   16 new    
  • Total deaths 2,096 -  2 new   
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 40,485  -  83 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 1,870  -   3 new    
  • Total deaths 517  -   0 new  
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,582 - 12 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 247 -   1 new   
  • Total deaths 112 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 551 - 4 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 23 -    1 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL


Read more...

Case updates November 30, 2021

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Delta variant
Booster shots encouraged for all who are 18 and over. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic or check their website for scheduling. UW Med locations are taking names for a call-back. 
Call 844-520-8700 for all their clinics and vaccine locations.

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States

  • Total cases 48,497,243 - 119,604 new     
  • Total deaths 780,131 - 1,610 new   


Washington state - not updated 
  • Total confirmed cases 681,282  - 1,155 new     
  • Total hospitalizations 42,912  - 78 new     
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 18.3%
  • Total deaths 9,303  - 46 new   

Levels of Community Transmission:
based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

December 1, 2021: There is currently an issue with the WA Department of Health data system, resulting in a large number of duplicate records. Public Health Seattle King County has manually removed 1,600 duplicate case records from today’s counts of COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. There may be additional duplicates reflected in today’s COVID Daily Summary Dashboard.

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 163,642 -  826 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 8,805 -   7 new 
  • Total deaths 2,094 -  10 new   
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 40,402  -  156 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 1,867  -   0 new    
  • Total deaths 517  -   1 new
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,570 - 11 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 246 -   -1 new   
  • Total deaths 112 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 547 - 2 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 22 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: MODERATE



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Case updates November 29, 2021

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Delta variant is still the problem
Booster shots have been approved for all who are 18 and over. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic. 

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States

  • Total cases 48,377,531 - 119,404 new     
  • Total deaths 778,489 - 1,661 new   


Washington state

  • Total confirmed cases 681,282  - 1,155 new     
  • Total hospitalizations 42,912  - 78 new     
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 18.3%
  • Total deaths 9,303  - 46 new   
Due to a data systems issue, the COVID Daily Summary Dashboard for King County will not be updated today.



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King County: vaccine availability and verification

Boosters are now recommended for everyone over 18. Vaccine is widely available.

Booster vaccine eligibility: Everyone that is 18 years or older that is fully vaccinated is now eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot.
  • Johnson and Johnson vaccine: At least 2 months after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
  • Moderna or Pfizer series: At least 6 months after completing the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer series.
Vaccine locations

Visit the Getting vaccinated in King County page for additional vaccine locations. It sorts locations by ZIP code. Oddly, it only includes Bartells and CVS pharmacies in ZIP codes 98133, 98155, and 98177. 

Locally, Safeway, Walgreen's, and Costco also provide vaccines. Go to the pharmacy websites to make appointments. Many take walk-ups if you are willing to take a chance you might have to wait.

Note that the North King County Vaccination Clinic on Greenwood is Shoreline Community College and is run by Shoreline Fire.

Update on King County’s vaccine verification policy 

It’s now been almost a full month since King County began requiring customers age 12 and older to verify full COVID-19 vaccination status or a negative test to participate in large outdoor public events or indoor entertainment and recreational establishments, such as live music, performing arts, gyms, restaurants, and bars.

On December 6, 2021 small restaurants and bars (those with seating for fewer than 12 customers) will also be required to comply with the policy. At that point, vaccine verification will be in full effect in King County, aiming to protect customers and workers, preserve local hospital capacity, and help keep businesses open.

You can read the full update regarding this policy online: Update on King County's Vaccine Verification Policy



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Case updates November 28, 2021

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

The Delta variant is still the biggest concern in WA.
The omicron variant has not been detected in 
Washington but UW researchers are watching for it.
Booster shots have been approved for all who are 18 and over. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic. 

