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As Everett Silvertips players get ready to hit the ice at Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett a mass vaccination site will also use part of the building. Here’s more in an announcement out today from Snohomish Health District.

Advance appointments are required to enter.

It is the second walk-up site coordinated by the Snohomish County Vaccine Taskforce. The  taskforce brings together public health, emergency management, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services, human services, transit, public works, and other partners within Snohomish County.

The other four sites remain in place at the Boeing Everett Activity Center, Arlington Municipal Airport, Edmonds College, and Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. The two Everett sites are walk-up locations, while the other three are drive-thru. Exact days and hours of operation for the sites vary based on vaccine availability.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is being administered at Angel Of The Winds Arena by clinical staff coordinated through the Snohomish Health District. This represents the first use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the taskforce. It is the third vaccine to receive authorization in the U.S., and the first single-dose vaccine.

Information on which vaccine (Johnson & Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer) is being administered at each mass vaccination site is provided at http://bit.ly/snocovaccine, along with appointment registration links.

In general, the best vaccine is the one you are able to get. All of the vaccines that have been authorized are shown to be safe and effective in multiple rounds of clinical trials, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention encourages people to get the first vaccine available to them. While people may have a preference on which vaccine they would like to get, it is best not to wait if another vaccine brand is available sooner, unless they have talked to their doctor and there is a medical reason to avoid a certain brand of vaccine.

All mass vaccination sites run by the taskforce are by appointment only for those eligible in the current phase. Those with limited or no internet access, or who need language support, can call the COVID-19 call center at 425-339-5278 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A new registration system is in use for the Angel Of The Winds Arena appointments, and will soon replace the Sign Up Genius system for the Arlington and Monroe locations, as well. The system is called PrepMod, and it is already used by the Washington State Department of Health and several other counties. PrepMod is expected to streamline record keeping for the mass vaccination sites as well as improve the user experience for registration.

Keep in mind that the number and timing of appointments are based on vaccine availability, and the demand for vaccine continues to exceed the supply. It may take time to get an appointment.

VACCINATION PROGRESS UPDATE

More than 106,000 people had received their first dose of COVID vaccine in Snohomish County, as of February 27. Another 53,557 have been fully vaccinated (both doses of two-dose vaccines). Vaccination data for Snohomish County is updated weekly on Thursdays at www.snohd.org/covidvaccine.

To date, more than 80,000 vaccines have been administered at the mass vaccination sites in Snohomish County.

Along with mass vaccination sites, the taskforce also has been assisting with efforts to vaccinate particularly vulnerable or underserved communities. This includes mobile clinics at long-term care facilities. Residents and staff are being vaccinated through a combination of the federal pharmacy partnership, the vaccine taskforce’s mobile EMS teams, private healthcare providers, and mass vaccination sites. Long-term care encompasses skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and adult family homes.

In Snohomish County, all 18 skilled nursing facilities and 46 assisted living facilities have had on-site vaccine clinics. There are 615 adult family homes in Snohomish County. The last of the first dose clinics for these adult family homes finished this week, and second dose clinics are underway or have been completed at previously vaccinated long-term care facilities.

The taskforce also partnered with Homage on a vaccine clinic Thursday, March 4, for vulnerable older adults, with 100 doses administered. Another partnership focused on improving equitable vaccine access is with Providence Institute for a Healthier Community, which has been hosting clinics for members of marginalized communities with barriers to accessing vaccine. The vaccine taskforce helped secure doses for those initial clinics.

More information on vaccination efforts was shared during a virtual media availability Friday morning by Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters, Department of Emergency Management Director Jason Biermann and Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. The briefing is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/EYYE0Aykdiw.

A virtual town hall on vaccination in Snohomish County also was hosted by Snohomish County Council Chair Stephanie Wright and Vice Chair Megan Dunn earlier this week. That video is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/X1K_GBFEpwE.

EXPANDED VACCINE ELIGIBILITY AND ACCESS

President Biden announced efforts to provide all K-12 workforce and child care providers with one dose of vaccine by the end of March. This was followed by a directive issued by Health and Human Services (HHS). In response, Governor Inslee expanded Phase 1b1 to include teachers and child care workers effective immediately.

Vaccine supply for teachers and child care workers will come in part from the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, but all enrolled providers are directed to vaccinate these workers, as well. The current participating pharmacies in Washington are Safeway/Albertsons, Costco, Rite Aid, Health Mart Independent Pharmacies, Kroger (Fred Meyer and QFC), and Walmart.

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) previously announced a partnership with Kaiser Permanente on a large-scale school vaccination plan to equitably and safely vaccinate Washington educators and school staff. More information is now available on their website:

• How-to for school employees who are Kaiser Permanente members
• How-to for school employees who are not Kaiser Permanente members
• FAQ: “Get Ready” COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for School Employees

The VA’s Puget Sound Health Care System also announced this week that they are now vaccinating veterans of all ages. Eligible veterans can call 206-716-5716 to schedule, or contact their primary care team within the VA.

These resources are in addition to other vaccine providers in the area, including the mass vaccination sites. For more information on vaccine locations in Snohomish County and surrounding areas, visit www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/Immunization/VaccineLocations.

