‘Pretty serious place of worry.’ WA hospital officials brace for new COVID-19 variant
As COVID-19 hospitalization rates continue to decline in Washington state, officials fear all the hard work in surviving the Delta wave could soon be lost to the next variant, Omicron. Statewide, the daily average of confirmed COVID hospitalizations as of Monday was at 694, down from 806 a week ago, and down from 1,013 daily average a month ago, according to Cassie Sauer, CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association. Sauer spoke during a Monday briefing with reporters. Continue reading at The Olympian.
CDC says ages 18 and up should get COVID booster shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday broadened its recommendation for COVID-19 booster shots for all adults as the new omicron variant is identified in more countries. The agency had previously approved boosters for all adults, but only recommended them for those 50 years and older or if they live in a long-term care setting. CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the new guidance reflects the emergence of the omicron variant, which has not yet been identified in the U.S. but that officials say will inevitably reach the country. Continue reading at The Associated Press.
As officials tally losses from flood damage, tribes say impacts on fish runs won’t be known for years
The Nooksack River registered some of its highest flood levels ever in the recent flooding that authorities now say caused as much as $50 million in damages. But that doesn’t fully account for the impact on salmon runs and habitat restoration work managed by the Nooksack Indian Tribe. And the Lummi Nation listed major concerns about flooding impacts on its two salmon hatcheries, as well as likely devastation on juvenile fish and redds in the Nooksack Basin. Continue reading at KNKX Public Radio. (Lindsie Fratus-Thomas/Courtesy Nooksack Indian Tribe)
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As officials tally losses from flood damage, tribes say impacts on fish runs won’t be known for years
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