Category: Coronavirus
States Embrace Vaccine Mandates Despite Potential Worker Exodus
Washington state’s mandate, issued last month by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, covers more than 800,000 workers. And unlike the economy-wide mandate announced by Biden last week, it doesn’t allow employees to submit to weekly testing instead of getting a vaccine.
Over-the-counter rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 can help slow the spread of the delta variant – here’s when to use them
Rapid antigen testing makes it much easier to get tested for COVID-19, which helps detect infectious cases before they spread. But many people are still unsure of how best to use these tests and whether they are accurate enough to be useful.
In-Person Workers Are Slow to Return to Jobs, Data Shows
Many of the historically high job openings reflect a rapid need for jobs that must be done in person, including hospitality but also manufacturing, construction and health care.
Are stadiums safe?
With COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths soaring from the delta variant, many fans are wondering if it is wise to crowd into the stands.
King County to require masks at large outdoor gatherings
This requirement applies to all people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, 5 years of age and older.
Concert Venues Are Banking on Proof of Vaccines or Negative Tests to Woo Back Fans
After more than a year without live music, promoters, bands and fans are eager to keep the concerts going, but uncertainty remains over whether the vaccine or negative-test requirements actually make large concerts safe even if held outdoors.
Ivermectin should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19, health officials warn
Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, is ineffective against the COVID-19 virus and its side effects can be dangerous.
The Pandemic Has Devastated the Mental Health of Public Health Workers
Public health workers have been vilified by a portion of the public and attacked by some political leaders and media figures.
COVID-19 transmission and hospitalizations at a new all-time high in Washington state
COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions in Washington state have reached their highest levels to-date, Washington State Department of Health officials said in a statement Thursday.
You’ve Been Vaccinated. Now Prove It.
Vaccine ‘passport’ requirements come with logistical challenges, such as adding staff to entrances, as well as privacy and fraud concerns about how information is stored and shared. That’s in addition to widespread opposition, especially in conservative areas, to any vaccine mandates
Washington to require vaccines for educators and issues statewide indoor mask mandate
K -12 educators, school staff, coaches, bus drivers, school volunteers and others working in school facilities will have until October 18 to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment.
Deciphering the symptoms of long COVID-19 is slow and painstaking – for both sufferers and their physicians
Long COVID-19 often involves a constellation of symptoms affecting many parts of the body, but the most commonly reported are fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pains, cognitive changes, headaches, sensory changes and pain.
Rush to Boosters Sparks Confusion, Differing Recommendations
So what do we know about whether healthy, fully vaccinated people should get a booster? Here are answers to seven key questions.
How schools can reopen safely — a UW epidemiologist explains what works and what’s not worth the effort.
Vaccines and masking work well for preventing COVID-19 outbreaks in schools, but other strategies like plexiglass barriers and temperature checks are probably not worth the effort.