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States

  • Total cases 48,160,971 - 31,077 new     
  • Total deaths 776,703 - 104 new   

Washington state

  • Total confirmed cases 680,127  - 4,395 new     
  • Total hospitalizations 42,834  - 334 new     
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 19.0%
  • Total deaths 9,257  - 49 new   


Levels of Community Transmission:
based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 162,816 -  1,027 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 8,798 -   47 new  
  • Total deaths 2,084 -  5 new   
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 40,246  -  328 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 1,867  -   12 new    
  • Total deaths 516  -   2 new
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,559 - 23 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 247 -   1 new   
  • Total deaths 112 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: MODERATE 

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 545 - 6 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 22 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: MODERATE

Read more...

Case updates November 26, 2021

Sunday, November 28, 2021

The very contagious Delta variant
Booster shots have been approved for all over age 18. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic. 

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States

  • Total cases 48,106,615 - 54,232 new     
  • Total deaths 776,070 - 534 new   


Read more...

Case updates November 23, 2021

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Delta variant
Booster shots have been approved for all. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic. 

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States

  • Total cases 47,916,623 - 100,636 new     
  • Total deaths 773,779 - 1,504 new   

Washington state

  • Total confirmed cases 675,732  - 1,634 new     
  • Total hospitalizations 42,500  - 130 new     
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 19.5%
  • Total deaths 9,208  - 69 new   


Levels of Community Transmission:
based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 161,789 -  256 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 8,751 -   17 new  
  • Total deaths 2,079 -  9 new   
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 39,918  -  77 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 1,855  -   2 new    
  • Total deaths 514  -   0 new
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,536 - 3 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 246 -   -1 new   
  • Total deaths 112 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL 

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 539 - 0 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 22 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: MODERATE

Read more...

Case updates November 22, 2021 - Lake Forest Park transmission rate drops to Moderate for the first time

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Delta variant
Booster shots have been approved for all. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic. 

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States  

  • Total cases 47,813,785 - 162,204 new     
  • Total deaths 772,180 - 1,230  new   

Washington state

  • Total confirmed cases 674,917  - 819 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 42,433  - 63 new     
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 19.2%
  • Total deaths 9,177  - 38 new   


Levels of Community Transmission:
based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 161,633 -  100 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 8,743 -   9 new  
  • Total deaths 2,076 -  6 new   
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 39,864  -  23 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 1,855  -   2 new    
  • Total deaths 514  -   0 new
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,533 - 0 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 246 -   -1 new   
  • Total deaths 112 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL 

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 539 - 0 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 22 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: MODERATE


Read more...

Case updates November 21, 2021 - High transmission rate in Shoreline

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Delta variant
Booster shots have been approved for all. Contact your local pharmacy or clinic. 

COVID-19 Updates 

 

United States - two days' worth

  • Total cases 47,649,145 - 177,886 new     
  • Total deaths 770,890 - 2,271  new   

Washington state

  • Total confirmed cases 674,098  - 3,446 new     
  • Total hospitalizations 42,370  - 283 new     
  • Statewide ICU occupancy by COVID-19 patients - 18.7%
  • Total deaths 9,139  - 29 new   


Levels of Community Transmission:
based on the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days:

High: ≥ 100
Substantial: 50-99
Moderate: 10-49
Low: < 10

King county 
  • Total confirmed cases 161,533 -  679 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 8,734 -   35 new  
  • Total deaths 2,070 -  4 new   
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Seattle 
  • Total confirmed cases 39,841  -  220 new  
  • Total hospitalizations 1,853  -   6 new    
  • Total deaths 514  -   2 new
  • Level of community transmission SUBSTANTIAL  

Shoreline  
  • Total confirmed cases 3,533 - 21 new    
  • Total hospitalizations 247 -   1 new   
  • Total deaths 112 - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: HIGH  

Lake Forest Park 
  • Total confirmed cases 539 - 1 new   
  • Total hospitalizations 22 -    0 new
  • Total deaths 5  - 0 new
  • Level of community transmission: SUBSTANTIAL


Read more...
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