Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on a free document shredding and mask distribution event I am hosting in Federal Way, an upcoming virtual community event with Public Health Director Patty Hayes, updates on COVID restrictions in our state, and more.

Washington Trivia

How did Normandy Park get its name?

(Answer is at the bottom).




Free Document Shredding and Mask Distribution in Federal Way

I am hosting a free document shredding and mask distribution event in Federal Way on Saturday, December 12th, from 8:00 AM to noon. In keeping with public safety guidelines, the drop-off will be done through a drive-through, and staff members will be wearing masks and gloves. Please bring as many documents as you would like to shred and share this event with your neighbors, co-workers, and friends as this will be a good opportunity to clean out your files at the end of the year. I will also be distributing face masks for free.

Federal Way Commons Mall
1701 South 320th St., Federal Way, WA 98003
Parking lot between Chase Bank and Applebee’s



With Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell at the Shredding and Mask Distribution event in Federal Way last summer.


Governor Inslee Extends Enhanced COVID-19 Restrictions

Earlier today, Governor Inslee announced the extension of enhanced COVID-19 restrictions. These restrictions on indoor dining and gatherings, originally scheduled to expire on December 14th, have been extended at least until January 4th, 2021. You can read more in this KOMO news article.


Weekly King County Health Update: Public Health – Seattle & King County to implement new CDC quarantine options

Public Health – Seattle & King County will adopt the new CDC quarantine guidance for people exposed to someone with COVID-19. Quarantine effectively helps prevent the spread before someone knows they are sick or are infected but without symptoms.

By offering two “acceptable alternatives” to the 14-day quarantine period, the CDC hopes to decrease economic and other hardships that deter people from following the public health actions for quarantine.

The CDC and Public Health recommends the following quarantine options if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19:

• 14-day Quarantine (after your last contact) is the “best way to prevent spreading COVID-19”.

• If 14 days is not possible, quarantine can end after 10 full days (after your last contact) if no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring. Testing is not required. The transmission risk is ~1-10%.

• When diagnostic testing resources are “sufficient and available”, quarantine may be able to end after 7 full days (after your last contact) if no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring AND after receiving a negative result from a diagnostic specimen test. Testing must be within 48 hours before the time of ending quarantine. The quarantine cannot be discontinued earlier than Day 7. The transmission risk is ~5-12%.

With 14-day, 10-day, or 7-day quarantine periods, continue to:

• Monitor symptoms through day 14 after exposure
• If symptoms develop, immediately self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider or local public health authority

In all situations, follow these CDC public health recommendations:

• Know how COVID-19 is transmitted
• Cover your nose and mouth with a mask
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Avoid close contact
• Wash your hands often
• Clean and disinfect
• Monitor your health daily


Virtual Community Forum with Public Health Director Patty Hayes

On Tuesday, December 15th I will be hosting a virtual town hall with Director of Seattle – King County Public Health Patty Hayes. The event will run from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Some questions already submitted include:

- How will King County handle the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine?
- Why did King County open up restaurants and bars but not schools?
- What can we do to be better prepared for a future pandemic?

If you would like to participate on Zoom, email tyler.pichette@kingcounty.gov to register for the information. You can also watch the event in real time on Facebook live at www.facebook.com/petevonreichbauer.




COVID-19 #1 Cause of Death in U.S. Last Week

Last week, COVID-19 passed heart disease as the single largest cause of death for the week. In addition, last Thursday a record 2,879 people died from COVID-19 in just one day in the United States. This situation is evolving as lockdowns have returned in some areas of California. You can read more here.


Youth Sports Protest in Olympia

A coalition of coaches, players and families gathered in Olympia this weekend in an effort to get Governor Inslee to reconsider current guidance and policy with regards to youth sports. Some of the parents and coaches in attendance expressed concern about the effect of the closures on the mental health of student athletes. You can read more in this KING 5 article.


King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 587 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 50,326. In addition, Public Health reported 2 new deaths, bringing the total in the county to 905.









Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

According to HistoryLink, a few families had established themselves in the region late in the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1920s when the Seattle-Tacoma Land Company began selling lots to develop the city of Normandy Park. The name was derived from the French Norman architecture of the houses that were built as the town became more established.



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.