Coronavirus outbreak

Students load onto the 116 Community Transit bus after school on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in front of Edmonds-Woodway High School in Edmonds, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Community Transit drops employee COVID vaccine requirement

After a year with it in place and three years after the first known U.S. COVID case, the CEO announced the change.

 

The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)

State to lift mask mandate for health care facilities April 3

The Department of Health will also end requirement for face coverings in long-term care settings and correctional facilities.

 

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5 things to watch in Snohomish County as COVID public emergency ends

Snohomish County health care leaders shared what they’re concerned about when the federal emergency expires May 11.

 

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Washington state Gov. Inslee tests positive for COVID-19

“Once again I am very appreciative to be vaccinated and boosted,” Inslee said in the statement.

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Comment: FDA should fix its ‘one-size-fits-all’ booster advice

For older at-risk adults, more frequent covid boosters may be necessary, but others should wait longer.

James Lewis

COVID still ‘simmering’ in the county, while booster uptake remains low

Meanwhile, flu and RSV cases have plummeted, suggesting the “tripledemic” could — emphasis on “could” — be fading.

James Lewis

Comment: Before you gather, you, guests should test for covid

If used properly, the tests can be key in preventing your party from becoming a superspreader event.

Comment: Fighting anti-vax misinformation still worth effort

‘Excess’ deaths from covid are occuring in areas with the lowest rates of vaccination.

The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)

Health officials urge mask-wearing as viruses rise statewide

An “unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses” spurred a joint statement from dozens of county medical leaders.

The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)
David Peterson, right, and Evan Merritt. (Jacqueline Allison / The Daily Herald)

Unvaccinated firefighters put on unpaid leave sue to recoup back pay

Eight Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue firefighters contend unpaid leave was not legal. Six of them are back at work

David Peterson, right, and Evan Merritt. (Jacqueline Allison / The Daily Herald)
Eric Wilkinson, a Community Transit driver of 17 years, departs from Seaway Transit Center in an empty 280 bus Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Everett, Washington. Wilkinson said he usually has about 5 passengers from Boeing on the bus to Granite Falls, but had none Friday because Boeing was closed for the holiday weekend. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Driver shortage prompts Community Transit’s trip cut proposal

Reducing service, by 78 trips total on 9 routes, could make for more reliable arrivals and departures in March.

Eric Wilkinson, a Community Transit driver of 17 years, departs from Seaway Transit Center in an empty 280 bus Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, in Everett, Washington. Wilkinson said he usually has about 5 passengers from Boeing on the bus to Granite Falls, but had none Friday because Boeing was closed for the holiday weekend. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Trevor Gjendem addresses a gathering a hospital staff members, supporters and elected officials Wednesday afternoon in Everett, Washington on August 24, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Everett, county councils express ‘disappointment’ in letter to Providence

Earlier this month a patient died in the Everett hospital’s lobby. Nurses have spoken about work conditions for months.

Trevor Gjendem addresses a gathering a hospital staff members, supporters and elected officials Wednesday afternoon in Everett, Washington on August 24, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
People hold signs in protest of the vaccine mandate after Boeing announced it would terminate workers who do not comply on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

No trick. Gov. Inslee ends his COVID-19 state of emergency

The Democratic governor issued the order when the pandemic began. 14,550 people have died from COVID in the state so far.

People hold signs in protest of the vaccine mandate after Boeing announced it would terminate workers who do not comply on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 in Everett, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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Seattle to end COVID-19 emergency proclamation

Policies linked to the order including premium pay for food delivery and network gig workers will end Nov. 1.

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Everett resident Shon Grimes receives a flu shot from pharmacist Nisha Mathew at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Fall brings concerns of a ‘twindemic’ of flu, COVID

Flu season is here. COVID never left. Officials say it’s time for people to get shots.

Everett resident Shon Grimes receives a flu shot from pharmacist Nisha Mathew at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Comment: Here’s who should be first up for covid’s new booster

Those over 65, those with health problems and those not boosted in the last six months should get their jabs.

Comment: Declaring an ‘end’ to pandemics often prolongs them

While the worst may be past, history shows that such declarations limit still necessary public health efforts.

Seth McCoard, of Townshend, Vt., gets a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot during a vaccine clinic held by Rescue Inc. at Leland & Gray Middle and High School, in Townshend, Vt., on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)

Comment: Is covid-19 pandemic over? The answer is yes, but …

A health expert, an economist and an education professor walk into the question of where covid has left us.

Seth McCoard, of Townshend, Vt., gets a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot during a vaccine clinic held by Rescue Inc. at Leland & Gray Middle and High School, in Townshend, Vt., on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. (Kristopher Radder/The Brattleboro Reformer via AP)
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COVID, monkeypox levels down

State says prevention efforts will continue.

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