News from and about King County… from COVID-19 updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s e-news includes information on Women’s History Month, expanded eligibility at Kent and Auburn COVID vaccination sites, the King Conservation District Election, declining COVID-19 cases at King County long term care facilities, an organization combatting military food insecurity, health updates, and more.


Washington Trivia

A volleyball Olympian graduated from Kentlake High School. Who is she?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Women’s History Month

The King County Council is celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the first female King County Councilmember, Bernice Stern, as well as all past, present, and future trailblazers.

I have had the privilege of knowing (and working with) many of the women who broke the glass ceiling of the King County Council. While I met Bernice Stern after she left office, I was impressed with her commitment to bringing her county into the 21st century. Many women have lent their service to King County and I have been fortunate to work beside a number of them in my time as a councilmember.




Kent and Auburn COVID vaccination sites expand eligibility to adults age 65 and older

Yesterday, the COVID vaccination sites in Kent and Auburn expanded eligibility to adults age 65 and older. Vaccinations are by appointment only. Registration is open to residents of South King County who are:

• Age 65 and older OR

• A caregiver or home care worker taking care of someone age 50 or older who cannot live independently. The caregiver or home care worker does not need to be 50 or older OR

• Specific groups of people age 50 and older, particularly those who are:

Unable to live independently and receiving care from a caregiver, relative, in-home caregiver or someone who works outside the home.

Living with AND caring for kin (examples include caring for a grandchild, niece or nephew. This does not include parents living with their child.)

To register by phone, call the King County Public Health Call Center at 206-477-3977 between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM or the Washington COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127 (press #) between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM on Mondays or 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Tuesdays through Sundays.


King Conservation District Election

King Conservation District (KCD), a natural resources special purpose district, is holding an election for an open seat on the Board of Supervisors. Eligible voters may access their ballot online through KCD’s website. Ballots must be submitted electronically by March 23rd at 5:00 PM. Voters may also print and mail ballots to King County Elections. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by March 23rd and received by March 26th to be counted.




Zero COVID-19 cases at King County long term care facilities for first time since pandemic

Last week, King County had no reported cases of COVID-19 at long-term care facilities for the first time since the pandemic began. Additionally, deaths at nursing homes in the nation are down by 78% and this is because seniors are getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more in the KIRO 7 article here.


Military Family Advisory Network works to combat military hunger

The Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) is working to combat military hunger through a research effort that they have launched to uncover the factors that lead to food insecurity. This year, MFAN is teaming up with local and national partners and will conduct a food distribution mobilization in May – Military Family Appreciation Month – in the four geographic areas their research identified as having the greatest need: Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Hood, Texas; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; and Norfolk, Virginia. Read more here.


Weekly COVID-19 Update: The differences between allergy and COVID-19 symptoms

Although spring is several weeks away, allergy season has already begun in many areas of King County. Our beautiful greenery is releasing all types of pollen which can produce a variety of symptoms that may seem confusingly similar to those of COVID-19 illness. How can we tell the difference? The Mayo Clinic notes the following differences in the signs and symptoms between allergies and COVID-19 illness, and recommends you contact your healthcare provider with any questions and for care.



The CDC offers an infographic that you may find helpful. *Allergies can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing but only in those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.




King County COVID Vaccination Update

As of yesterday, there were 341,532 first dose and 198,503 second dose vaccines administered among King County residents, bringing the total of all administered doses to 540,035. For more information, visit the King County COVID Vaccination Dashboard here.



Phase Finder: To assess your eligibility to receive COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Washington Department of Health Phase Finder web form.

Register by phone: For assistance on registering by phone, call King County Public Health Call Center at 206-477-3977 or Washington COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press # for help with registration by phone.

Other Vaccine Locations: Visit Washington Department of Health’s website or VaccineFinder.org for other vaccine locations in the state. If you have any questions, contact COVID.Vaccine@doh.wa.gov.


King County Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 60 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 82,363. In addition, Public Health reported 6 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 1,399.









Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Courtney Lynn Thompson, an American volleyball player and two-time Olympic Games medalist, was born in Bellevue, Washington. She attended Kentlake High School, where she played on the volleyball team, won three state titles, and was named Washington State Player of the Year in 2002. Aside from her athletic achievements at Kentlake, she was also the Valedictorian of her graduating class.

Courtney also played for the University of Washington from 2003-2006, breaking school records year after year. She set the Pac-10 All-Conference record with a total of 6,552 career assists in her college career, which was the third-best in NCAA history. She earned the Honda Sports Award as best volleyball player and was a three-time AVCA All-American and First-Team selection. She was the first female player at the University of Washington to have her collegiate jersey retired.

She later joined the US national team and played and won in several Pan American Cups, FIVB World Grand Prix, Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016, and FIVB World Championships.



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.