Coronavirus outbreak

Cindy Clark, a Long COVID patient, poses for a photo in her home with the various treatments she used in Mukilteo, Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

‘From COVID to heart failure’: Long COVID patients feel unseen, unheard

As doctors struggled to understand the virus, patients like Amy McGrath, of Snohomish, scoured the internet for answers.

 

A COVID-19 and influenza vaccine on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

As flu season rises, a quarter of Washingtonians are vaccinated

“Flu is just getting started,” Snohomish County’s health officer said. COVID cases were below an “alert threshold,” but it remains the deadliest virus.

 

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald)

Providence Swedish tightens COVID, mask policy

Citing a rise in respiratory illness, local hospitals and clinics will require masks for care.

 

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

First flu-related death of the season reported in Snohomish County

The county expects more flu, COVID and RSV cases over the holidays.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A COVID-19 and influenza vaccine on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

What to know about COVID and other vaccinations in Snohomish County

New vaccines are available in Snohomish County. Here’s how and where to get them.

A COVID-19 and influenza vaccine on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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Inslee’s COVID-19 eviction ban was legal, state Supreme Court rules

The court ruled 5-4 against landlords who argued Inslee exceeded his authority with the pandemic-era measure.

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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks Friday, April 22, 2022, at an event with President Joe Biden at Green River College in Auburn, Wash., south of Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee tests positive for COVID-19 for 3rd time

Inslee’s office said in a statement Thursday that he was experiencing very mild symptoms, including a cough.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee speaks Friday, April 22, 2022, at an event with President Joe Biden at Green River College in Auburn, Wash., south of Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Everett resident Shon Grimes receives a flu shot from pharmacist Nisha Mathew at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

New Snohomish County data show COVID-19 is on the rise

Two new variants spreading, and case rates have doubled since the beginning of August.

Everett resident Shon Grimes receives a flu shot from pharmacist Nisha Mathew at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Washington state Secretary of Health Dr. Umair A. Shah (left to right), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Mandy Cohen and Microbiology Office Director Dr. Brian Hiatt tour a handful of labs in the Public Health Laboratories building on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

In Shoreline visit, CDC director spotlights vaccines, new COVID booster

CDC Director Mandy Cohen toured a state lab to promote annual vaccines against the flu, RSV and COVID-19.

Washington state Secretary of Health Dr. Umair A. Shah (left to right), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Mandy Cohen and Microbiology Office Director Dr. Brian Hiatt tour a handful of labs in the Public Health Laboratories building on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
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COVID-19 public health emergency officially ends

Meanwhile, people should pay close attention to insurers’ notices about the costs of tests, treatments and vaccines.

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The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)

Snohomish County reactions to the official end of state’s mask mandate

The Herald is also continuing to compile readers’ reflections on the COVID pandemic.

The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)
Bob Martin, 82, poses for a photo at The Stag Barbershop in Snohomish, Washington on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Snohomish’s rogue barber keeps clipping despite no license, $90K in fines

Bob Martin’s defiance during the pandemic made him a “poster boy” of conservative resistance.

Bob Martin, 82, poses for a photo at The Stag Barbershop in Snohomish, Washington on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
James Lewis

The month in public health: COVID hospitalizations near pandemic low

Meanwhile, the bad news: Opioid overdoses continue to increase in Snohomish County.

James Lewis
The Everett Police Department hosted its first Guns for Gift Cards exchange on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the South Precinct in Everett, Washington. 241 firearms were exchanged for $25,000 in gift cards. (City of Everett)

Everett considering ARPA money for business boost, gun buyback

Another proposal gives each council member discretion on spending $75,000 of the federal aid on local pandemic recovery efforts

The Everett Police Department hosted its first Guns for Gift Cards exchange on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the South Precinct in Everett, Washington. 241 firearms were exchanged for $25,000 in gift cards. (City of Everett)
Students load onto the 116 Community Transit bus after school on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in front of Edmonds-Woodway High School in Edmonds, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Community Transit drops employee COVID vaccine requirement

After a year with it in place and three years after the first known U.S. COVID case, the CEO announced the change.

Students load onto the 116 Community Transit bus after school on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, in front of Edmonds-Woodway High School in Edmonds, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)

State to lift mask mandate for health care facilities April 3

The Department of Health will also end requirement for face coverings in long-term care settings and correctional facilities.

The coronavirus omicron variant has been detected in Snohomish County, prompting health officials to remind people to get vaccinated and mask up. (Chuck Taylor / Herald file)
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5 things to watch in Snohomish County as COVID public emergency ends

Snohomish County health care leaders shared what they’re concerned about when the federal emergency expires May 11.

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Washington state Gov. Inslee tests positive for COVID-19

“Once again I am very appreciative to be vaccinated and boosted,” Inslee said in the statement.

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Comment: FDA should fix its ‘one-size-fits-all’ booster advice

For older at-risk adults, more frequent covid boosters may be necessary, but others should wait longer.

James Lewis

COVID still ‘simmering’ in the county, while booster uptake remains low

Meanwhile, flu and RSV cases have plummeted, suggesting the “tripledemic” could — emphasis on “could” — be fading.

James Lewis