We’re no longer talking about whether to lock down to fight the COVID-19 outbreak; that ship has sailed. Now we’re discussing how long we need to sustain the lockdown, and when we might get to see our friends, co-workers and family again. Five newly-released research and study papers provide important insights into the answer.
Continue readingTag: COVID-19
Two off-the-beaten-path research papers on the coronavirus, with interesting results
There have been a flood of research papers released in the last few days related to coronavirus as the world’s researchers try to understand where this virus came from and what it does. Much of the work is either clinical to understand how to properly diagnose and treat patients, or epidemiological to understand (and hopefully control) how it spreads. But there are many other research teams exploring other aspects of the coronavirus; here are two such examples, with interesting results. One looks at whether there is reason to believe that at least some COVID patients lose their sense of smell; …
Continue readingThe latest research on coronavirus transmission in King County is a much-needed sign of hope
Earlier this week the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) released a pair of research papers (here and here) looking at the transmission rate of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in King County. It provides hopeful news for the effectiveness of the social-distancing methods being used to try to slow the spread, and it also suggests some new ways to predict how we’re doing.
Continue readingMorales, Sawant lobby for suspension of rent and mortgage payments
In order to help people stay housed during the economic chaos caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, Council members Morales and Sawant are urging state and federal officials to suspend rent and mortgage payments with no accumulation of back-rent or debt. But there’s a snag.
Continue readingGovernor rewrites Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act for duration of COVID emergency
Yesterday Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation that temporarily suspends several of the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act until April 23 — though practically speaking, until the end of the COVID-19 crisis. The changes are allowances for the fact that most government employees are telecommuting, and many legislative bodies (including the Seattle City Council) are holding their public meetings by conference call.
Continue readingCouncil passes pair of COVID relief bills
In a special meeting today, the City Council passed two bills to provide additional relief for impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Continue readingNew coronavirus research sheds light on outcomes for patients, effectiveness of efforts to slow spread
Over the weekend, a research group led by a team at Imperial College in the UK published a paper looking at the effectiveness of various efforts taken by governments to stem the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. It has been credited with convincing UK and US government officials to get serious about moving quickly and decisively — but it also points to the rough road ahead of us.
Continue readingMayor to issue emergency order blocking evictions for nonprofits and small businesses
Tomorrow morning, Mayor Durkan is expected to sign an emergency order prohibiting the eviction of small businesses and non-profits during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Continue readingA trio of COVID-19 response announcements from the city (UPDATED 3/18)
Today the City of Seattle made three separate announcements of actions it is taking as part of its response to the COVID-19 outbreak. (UPDATE 3/18 — see below on encampment cleanups)
Continue readingSeattle Municipal Court, City Attorney’s Office closed due to COVID-19 exposure
Both the Seattle Municipal Court and The Seattle City Attorney’s Office announced today that they will be closed to business March 16 through 20 due to employees testing positive for COVID-19.
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