I guess they didn't want people blaming the Chinese government for releasing this Covid-19 in the first place anymore. Now they come up with another scape goat, jolly old England! I suspect readers, this will be another reason to keep Washingtonians under the boot of Governor Jay Inslee's continued covid-19 regime. --Peter Ripley
Background info on variant: First Identified Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.7 in Minnesota — December 2020–January 2021.--CDC
On January 9, 2021, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced the identification of the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) B.1.1.7, also referred to as 20I/501Y.V1 and VOC 202012/01, in specimens from five persons; on January 25, MDH announced the identification of this variant in specimens from three additional persons. The B.1.1.7 variant, which is reported to be more transmissible than certain other SARS-CoV-2 lineages*,† (1), was first reported in the United Kingdom in December 2020 (1). As of February 14, 2021, a total of 1,173 COVID-19 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant had been identified in 39 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (2). Modeling data suggest that B.1.1.7 could become the predominant variant in the United States in March 2021 (3).
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7008e1.htm?s_cid=mm7008e1_w
Related Stories...
Inslee to announce county rollbacks on Monday--PDN
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee will announce Monday whether some counties in Washington state will have to roll back to Phase 2 of the state’s COVID-19 reopening plan because of rising cases.
https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/inslee-to-announce-county-rollbacks-on-monday/
Editorial note: Does this sound like a governor wanting to reopen this state fully?
State seeing ‘significant surge’ of virus variant
Health officials encourage masking, distance--PDN
https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/state-seeing-significant-surge-of-virus-variant/
" Residents should continue to follow masking, social distancing and other COVID-19 prevention guidelines as the state moves closer to non-restricted vaccinations for adults, North Olympic Peninsula health officers said."
" It’s been estimated by state officials that 35 percent of new cases in the state during the past two weeks are from the more contagious U.K. variant (B117), which is also showing to cause more severe symptoms, said Dr. Allison Berry, Clallam County health officer."
Related press release from DOH:
COVID-19 data show concerning increases in disease activity
OLYMPIA – Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released the latest statewide situation report on COVID-19, which shows increasing transmission and daily case counts. The trends highlight the need to continue prevention measures like wearing masks and maintaining physical distance while vaccination efforts continue.
Report findings include:
COVID-19 transmission is increasing statewide. Our best estimate for the reproductive number (how many new people each COVID-19 patient will infect) in Washington on March 19 was 1.38. The goal is to maintain a reproductive number well below one—meaning COVID-19 transmission is declining—for a substantial amount of time.
Statewide daily case counts began increasing in late March following a plateau in mid-February. The seven-day rolling average on March 26 was 915 new cases per day. There is some variation at the county level, but many counties saw increases in the two weeks ending March 25, including four of the five largest counties (Clark, King, Pierce and Snohomish).
The biggest increases are in younger people, who are less likely to be vaccinated and can still get very sick or die of COVID-19. The data show sharp increases in people ages 10-49, and shallower increases in children ages 0-9 and adults ages 50-69.
Hospital admissions remained flat overall over the first three weeks of March, but are increasing as of more recent, incomplete data. Looking at admission rates by age, previous declines are flattening out in people ages 40-59 (less likely to be vaccinated) and those 70 and older (more vulnerable to severe illness). There are also slight increases in admission rates for people ages 20-39 and 60-69.
The number of hospital beds occupied by confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients began to flatten or increase in mid-March, following previous declines. The number of ICU beds occupied by these patients began increasing gradually in mid-March.
Vaccination is helping protect people from severe illness requiring hospitalization. The report includes new analysis of the decline in hospital admission rates by age after the January 2021 peak. Admission rates declined faster for people age 60 and older—one of the first groups vaccinated—than among younger people. The analysis contrasts this pattern with declining rates after the August 2020 peak, when vaccines were not yet available.
“As we work to get more and more people vaccinated, our collective behavior still matters a lot. Right now, 80% of our state’s population is still susceptible to the virus, and we’re seeing increasing circulation of variants that spread more easily,” said Acting State Health Officer Scott Lindquist, MD, MPH. “This is particularly concerning when we’re already working from a higher baseline than we saw before previous waves. These restrictions won’t last forever, but they are still needed as we work to vaccinate more people.”
DOH is asking people to avoid crowds and wear masks in public regardless of vaccination status. If unvaccinated or living with someone at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, wear masks when around anyone outside your household. Consider having fewer, shorter, smaller and safer gatherings. Gather outside or increase ventilation if you have to go indoors. Keep your distance, wash your hands frequently and get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
(2)
THIS WEEK'S STATE NEWS HEADLINES:
Inslee updates high risk worker proclamation.
Gov. Jay Inslee today modified Proclamation 20-46 to allow employers additional flexibility to seek medical verification from employees and to shift employees to health coverage alternatives.
