State Senate approves delay of WA Cares, sending long-term care bills to Inslee’s desk
The Washington Senate Wednesday passed a pair of bills to delay the payroll tax for WA Cares by 18 months and change other parts of the fledgling long-term care program, sending the legislation to Gov. Jay Inslee’s desk. The passage of bills to address criticisms and concerns over a major Democratic priority comes just three weeks into the 2022 legislative session. The House voted on both pieces of legislation last week. Speed appears to remain the order of the day, with Inslee expected to sign the bills Friday, according to a spokesperson for the governor. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Amanda Snyder)
The flu is reemerging in Washington amid Omicron wave
The Washington Department of Health reports that influenza activity in the state has reached “moderate” levels for the first time in two years. Three people, all over the age of 65, recently passed away from the flu. The last time a person died from the flu in Washington was in the 2019-20 season — there were 114 reported flu deaths during that time. Comparing 2020 to 2022, there were 36 flu deaths by the end of January. The Covid-19 pandemic had driven flu cases to a “historically low” level in Washington, according to the DOH. Continue reading at KUOW. (Elaine Thompson)
South Sound region’s blood supply at crisis levels. Centers plead for donations
The people who collect blood and those who use it — blood banks and hospitals — are calling the current shortage in the South Sound unprecedented, historic and a crisis. Bloodworks Northwest declared a “Code Red” this month — the highest level of need the agency has. Normally, blood collection establishments try to have four to five days of blood on hand. On Tuesday, Bloodworks had a one-day supply, said Vicki Finson, vice president for blood services. Still, that’s an improvement from earlier in January when they were measuring their supplies in hours. Continue reading at The Olympian.
Associated Press
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