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 a recent tour of the Signature Pointe Levee Project in Kent, announcements from the governor, a new mobile COVID-19 vaccine service called 'Care-A-Van', at home COVID-19 testing, health updates, and more.


Washington Trivia

The host of Seattle’s KUOW-FM’s The Record and Week in Review attended Decatur High School. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Signature Pointe Levee Project

I recently met with Kent Mayor Dana Ralph to tour the Signature Pointe Levee Project site along the Green River. This levee currently protects thousands of homes and billions of dollars in infrastructure investments essential to our region’s economy. In partnership with the King County Flood Control District, the city of Kent is working on increasing the level of flood protection for homes and establishments along this stretch of the river.



With Kent Mayor Dana Ralph


Governor’s Announcements

New COVID-19 vaccine incentives
Today, Gov. Inslee announced new vaccine incentives for Washington residents to help encourage unvaccinated Washingtonians to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The Washington State Lottery will be conducting a “Shot of a Lifetime” giveaway series during the month of June, working with state agencies, technology companies, sports teams and higher education institutions across the state to offer a myriad of different prizes to vaccinated individuals.

The incentives announced today include:
• Lottery cash drawings, with prizes totaling $2 million
• Higher education tuition and expense assistance
• Sports tickets and gear
• Gift cards
• Airline tickets
• Game systems and smart speakers



Update to spectator event guidance
Last week, Gov. Inslee approved an update to the guidance for spectator events, which removes the requirement for a separate entrance/exit for vaccinated spectators and increases the occupancy percentage for outdoor venues from 25 to 50% with a cap of 9,000 spectators. Read more here.

Update to business and employee guidance
Gov. Inslee issued updates for most business and employee guidance documents to incorporate the new facial covering guidance from the CDC and Washington Department of Health. Read more here.


Washington launches a new mobile COVID-19 vaccine effort called 'Care-A-Van'

On June 1st, the Washington state Department of Health launched Care-A-Van, a new mobile vaccination service that is aimed at delivering COVID-19 vaccines to priority communities that have been underserved throughout the pandemic. For more information about this program and to request a visit from the Care-A-Van, click here.




At home COVID-19 testing

Rapid, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, also known as home-based self-collected COVID tests, or antigen tests, are now widely available around King County. These tests provide results in 15 minutes. For more information about these tests and considerations for use, as well as how to report positive results, click here.


Sound Transit seeks input on transit-oriented development in Kent/Des Moines

Sound Transit has extended the deadline for the Kent/Des Moines transit-oriented development survey until June 7th. Once the Federal Way Link Extension opens in 2024, nearly four acres of land will be available for transit-oriented development. For more information and to take the survey, visit Sound Transit’s website here.


Weekly King County Health Updates

Guidance for travelers
Americans are on the go. Air travel is at 90% of pre-pandemic levels and an estimated 60% more people traveled during this past Memorial Day weekend compared to last year. With 50% of the U.S. population still to be vaccinated and case rates varying by region, the CDC is requiring that masks be worn on all forms of public transportation and in U.S. transportation hubs to help prevent COVID-19 spread through September 13th. Travelers are urged to stay up-to-date on the specific travel requirements of their destinations and to carry proof of vaccination as some states, cities, and individual businesses may require them.

Enjoying outdoor activities during tick season
Following a mild winter and an early, rainy spring, a steep increase in the U.S. tick population is predicted this year. Often found in grassy, brushy, and wooded areas, ticks are blood-eating parasites that can transmit serious diseases to people through their bites. Although the Pacific Northwest reports relatively few tick-caused illnesses compared to other regions, health officials are raising awareness as record numbers of its residents are expected to spend more time outdoors this summer.

Walking in the middle of cleared trails, wearing appropriate clothing, and checking yourself and your pets for ticks or bites after being in tick areas are keyways to prevent any possible illness. If you find a tick or believe you have been bitten, consult with your healthcare provider. We can enjoy our time outdoors, especially by following these tips.


King County COVID Vaccination Update

As of yesterday, there are 1,455,985 residents who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 1,233,506 residents who are fully vaccinated in King County, bringing the total of all administered doses to 2,608,825. For more information, visit the King County COVID Vaccination Dashboard here.



Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator.

For King County residents: Register here to schedule your appointment at one of the high-volume vaccination sites in Auburn and Kent.

For in-home vaccination: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977.

Register by phone: Call King County COVID-19 Call Center at 206-477-3977 or Washington COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #.

For veterans: Call 206-716-5716 or visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine.

For more information, visit Getting vaccinated in King County.


King County Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 138 new positive cases, bringing the total in King County to 109,995. In addition, Public Health reported 5 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 1,595.







Note: The change in graphs is due to evolving reporting measures which now include data on positive antigen test results. Recent data may be incomplete. For more information, visit the King County COVID Daily Summary Dashboard here.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Bill Radke is an American radio talk show host, author, comedian, and columnist. After starting with KUOW as a University of Washington student, he became KUOW’s morning host, the creator of the past news-satire show Rewind, and a co-host of the radio show Weekend America.

Bill contributed humorous commentary segments to Sandy Brandley’s Pot Luck, wrote a weekly humor column in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and won the Seattle International Comedy Competition in 1992. He also authored the book Seattle.



Photo from KUOW.org




Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.


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