People arrive to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine during the opening day of the Community Vaccination Site, a collaboration between the City of Seattle, First & Goal Inc., and the Swedish Health Services at the Lumen Field Event Center in Seattle, Washington on March 13. , 2021. (Photo by Jason Redmond / AFP) (Photo by JASON REDMOND / AFP via Getty Images)
While cases in long-term care facilities in King County are declining, Dr. Jeff Duchin, public health officer – Seattle and King County, says they are seeing increases elsewhere.
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Duchin explained in his weekly speech on Friday that cases in childcare and K-12 schools in January had increased to less than 2% in the past three weeks.
“We’ve also seen eight outbreaks related to youth sports leagues over the past eight weeks,” he said, adding that the teams took precautions during matches and practices.
However, there were risks and opportunities for transfer during travel to and from games, practices and tournaments, and during communal meals and socializing that took place before and after.
Duchin said they also see outbreaks related to non-health care institutions.
“Over the past eight weeks, there has been a 16% increase in outbreaks at non-healthcare work centers, and that includes manufacturing, retail, delivery, hospitality and other businesses,” he said.
Duchin said nearly 40% of cases went to work in the past month. It rose 30% in January.
There is also an increase in cases related to social and community events.
“Nearly 30% of cases reported attending family visits, group meals, parties and weddings during their exposure period,” Duchin said. “It is 10% higher than 20% in January.”
About 11% of the reported cases attended pubs and restaurants, which is 5% higher than in January. Ten percent of the cases reported that they visited retail businesses, which is also higher than 5% in January.
Duchin said the number of travel-related cases has doubled in the past four weeks – 4-6% in January to 8-11% currently. This includes people returning after the spring break.
Although travel is not recommended, Duchin reminds people to be tested 3-5 days in advance of your return and to avoid other people 7 days thereafter. If you are not tested, you must quarantine it for ten days.
Duchin said to remember that about 30% of cases do not contact someone who has COVID-19, and spread to 50% of cases before people report symptoms or know they are ill.
“It’s important to be vigilant and take precautions,” Duchin said.