SPS reports more COVID cases in past 2 weeks than across entire pandemic
Seattle Public Schools reported more COVID-19 infections in the past two weeks than in the entirety of the pandemic.
Omicron vs. delta: Study examines difference between two coronavirus variant symptoms
The differences between omicron and delta variant symptoms were analyzed as part of a COVD-19 infection survey.
As omicron spreads, businesses voluntarily increase COVID precautions
As the omicron variant spreads more and more businesses are implementing their own safety precautions, including requirements for proof of vaccination.
Student-led walkout calls for increased COVID-19 safety measures in Seattle schools
Students in Seattle joined others across the country participating in "sickouts" and "walkouts" to demonstrate their call for increased COVID-19 safety measures in schools.
Pfizer: Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine human trials to begin late January
Pfizer confirmed it plans to start human trials of its omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine later this month, potentially making it available to the public as soon as March.
Alaska Airlines reduces January flights by about 10% as omicron cases surge
Alaska Airlines said Thursday it will trim its schedule by about 10% for the rest of January as it deals with "unprecedented" numbers of employees calling in sick during the current COVID-19 surge.
Record weekly COVID-19 cases reported worldwide but fewer deaths, WHO says
The World Health Organization noted a 71% increase from the previous 7-day period that the U.N. health agency likened to a “tsunami.”
Seattle University extends remote learning through Jan. 30
Seattle University announced that winter quarter will be virtual throughout the month of January in response to the rapid spread of the omicron variant.
New COVID quarantine and isolation site opens in Auburn as cases rise
King County's Department of Community and Human Services opened a temporary quarantine and isolation site in Auburn as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
UW reduces capacity at COVID-19 test sites, reserved only for those with symptoms or exposure
Just as COVID-19 Omicron variant cases surge in western Washington, there will soon be fewer testing options available to the public.
Temporary site opens in Puyallup to help increase COVID-19 testing availability
A new drive-thru COVID-19 test site opened Monday at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. The location’s first day saw a full parking lot hours before it opened.
Some COVID testing sites close Monday due to full capacity
Some COVID-19 testing sites in western Washington have closed for the day on Monday after reaching full capacity as demand for testing increases.
Seattle Public Schools cancels first day of class in 2022 to offer COVID-19 tests
Seattle Public Schools canceled class on Jan. 3, and the opportunity for voluntary COVID-19 testing district-wide will take its place.
Visitation restrictions in effect at Olympia, Centralia hospitals
Providence Southwest Hospitals announced that it was updating its visitation policy in response to help control the spread of the omicron variant, and to protect caregivers and patients.
Gonzaga requiring students, faculty and staff to get COVID-19 booster
Effective immediately, Gonzaga University will require students, staff and faculty to receive the COVID-19 booster shots.
US children hospitalized with COVID in near-record numbers
The omicron-fueled surge that is sending COVID-19 cases rocketing in the U.S. is putting children in the hospital in close to record numbers, and experts lament that most of the youngsters are not vaccinated.
King County closing several COVID testing sites on Dec. 30 due to winter weather
Several King County-operated COVID-19 testing sites will be closed on Dec. 30 due to more winter weather expected in Puget Sound overnight.
Seattle Pacific University switching to online learning over Omicron concerns
Seattle Pacific University is switching to online learning for the first week of the winter quarter as a precautionary measure as the COVID Omicron variant spreads in King County.
Washington reports record number of COVID infections
The Washington Department of Health has reported a new record number of COVID-19 infections tallied in a single day. On December 24, officials confirmed 6,235 cases.
Severe weather closes several Western Washington COVID-19 testing sites Monday
Several COVID-19 testing sites across the region were closed Monday due to the severe weather conditions following this weekend's snow storm.