Opinion

Comment: We can’t just normalize covid; the NBA shows why

In its connections and responsibilities, pro basketball is like society and can’t risk ignoring omicron.

Opinion

Comment: Best-case scenario for omicron will still be bad

We know it spreads much quicker than delta; what we don’t know yet is how deadly it is…

Northwest

Delta still dominant COVID strain in WA, but officials worry

At least 400 cases of the omnicron variant have been confirmed in Washington as of Tuesday.

Opinion

Comment: Are covid-19 vaccines ready to take on omicron?

An epidemiologist answers questions about vaccines and the variant. Bottom line: Vaccines and boosters work.

FILE - Travelers wear masks as they wait in a line for a TSA security check, Dec. 10, 2021, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle. President Joe Biden on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, will sign an executive order aimed at saving Americans time and frustration when seeking a broad array of federal services, like renewing passports, applying for Social Security benefits and getting aid after natural disasters. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Opinion

Viewpoints: Rapid covid tests should be part of holiday plans

As families gather, quick home tests for covid can help protect your health and that of others.

Opinion

Comment: Omicron surging just as we’ve tired of precautions

The Northeast has seen rapid spread of the variant, raising concerns for holiday gatherings in the U.S.

FILE - Six-year-old Eric Aviles receives the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from pharmacist Sylvia Uong at a pediatric vaccine clinic for children ages 5 to 11 set up at Willard Intermediate School in Santa Ana, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. In a statement Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, California's public health officer, Dr. Tomas J. Aragon, said that officials are monitoring the Omicron variant. There are no reports to date of the variant in California, the statement said. Aragon said the state was focusing on ensuring its residents have access to vaccines and booster shots. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Opinion

Viewpoints: Countering viral misinformation on kids’ vaccines

Social media is rife with misinformation. Here’s how parents can make sure they are well informed.

Snohomish Health District leading officer, Dr. Chris Spitters, is stepping down after 24 years.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Local News

COVID: An ‘exclamation mark’ to his long public-health career

“Going since I was 21,” departing health officer Dr. Chris Spitters will shepherd the county through the pandemic…

Washington Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, talks to reporters, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. Ericksen, who is currently serving as both a state senator and a member of President Donald Trump's transition team, said that the Republican majority in the state Senate can rely on him, and that he's able to do both jobs. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Northwest

State Sen. Doug Ericksen dies after COVID battle

Washington Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, died Friday after contracting coronavirus weeks ago.

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)

Local News

Fast-spreading omicron found in Snohomish County

The county’s top health official said omicron would likely overtake the delta variant in the next month or…

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)

Northwest

Boeing drops vaccine mandate for U.S. employees

About 10,000 unvaccinated workers had been under the threat of possible termination.

Wrestlers compete in the 2020 Mat Classic state tournament. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Sports

State sets new COVID testing requirements for prep sports

All athletes in high-contact indoor sports must get tested at least 3 times per week, the DOH said.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Carlos Dunlap is pictured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, in Seattle. The Rams won 26-17. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Sports

Seahawks-Rams games pushed to Tuesday due to COVID issues

The game was originally scheduled for Sunday, but L.A. has placed 29 players on the COVID-19 reserve list…

Image of original SARS CoV-2 strain. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Northwest

Omicron variant spreading fast in Washington state

Researchers at the University of Washington Medicine lab are finding cases doubling every day.

Trying to get the upper hand, Edmonds-Woodway's Ethan Nguyen, left, battles North Central's Steven Zaragoza. Hguyen lost 11-2 in their championship match at Mat Classic XXXII in the Tacoma Dome on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 in Tacoma, Wash. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)

Sports

Prep wrestling tournaments linked to dozens of COVID cases

Nine school districts in Washington have been linked to 33 cases from Snohomish County.

Opinion

Comment: Yes to boosters, but no to mandating them

There’s little evidence boosters will reduce severe illness and hospitalizations. Focus on the unvaccinated.

Public Health Essentials! (Snohomish Health District)

Local News

COVID vaccine is a game-changer for keeping our kids healthy

Public Health Essentials! A blog by the Snohomish Health District.

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)

Local News

Chris Spitters, Snohomish County’s chief health officer, to step down

The physician who has been the official voice of the pandemic here says his departure is not work-related.

Northwest

State officials confirm first 3 cases of omicron variant

The cases were found in Thurston, Pierce and King counties, according to the state Department of Health.

Robert J. Sutherland (Washington State House Republicans)

Opinion

Editorial: State House covid rules won’t exclude GOP lawmakers

A requirement for vaccination only means those unvaccinated will have to attend sessions remotely.