Coronavirus

Photos by Olivia Sullivan/Sound Publishing

Washington’s COVID-19 state of emergency to end Oct. 31

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the order will end nearly three years after he first issued it.

 

Rep. Robert Sutherland at a "March For Our Rights" rally in Olympia in 2019. (Washington State House Republicans)

Judge dismisses GOP lawmakers’ challenge of House vax rule

Rep. Robert Sutherland and five colleagues fought a requirement barring access to the House floor unless vaccinated

  • Jul 11, 2022
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com
  • NewsCoronavirus

 

A KN95 mask. (Wikimedia Commons)

Inslee changes end of mask mandate to March 12

King County’s indoor mandate will end at the same time.

 

Screenshot of Gov. Jay Inslee’s news conference from Feb. 17, 2022.

Governor: Masks can come off March 21 in most public settings

They’ll still be required in some places, but Washington is following several other states now lifting mandates.

Screenshot of Gov. Jay Inslee’s news conference from Feb. 17, 2022.
A protective mask hanging on a front door. (Sound Publishing file photo)

Inslee: Mask mandate is going away, but not quite yet

Governor said he’ll say exactly when next week. Meanwhile, a pause on elective surgeries will end Feb. 17.

  • Feb 10, 2022
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com
  • NewsCoronavirus
A protective mask hanging on a front door. (Sound Publishing file photo)
During a news conference Thursday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee explains the deployment of the National Guard to hospitals to assist with the coronavirus surge. (TVW) 20220113

Surgeries paused, National Guard deployed to assist hospitals

King County health officials say 1 in 7 ICU and acute-care hospital beds are occupied by a COVID patient.

  • Jan 13, 2022
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com and Claudia Yaw cyaw@soundpublishing.com
  • NewsNorthwestCoronavirus
During a news conference Thursday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee explains the deployment of the National Guard to hospitals to assist with the coronavirus surge. (TVW) 20220113
Geographic dispersion of Washington State Patrol commissioned personnel who lost their jobs Oct. 18. (Washington State Patrol)

Rather than get vaccine, nearly 1,900 state workers lose jobs

Exactly how many people will be out of work for ignoring Gov. Jay Inslee’s vaccine mandate isn’t known yet. But it became a lot clearer… Continue reading

Geographic dispersion of Washington State Patrol commissioned personnel who lost their jobs Oct. 18. (Washington State Patrol)
Vaccinations taking place. File photo

Inslee: No ‘massive disruptions’ as worker vax rates hit 90%

A surge in vaccinations has eased concern about service slowdowns ahead of a Monday deadline.

Vaccinations taking place. File photo
Gov. Jay Inslee talks about schools reopening during a past news conference. (Screenshot courtesy of TVW)

Masks required at big outdoor events; vaccine mandates expanded

Governor’s mask order takes effect Sept. 13.

  • Sep 9, 2021
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com and Joseph Thompson jthompson@soundpublishing.com
  • NewsNorthwestCoronavirus
Gov. Jay Inslee talks about schools reopening during a past news conference. (Screenshot courtesy of TVW)
People hold up signs in protest of Gov. Jay Inslee’s latest proclamations during a Rally for Medical Freedom on Aug. 25 in Buckley. Photo by Alex Bruell/Sound Publishing

State workers get incentive to comply with vaccine mandate

An agreement between the state and their union also provides for some leeway in meeting the deadline.

People hold up signs in protest of Gov. Jay Inslee’s latest proclamations during a Rally for Medical Freedom on Aug. 25 in Buckley. Photo by Alex Bruell/Sound Publishing
Providence employees look at anti-vaccine mandate protesters as they cross the street outside of Providence Regional Medical Center Everett on Aug. 18, 2021. Olivia Vanni/Sound Publishing

Governor reinstates indoor mask rule, whether you’re vaxed or not

Inslee also ordered employees of public schools, colleges and child care centers to get vaccinated.

  • Aug 18, 2021
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com and Joseph Thompson jthompson@soundpublishing.com
  • NewsNorthwestCoronavirus
Providence employees look at anti-vaccine mandate protesters as they cross the street outside of Providence Regional Medical Center Everett on Aug. 18, 2021. Olivia Vanni/Sound Publishing
Gov. Jay Inslee (center) speaks about getting vaccinated during his visit to the Auburn vaccine clinic on June 22, 2021. Photo by Henry Stewart-Wood/Sound Publishing

Governor will require state employees to get COVID vaccine

Workers must do so by mid-October to keep their jobs. The order also covers long-term care providers.

Gov. Jay Inslee (center) speaks about getting vaccinated during his visit to the Auburn vaccine clinic on June 22, 2021. Photo by Henry Stewart-Wood/Sound Publishing
Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Editorial: Lifting restrictions doen’t mean pandemic is over

We have work to do to increase the number of vaccinations.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Federal Way residents Kevin Jochim, left, and Steve Reichel enjoy drinks on the new patio area at JP’s Tavern on Aug. 5, 2020. Restaurants and bars embraced outdoor seating during the pandemic. File photo

Governor lifts restrictions, but health officials warn the pandemic is not over

As of June 30, bar-goers are able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and diners can sit at restaurant tables that have long been vacant to reduce capacity… Continue reading

  • Jun 30, 2021
  • By Jerry Cornfield jcornfield@soundpublishing.com and Joseph Thompson jthompson@soundpublishing.com
  • NewsCoronavirus
Federal Way residents Kevin Jochim, left, and Steve Reichel enjoy drinks on the new patio area at JP’s Tavern on Aug. 5, 2020. Restaurants and bars embraced outdoor seating during the pandemic. File photo
Gov. Jay Inslee waves during his Thursday morning press conference on extending protections for renters. (TVW)

Governor extends some protections for Washington renters

Under a new order, landlords can only evict a tenant if they refuse to seek help through a relief program.

Gov. Jay Inslee waves during his Thursday morning press conference on extending protections for renters. (TVW)
Courtesy image

As vax rates ease in WA, here come the prizes — including $1 million

Incentives range from big cash drawings to sports tickets and tuition. Drawings start next week.

Courtesy image
Jackie Hoernor winces as she gets her Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination during a Walgreen’s Vaccine Clinic at South Pointe on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Everett, Washington. (Sound Publishing file photo)

Washington no longer on pace to beat June 30 vaccine goal

Reaching 70% of adults with at least one shot would trigger the state to drop most COVID-19 restrictions.

Jackie Hoernor winces as she gets her Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination during a Walgreen’s Vaccine Clinic at South Pointe on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, in Everett, Washington. (Sound Publishing file photo)
Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Editorial: Parents have decision to make on vaccinating kids

With one vaccine now approved for kids 12 and older, parents shouldn’t wait for a school requirement.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers
Courtesy of the Washington State Department of Health

Inslee sets June 30 target for Washington to fully reopen

Meanwhile, fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks in most places, the federal CDC said.

Courtesy of the Washington State Department of Health
Public Health – Seattle & King County staff administering COVID-19 vaccine to a local emergency responder. COURTESY PHOTO, Public Health-Seattle & King County

Starting April 15, everyone 16 and older is eligible for a vaccine

Gov. Inslee said an expected increase in vaccine supply enables the state to open eligibility.

Public Health – Seattle & King County staff administering COVID-19 vaccine to a local emergency responder. COURTESY PHOTO, Public Health-Seattle & King County
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