Leading the nation in protecting high-risk workers, Inslee initially permitted workers to self-attest to their medical status. With increased vaccination rates and increased provider capacity, this update allows employers to verify employees’ underlying health conditions.
Proclamation 20-46.3 will continue to maintain the core principles of the original proclamation: workers who remain high risk will still benefit from job protection, access to alternative work arrangements, and eligibility for unemployment insurance and other forms of paid leave. Employers must provide employees with 14 days’ notice of any planned changes, which will give employees time to work with their medical provider to obtain verification and to seek health coverage through their employer’s COBRA plan, the Health Benefit Exchange, or private insurers.
https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-updates-high-risk-worker-proclamation
WSDA GRANT PROGRAM OFFERS HELP TO QUALIFYING AG BUSINESSES
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is offering grants to small agriculture-related businesses in sectors that have suffered economically due to the coronavirus pandemic, but have been left out of earlier relief programs.
https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=32329
AG FERGUSON FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST JANITORIAL SERVICES COMPANY FOR EXPLOITING MOSTLY IMMIGRANT WORKERS.
SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a consumer protection lawsuit against janitorial services company National Maintenance Contractors. National took advantage of immigrants with limited English proficiency and promised them the independence of business ownership. Unfortunately, in reality, National locked its franchisees into contracts that often left them earning less than minimum wage, paying exorbitant fees, and with little ability to advocate for themselves.
Commerce launches new round of free online business trainings, including first evening class.
Rainier Valley site’s redevelopment will include environmental cleanup.
SEATTLE –
A three-block redevelopment project in Seattle’s Rainier Valley will incorporate environmental cleanup into excavation and construction scheduled to begin later this year, under a proposed cleanup plan.
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Get-to-know-us/News/2021/April-8-Grand-Street-Commons-cleanup
Initial regular claims increased while continued claims for regular benefits decreased during the week of March 28 – April 3
OLYMPIA – During the week of March 28 – April 3, there were 11,863 initial regular unemployment claims (up 3.6 percent from the prior week) and 426,803 total claims for all unemployment benefit categories (down 0.8 percent from the prior week) filed by Washingtonians, according to the Employment Security Department (ESD).
https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/initial-unemployment-insurance-claims-for-week-of-march-28-april-3-2021
Commission to consider 2021-23 hunting seasons, hatchery policy, hydraulic code rules.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will make decisions on a number of topics at its April 9 virtual meeting, including setting hunting seasons for 2021-23, adopting an updated hatchery policy, establishing new rules to govern certain mining in state waters, and considering a petition to repeal restrictions on fishing from a floating vessel on a stretch of the Hoh River.
From our Congressional delegation to DC:
Following Pressure from Senator Murray & Local Tribes, OMB Withdraws Planned Closure of Seattle Archives.
Senator Murray Secures Millions for Washington State Fisheries.
Washington state fisheries, Tribes, and fishery-related businesses who have been negatively affected by COVID-19 across Washington state will receive $40 million in federal relief.
Cantwell, Murray Hail Capital Investment Grants for Washington State Transit Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) announcement of a $59.9 million Small Starts funding award for King County Metro’s Madison Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and a $37 million Capital Investment Grant for Community Transit to fund the Swift Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) expansion.
(3) THIS WEEK'S HEADLINE NEWS...
WORLD NEWS:
UN rights office urges protection, investigation, after latest clashes in West Darfur.
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, has urged authorities in Sudan to protect citizens “without discrimination” in the wake of the latest resurgence of deadly violence in West Darfur.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1089382
COVID-19 equitable vaccine scheme reaches more than 100 countries and economies.
More than 100 countries and economies have now received COVID-19 vaccines through the UN-partnered equitable coronavirus-busting scheme, COVAX.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1089352
Paris goals still ‘long way off’, says President of UN climate conference.
The world is “a long way off” from meeting the goals of the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the President of the crucial upcoming UN climate conference, COP26, said on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1089332
Humanitarian catastrophe in northern Mozambique ‘beyond epic proportions’
The UN and partners are “following with deep concern” new reports of violations against civilians in northern Mozambique, the UN Spokesperson said on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1089362
New project to help 30 developing countries tackle marine litter scourge.
A UN-backed initiative aims to turn the tide on marine litter, in line with the global development goal on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/04/1089322
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a U.S. Co-Hosted UN Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting on Burma.
Remarks at a Joint UN Security Council Stakeout with Germany and Nauru on the United States Joining the UN Group of Friends on Climate and Security.
