The COVID-19 Pandemic

On Monday, state lawmakers returned to Olympia for the legislative session, and for the first time since 2020, things are back to some semblance of a pre-pandemic “normal.” But one important thing from the pandemic is sticking around: virtual public comment.

Graduating from college comes with its own unique set of challenges. Add a global pandemic, impending recession, and the looming consequences of climate change, and it becomes another beast altogether. Here's how four University of Washington seniors are thinking about the future as they enter their graduating year.

King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin says based on virus trends in Europe, a fall and winter COVID surge is likely for the Pacific Northwest after months of relatively low case levels.

Gov. Jay Inslee has announced all remaining COVID-19 emergency proclamations and the state of emergency will be lifted by Oct. 31. “We’ve come a long way the past two years in developing the tools that allow us to adapt and live with COVID-19,” Inslee said. Public health officials continue to recommend vaccines and masks to prevent community spread.

Health officials in Washington's most populous county are urging people to get the new COVID-19 booster. Public Health – Seattle & King County's health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin said in a briefing Tuesday that even people who have had a booster shot should get all recommended doses for maximum protection.

People in 24 Oregon counties and 15 counties in Washington state should resume mask-wearing indoors in public and on public transportation, according to recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data from the CDC shows the counties are considered high risk for COVID-19 infection as of June 30.

Washington hospital officials are warning that facilities are heading toward another COVID-19 case peak amid high spread in the community.