Joseph Thompson

A protective mask hanging on a front door. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210528

Washington is nearing the 70% mark of adults with one shot

When the state hits the milestone, Gov. Inslee has said, he will drop most of the state’s COVID restrictions.

A protective mask hanging on a front door. (Chuck Taylor / The Herald) 20210528
The Funko Field sign displays the phrase, "stay home stay safe stay strong!" on Friday, April 3, 2020 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

AquaSox to host vaccination clinic next week at Funko Field

Snohomish County’s task force is shifting focus from mass vaccination sites to pop-up clinics.

The Funko Field sign displays the phrase, "stay home stay safe stay strong!" on Friday, April 3, 2020 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

When businesses break COVID rules, many warnings, few fines

Nearly 60 businesses and organizations have generated complaints to the Snohomish Health District in 2021.

Election thing

Candidate filings start Snohomish County’s election season

More than 300 locals this week formalized their bids for elected office.

Election thing

As cases decline, newly eligible people urged to get vaccine

At this rate, the state could reopen before June 30. But a return to pre-pandemic life requires more immunizations.

Dr Chris Spitters (center), Interim Health Officer, makes makes his address Monday evening during a Special Meeting of the Snohomish Health District Board of Health at the Administration Builiding in Everett on March 2, 2020.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Fueled by vaccines, a return to normal is getting closer

Fully vaccinated Washingtonians can enjoy a renewed sense of freedom, public health experts say.

Dr Chris Spitters (center), Interim Health Officer, makes makes his address Monday evening during a Special Meeting of the Snohomish Health District Board of Health at the Administration Builiding in Everett on March 2, 2020.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Two E. Coli cases in Snohomish County; one child hospitalized

Authorities linked the cases to an outbreak in King County, possibly stemming from fresh produce.

Snohomish County Health District building on Rucker Ave in Everett. (Sue Misao / Herald file)

Snohomish County expected to stay in Phase 3, officials say

County Executive Dave Somers expects the governor to extend a freeze in status if cases continue to be flat.

Snohomish County Health District building on Rucker Ave in Everett. (Sue Misao / Herald file)
Supporters march Wednesday afternoon across from Providence Medical Center in Everett on May 5, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Nurses picket Providence, claiming low wages, fewer benefits

Talks between the Everett hospitals and UFCW 21, representing 1,700 nurses, have been underway since October.

Supporters march Wednesday afternoon across from Providence Medical Center in Everett on May 5, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health District building on Rucker Avenue in Everett. (Sue Misao  / The Herald) 210427

Vaccinated seniors are largely missing COVID’s fourth wave

The high level of protection for seniors is proof that vaccines work, health experts say.

Snohomish County Health District building on Rucker Avenue in Everett. (Sue Misao  / The Herald) 210427

Painted swastikas reported in Edmonds, Tulalip

County leaders commended the residents who reported both sets of graffiti, which have been removed.

Breanna Schalamon take Joel Childs' orders Tuesday afternoon at Oxford Saloon in Snohomish on May 4, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Inslee orders two-week pause on counties sliding back phases

Snohomish County, and much of Washington, had braced for reversion to Phase 2 of reopening plan

Breanna Schalamon take Joel Childs' orders Tuesday afternoon at Oxford Saloon in Snohomish on May 4, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
A large waiting area for people after receiving their vaccinations at Angel of the Winds Arena on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Snohomish County almost certain to fall back to Phase 2

Public health officials are pleading with unvaccinated Washingtonians to get their shots.

A large waiting area for people after receiving their vaccinations at Angel of the Winds Arena on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
An abandoned face mask rests on the sidewalk along Hewitt Avenue in downtown Everett on April 15. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Snohomish County on verge of slipping back to Phase 2

Meanwhile, the county is altering its vaccination effort as demand for shots begins to slow.

An abandoned face mask rests on the sidewalk along Hewitt Avenue in downtown Everett on April 15. (Sue Misao / The Herald)
Herald reporter Joseph Thompson gets his first shot of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the Ash Way Park-n-Ride site on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in Lynnwood, Washington.  (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

1 in 3 Snohomish County adults now fully vaccinated

It’s easier than ever to get a dose as demand for vaccines begins to slow across Washington.

Herald reporter Joseph Thompson gets his first shot of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the Ash Way Park-n-Ride site on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in Lynnwood, Washington.  (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
A box of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is shown in a refrigerator at the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Toppenish, Wash., Thursday, March 25, 2021. Oregon health officials said Thursday, April 22, 2021, that federal officials are investigating the death of a woman in her 50s who developed a rare blood clot and low platelets within two weeks of receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Federal agencies end 11-day pause of Johnson Johnson vaccine

The shot’s benefits outweigh the risk of rare but serious blood clots, health officials said.

A box of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is shown in a refrigerator at the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Toppenish, Wash., Thursday, March 25, 2021. Oregon health officials said Thursday, April 22, 2021, that federal officials are investigating the death of a woman in her 50s who developed a rare blood clot and low platelets within two weeks of receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Gov. Jay Inslee speaks with Marysville firefighters Luis Cruz, left, and Chris Brunett, right, about being vaccinators at the mass COVID-19 vaccination site on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in Arlington, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Snohomish County could fall back to Phase 2, officials warn

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise as more-contagious variants spread here.

Gov. Jay Inslee speaks with Marysville firefighters Luis Cruz, left, and Chris Brunett, right, about being vaccinators at the mass COVID-19 vaccination site on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 in Arlington, Wash. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Exterior of the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Marysville, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Tulalip Tribes reach deal with state on sports betting

If all goes to plan, the tribes could get federal approval for sports books at two casinos by the fall.

Exterior of the new Quil Ceda Creek Casino on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2020 in Marysville, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

As eligibility expands, 4,700 flock to local vaccine clinics

It might be difficult to secure a dose right away in Snohomish County, but keep trying, officials say.

People on jet skis and boats drive past the Hannah Marie, formerly called the Midas, that was run aground along the banks of the Snohomish River on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Everett couple writes check to clean up the Snohomish River

Phil and Kelly Johnson have donated $50,000 to the county project that removes derelict vessels.

People on jet skis and boats drive past the Hannah Marie, formerly called the Midas, that was run aground along the banks of the Snohomish River on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)