NATIONAL NEWS:
FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Initial Actions to Address the Gun Violence Public Health Epidemic--WH
First Lady Calls Joining Forces Effort a National Security Imperative--DOD
Justice Department Moves to Intervene in Disability Discrimination Suit Against City of Chicago Regarding Pedestrians with Visual Disabilities
The Justice Department today moved to intervene in a disability discrimination lawsuit that private plaintiffs with visual disabilities brought against the City of Chicago under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504). The department’s proposed complaint alleges that the city fails to provide people who are blind, have low vision, or are deaf-blind with equal access to pedestrian signal information at intersections. Pedestrian signal information, such as a flashing “Walk/Don’t Walk” signal, indicates when it is safe to cross the street. --DOJ
U.S. Department of Education Releases "COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students' Needs"
HUD AWARDS $13.7 MILLION TO PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCIES FOR EMERGENCY SAFETY AND SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced it is awarding $13.7 million to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) throughout the country to make needed capital improvements in public housing developments that serve to enhance safety and security for residents. View a complete list of housing authorities that received funding.
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_21_056
Media Statement from CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, on Racism and Health--CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0408-racism-health.html
Statement by Secretary Haaland on the President’s FY22 Discretionary Funding Request
Identifies Resources to Strengthen Tribal Nations, Promote Racial Justice and Equity, and Create Jobs in a Clean Energy Economy
https://www.doi.gov/news/statement-secretary-haaland-presidents-fy22-discretionary-funding-request
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
USDA Announces Upcoming Changes to the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Rice and Soybean Tables.
https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/04/08/usda-announces-upcoming-changes-world-agricultural-supply-and
US-China Tariff Fight Leaves SE Asia in the Winner's Circle--US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Treasury Sanctions Pakistan-based Transnational Human Smuggling Organization Involved in Smuggling Migrants to the United States.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0112
Justice Department Tax Enforcement Already in Gear
As tax filing season continues, the Department of Justice's Tax Division reminds taxpayers to pay careful attention to their reporting and filing obligations and to timely pay all taxes due. Willfully filing false tax returns or deliberately evading paying taxes are serious criminal offenses.--DOJ
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-tax-enforcement-already-gear
Federal Reserve announces final rule making technical, clarifying changes to the Federal Open Market Committee’s rules describing its Freedom of Information Act procedures--THE FED
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/other20210408a.htm
IRS reminds foreign bank and financial account holders the FBAR deadline remains April 15.
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is reminding U.S. citizens, resident aliens and any domestic legal entity that the deadline to file their annual Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) is still April 15, 2021.
The extension of the federal income tax filing due date and other tax deadlines for individuals to May 17, 2021, does not affect the FBAR requirement.
FTC Seeks Public Comment on Dark Patterns Topics ahead of Workshop.
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comment on topics related to the use of digital “dark patterns,” a range of potentially deceptive or unfair user interface designs used on websites and mobile apps, that will be discussed at the agency’s April 29, 2021 workshop.
(4)
NEWS COMMENTARIES & LOCAL MEETINGS
Family Court Debate: Is 'Parental Alienation' Destroying Kids? Do We Need Shared Parenting Laws?--PJ MEDIA
Biden Builds Back Obama’s Middle East
And makes a mockery of his democracy agenda.--Patriot Post
https://patriotpost.us/opinion/79069-biden-builds-back-obamas-middle-east-2021-04-10
The Left Is Coming to Destroy the Homeland--American Spectator
https://spectator.org/left-politics-family-destruction/
Biden Names Commission to Study Expansion of US Supreme Court--NEWS MAX
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/biden-supreme-court-commission-expansion/2021/04/09/id/1016993/
SCOTUS strikes down California ban on in-home worship meetings; Roberts joins liberals in dissent--Washington Times
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/apr/10/supreme-court-strikes-down-california-ban-home-rel/
Joe Biden’s Trojan horse presidency--Washington Examiner
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/joe-bidens-trojan-horse-presidency
If Democrats Really Want To ‘Stop Asian Hate,’ They Must Stop Reckless Decriminalization Laws
Democrats who claim to stand with the Asian American community against hate crimes are the same ones who will vote to endanger victims.--The Federalist
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County work session for 4/12/21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1258
Clallam County business meeting for 4/13/21
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7260
SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING Port of Port Angeles
Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 8:00 am
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04132021-503
City of Sequim Council meeting for 4/12/21
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2404
City of Forks Council meeting for 4/12/21
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Agenda-20210412.pdf
Clallam County PUD meeting for 4/12/21
https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4-12-21-WEB-Packet.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 4/12/21
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 4/14/21
https://portofpt.com/event/april-14-commission-meeting/
🙏He became the ultimate sacrifice
BIBLE VERSE: Romans 5:6-8 (New King James Version)
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Weekly Bible Study: The Question of Wine and the Drink-Offering of the Old Testament--Original Author Unknown,
Edited by Carl A. Allen and Jeffrey W. Hamilton
via The Berean, Vol. V, No. 5,6, February 2010
http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/QuestionOfWineAndTheDrinkOffering.html
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
The Chosen: About the life of Christ
https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
Your donation is appreciated.
