Opinion
Comment: It’s already too late for travel bans to stop omicron
While they have been effective for some countries, they were part of a broader strategy of measures.
Local News
With omicron likely to appear here, officials urge boosters
Washington’s state epidemiologist said it could be weeks before we know more about the new coronavirus variant.
Northwest
COVID vaccine verification digital record offered in Washington
WA Verify generates a QR code that can be scanned to show that a person is fully vaccinated.
Opinion
Comment: With omicron lurking, retailers should seek mandate
They fear workers will quit, but they’re more likely to lose workers and customers to a covid surge.
Opinion
Harrop: There is a fix for stupid, at least concerning covid
How much sympathy are we to muster for those who die after campaigning against covid vaccines?
Opinion
Comment: Omicron met quickly with transparency and caution
Countries reacted quickly. The best advice now is to keep calm and continue vaccination efforts.
Opinion
Comment: World has given covid variants room to get deadlier
Low rates of vaccination mean the virus has billions of people in which to develop new mutations.
Local News
A pandemic playbook, used nationally, was made in Snohomish County
South County Fire helped transport “patient zero.” Their COVID manual has helped departments far and wide.
Local News
Another outbreak sends 60 to isolation at Monroe prison unit
One worker and one prisoner tested positive Monday. Then more cases were found throughout the Twin Rivers Unit.
Northwest
Granite Falls representative joins lawsuit over House vax rule
Rep. Robert Sutherland objects to the COVID-19 vaccine because he had a severe reaction to a flu shot.
Local News
Thanks to vaccines, Thanksgiving 2021 is closer to normal
Last year, we were told to stick to immediate households. This year’s holiday is cautiously more open.
Northwest
COVID hits communities of color harder, state report says
Hispanics comprise 13% of the state’s population. They’ve accounted for 26% of COVID cases and 19% of hospitalizations.
Opinion
Comment: Inconsisten mask policies aren’t helping anyone
Some in the nation’s capital say a confusing policy has shifted the policing burden to employees.
Opinion
Comment: Exceptions may be key to kids’ covid vaccine mandate
Advocates for California’s polio vaccine mandate had to agree to exemptions to get it passed in 1961.
Local News
Shelters, child care in Franklin’s plan for $20.6M of federal relief
The Everett mayor called for a dramatic increase in shelter funding via the American Rescue Plan Act.
Opinion
Comment: Watching kids play convinced mom on vaccination
Parents hesitant about the vaccine will need information and the promise of days with fewer worries.
Opinion
Comment: Cops who don’t vaccinate betray their oath to protect
Policing is dangerous work, and covid-19 has killed far more officers in the last two years than firearms.
Local News
Many public school employees are exempt from getting vaccine
Districts gave exemptions to hundreds with sincerely held religious beliefs ahead of last month’s deadline.
Local News
Big demand for appointments as kids begin to get vaccinated
County and state health officials say parents should be patient and keep looking for open slots.
Northwest
King County judge upholds Port of Seattle’s vaccine mandate
Judge Samuel Chung has upheld a mandate for all Port of Seattle employees to be vaccinated by Nov.…