Updated news about the coronavirus pandemic in Seattle and Washington state.
According to data from King County and Washington state departments of health, as of Friday, February 11, 2022:
- 790 new cases since Thursday in King County. That’s a 36% decrease over the last seven days. An average of 1,378 new cases are emerging each day.
- 41 new hospitalizations since Thursday in King County. That’s a 30% decrease over the past seven days.
- 6% decrease in deaths over the past two weeks, with eight people dying every day in King County. The county reports 14 new deaths since Thursday.
- 78.5% of King County residents are fully vaccinated.
- 11,194 Covid-19 related deaths across Washington state; 1% death rate since the beginning of the pandemic.
Seattle’s eviction moratorium will end February 28
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Friday that the city’s eviction moratorium will not last past February.
The eviction moratorium was first implemented under Mayor Jenny Durkan in 2020. It was initially set to expire within a matter of months, but has consistently been extended as the pandemic continued to impose financial hardships. It allowed tenants to stay in their homes despite being late on rent while the pandemic disrupted work and steady paychecks.
The latest expiration date for the eviction moratorium was set for February 14. Mayor Harrell signed a new executive order that extends the moratorium through the end of February. But after that, he says, it will expire.
“With Covid cases steadily declining, the time has come for the City to move on from the broad approach of the eviction moratoria and instead drive more deliberate and focused efforts to support those most in need,” Harrell said in a statement. “In addition to distribution of all available emergency rental assistance, truly vulnerable tenants – those still suffering significant pandemic-related financial hardships – will continue to have enhanced eviction protections, while at the same time small landlords have needed clarity as they evaluate how to move forward.”
Harrell also said that the city will continue to help those in need. He has directed the the city’s Office of Housing to distribute more than $25 million to support renters and small landlords. The funding will be provided through King County. The city is also developing a new website for renters and landlords to find financial help and information.
— Dyer Oxley, KUOW
Child dies of Covid in Pierce County
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reports that the first child in the county has died of Covid.
A girl under the age of 10 from Lakewood, with multiple underlying health conditions, passed away on Jan. 30. It marks the first person under 18 who has died from Covid in the county.
“This sad news of this young girl’s death reminds us that we need to use all the best public health practices to protect each other from Covid-19,“ said Director of Health Dr. Anthony L-T Chen. “Covid-19 will continue to be with us for some time. Making healthy choices and getting vaccinated are the best ways to help our community recover.”
While children are generally at less risk of severe disease from Covid, the virus can still affect them. Pierce County health officials note that, while kids 5 and older are eligible to get a vaccine, ages 5-11 are the least vaccinated group in the county, with 19% being fully vaccinated.
— Dyer Oxley, KUOW