Governor Inslee also announced modifications to Phases 1b2-1b4, as well as timelines to begin each group. While tentative and subject to change based on vaccine supply and demand, they are as follows:

• Phase 1b2 will become eligible on March 22. This group includes all critical workers in certain congregate settings, people age 16 or older who are pregnant, and those 16 or older who have a disability that puts them at higher risk.
• Phase 1b3 will open April 12 for those age 50 or older with two or more comorbidities, and April 26 for 16 or older with two or more comorbidities.
• Phase 1b4 will start April 26 for people who live in congregate housing, as well staff and volunteers who work in congregate settings not covered in Phase 1b2.

Snohomish County residents are encouraged to visit the Phase Finder tool at findyourphasewa.org prior to making an appointment for vaccination. The Phase Finder tool is designed to help people in Washington find out if they are eligible for a COVID vaccine now or if not, sign up to be notified when they become eligible.

It’s important to note that where people currently land in the prioritization and phases is not a reflection on their value in this community. If we had unlimited vaccine supply and clinical capacity to administer the vaccine, prioritization would not be necessary. But neither of those are the case.

This is why, until vaccines start flowing into Washington and Snohomish County at a higher and more predictable pace, there is a need to prioritize the limited capacity not necessarily toward those at higher risk of acquiring COVID, but rather for those most likely to become severely ill, require hospitalization, and/or die if they get infected.

Even after being vaccinated, people should wear a mask in shared spaces, avoid large gatherings, stay home if they feel ill, wash their hands, and clean and sanitize surfaces. It is important to keep up with preventive measures while work continues to vaccinate more people.

REVISED COVID TESTING SCHEDULE

The Health District has been monitoring patient volumes and positivity rates at the community-based testing sites, and will be consolidating testing sites effective March 8. The 3900 Broadway site in Everett will no longer operate seven days a week, and the Sultan Elementary site that had been operating on Fridays will close. These moves allow staff and other resources to be reallocated to support vaccine site operations.

The schedule beginning March 8 is as follows:

• 3900 Broadway site in Everett – Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Lynnwood Food Bank site at 5320 176th St SW – open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Evergreen State Fairgrounds in the front parking lot off of 179th Ave SE in Monroe – open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments for testing are encouraged, and registration is available at www.snohd.org/testing. Those without internet access or needing language assistance can reach the Health District’s call center at 425.339.5278. The call center is staffed 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Callers after hours or on weekends can leave a message, which will be returned on the next business day.

A bit of good news from Everett Police among a trend of increasing thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles in Everett, Washington.

Detectives used photos taken by the victim to identify the suspect.

During their investigation, detectives identified the male and located the motel he was staying at in south Everett. Yesterday, detectives contacted and interviewed the male. Based on information provided, detectives believe the male is associated with several area catalytic converter thefts and are referring several theft charges to the prosecutor’s office.

Catalytic converters contain expensive precious metals that make the risk of capture worth the financial reward. Once stolen, typically by removing them with metal cutting tools, converters are sold by thieves to someone else who extracts the metals. At this time, the most common victim vehicles are the Toyota Prius (2004-2009 2nd generation) and the Ford F-250/E-250 (and larger) with the Triton V10 motor. Protect your vehicle: Park in a secure garage or well-lit area, mark the converter with your VIN, contact a local shop to see if they can install a cage over the converter, and install a car alarm with tilt sensing activation.

This in Wednesday from the Everett Silvertips and Everett Community College on a partnership to house players for this season.

Everett Community College’s Trojan mascot with the Everett Silvertips mascot, Lincoln. Photo credit: EvCC

The Everett Silvertips, proud seven-time U.S. Division champion and two-time Western Conference champion of the Western Hockey League, are the sole residents of a section of a student housing building, ensuring an insulated environment to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Access to that section of the building is reserved for players and student housing resident assistants only. Other EvCC students living on campus are currently residing in the college’s other student housing building. Under EvCC COVID-19 rules, no guests are allowed in student housing without prior approval.

“The Silvertips are tremendously excited to move forward with Everett Community College as an exclusive housing partner for the 2020-21 WHL season,” said Silvertips general manager Garry Davidson. “The pandemic has forced us, along with many others in this situation, to consider creative options to allow a return to play and do it in a safe manner. Everett Community College has been a terrific association from the beginning since this idea was introduced, and has enthusiastically committed to an environment that ensures the safety of our players. In turn, we commit to be the best guests possible, and reside in a responsible and respectful manner.”

The Silvertips billeting program is expected to resume at a later date, to be announced. The program is paused to respect the guidelines of local health and safety protocols.

“Our billets – like our fans – are a lifeblood of our organization. We’re excited to activate the program again when it’s safe to do so, and will provide further details at that time,” Davidson said.

EvCC is excited to welcome the team to student housing, said EvCC President Daria Willis.

“This is the exact reason why community is our middle name. We are thrilled to have this partnership and I wish them the very best success this season,” she said.

EvCC Student housing occupancy is low due to COVID-19, with many international students unable to travel to the United States to attend college, so the partnership is beneficial for the college.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with the Silvertips for the upcoming WHL season,” said Mike Bowers, EvCC interim Dean of Student Development. “While many of our students continue to study remotely, helping hockey safely return to Everett is a way for us to contribute to our community and provide a much-needed distraction as we continue to work towards an eventual return to normal from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The WHL has developed an extensive set of protocols, to not only provide a safe environment for players and staff, but to protect individuals in the community. The WHL will implement an ongoing weekly private antigen testing strategy. Enhanced screening for all WHL players, billets, team staff and officials will take place on a daily basis, including regular temperature screenings as well as symptom monitoring through the WHL Athlete RMS Mobile Application.

When participating in games and practices, WHL players must wear gaiter-style masks while on the bench. WHL Officials will be required to wear gaiter masks when on the ice. WHL coaches and other team personnel will be required to wear masks at all times, including while conducting practice and while behind the bench during games.

As the WHL returns to play in Washington state, due to local health circumstances caused the coronavirus pandemic, no spectators will be permitted to enter WHL facilities until further notice.

The Silvertips will open the 2020-21 regular season on Saturday, Mar. 20 against the Spokane Chiefs at 6:05 p.m. Streamed opening night coverage will be offered for free via WHL Live, with full season packages and single-day passes available at https://watch.chl.ca/.

ABOUT THE SILVERTIPS AND THE NHL

A total of 19 players have suited up in an Everett Silvertips jersey and advanced to play in the National Hockey League, since the Silvertips joined the WHL in 2003-04. Entering this season, the Silvertips have elevated 27 players to be selected by teams in the NHL Entry Draft, including eight over the previous three seasons. By the end of the 2019-20 season, all three Silvertips in the 20-year old category earned NHL entry level contracts: Bryce Kindopp (Anaheim), Wyatte Wylie (Philadelphia), and Jake Christiansen (Columbus).

The Seattle Kraken, an expansion franchise scheduled to play 30 miles away from Everett at Climate Pledge Arena, will make their NHL debut in the 2021-22 season.

Follow the Silvertips: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |   Snapchat (evt_silvertips)

ABOUT EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND STUDENT HOUSING
Everett Community College educates more than 18,000 students every year, with most students at the main campus in north Everett. Students come to EvCC to affordably start their four-year degrees, earn certificates, train for a new job, experience hands-on training in professional and technical programs, learn English, develop basic skills, finish high school, train for a promotion, or to learn just for fun. For more information, visit EverettCC.edu.

Student housing is available for local college students. For more information, visit EverettCC.edu/Housing or call 425-259-8945.

Editor’s Update 9:00 PM Wednesday March 3rd: Tonight the Everett City Council got a briefing on the No Sit-No Lie ordinance. Prior to the briefing the Council got an earful of opposition to the idea. First during council comments Liz Vogeli broke away from past protocol and presented a power point presentation outlining why she wanted one other council member to move the amendment off the agenda and do away with the requirement that a the No Sit-No Lie ordinance be tied to the operation of the pilot pallet shelter project Here is her power point.

Strike the pallet Amendment

No council member made a motion but the entire public comment period was comprised of people against the proposed ordinance. At the briefing City Attorney David Hall explained the ordinance saying the intent of the ordinance is not to criminalize homelessness. Hall says this is part of the city’s holistic approach to the homelessness issue. He said the area is a tiny portion of the city. Hall says the ordinance does not prohibit people from providing goods or services, those groups simply need to get a permit from public works.

In Council comments both Vogeli and Roberts expressed opposition to the ordinance with Roberts saying he struggled with the connections with the pallet shelter project and no sit-no lie ordinance. What happens if the no sit-no lie is not adopted or is invalidated? Pallet shelter would have to find new location. Not comfortable with connection.

Other councilmembers agreed with Liz Vogeli’s request for clarification on the connection between the No Sit-No Lie and the Pallet Shelter Pilot Shelter Project. If the ordinance is struck down does that kill the pallet shelter within a week, month or before the planned 13 month period? The City Clerk has been asked to clarify the language used two weeks ago. The issue will come before the council for a vote on March 17th.

The No Sit-No Lie area is split between Council Districts 1 and 2 shown in blue.

The ordinance is a companion to the proposed pallet shelter pilot project behind the area of the Everett Gospel Mission on Smith Street under Interstate-5.

Courts have ruled that police can’t keep people from camping on a sidewalk if they don’t have a place to take those people for shelter. The pilot project hopes to give people who have turned down previous offers of shelter due to having a pet, a partner or concerns for their property an alternative to what has currently been available in Everett while also providing relief to business owners who have been dealing with issues created by people living on the sidewalk in that area of Everett for the past several years.

Tonight is just the briefing and first reading but the council is expected to hold a public hearing and conduct a vote on the No Sit – No Lie Ordinance at their meeting on March 17th. Here is the link to the proposed ordinance.

The City Council meeting is being held online and begins at 6:30 PM. You can view online at the City’s website or on Comcast Channel 21 or Ziply Fiber Channel 29. You can listen by phone at 425-616-3920 ID: 724 887 726#