Kathy Lofy Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Declaring He’s ‘Joyous,’ Jay Inslee Says Vaccine Distribution Begins This Week In Washington

By Austin Jenkins December 13, 2020

On Sunday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced the last hurdle has been cleared for the distribution of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The first shipments should arrive Monday and the first doses could be administered starting Tuesday, Dec. 15.

The first doses of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine should start arriving in Washington on Monday, with the first vaccinations of front line health care workers beginning as early as Tuesday. An upbeat Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced that timeline at a rare Sunday news conference.Read More

Across The Northwest And Nation, A ‘Steady And Alarming’ Loss Of Health Officials As COVID Surges

By Anna King November 24, 2020

Carolyn Holmes holds a sign in favor of Dr. Anthony Fauci and Health Officer Bob Lutz during a protest against the Spokane Board of Health's ousting of Lutz, held on Nov. 1, 2020 outside the Spokane Regional Health District office. News of the controversial situation broke on Friday, and Lutz has since said that he will not resign and has acquired an attorney in order to keep his employment with the SRHD in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lori Freeman calls the loss of top public health officers across the country “steady and alarming.” Freeman heads the National Association of County and City Health Officials. More than 70 have been fired, left or plan to leave their posts since the pandemic began in the U.S. In fact, so many are leaving, she’s keeping a spreadsheet.Read More

COVID Transmission ‘Skyrocketing’ In Washington; Restaurants Warn Of $800M Shutdown Losses

By NWPB News November 23, 2020

Server Luis Velez opens a bottle of wine for customers Mary Graf, left, Sophie Mandel and Andy Peraza, right, shown through a sheet of plastic surrounding the table, on Wednesday, October 21 , 2020, at Spinasse on Capitol Hill in Seattle.

Disease transmission is skyrocketing, Washington State Health Officer Kathy Lofy said in a news release Monday. Meanwhile, a four-week shutdown on indoor service at restaurants and bars prompted by an alarming statewide spike in COVID-19 cases is expected to cost the industry some $800 million.Read More

Washington Governor Announces: Bars, Restaurants Closed Again; Most Indoor Gatherings Banned

By NWPB News November 15, 2020

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced another round of coronavirus closures statewide on Nov. 15, 2020 as case positivity rates and hospitalizations have gone up in recent weeks. CREDIT: TVW/screenshot

"We are today in a more dangerous position than we were in March when our first stay-home order was issued," Gov. Jay Inslee said during a Sunday press conference. "In March, we were heading into the summer months. And we were largely successful relative to other states because of the combination that we acted early we did not wait," he added.Read More

Washington Health Officials Warn: COVID Is Surging, And It’s Up To All To Prevent More Shutdowns

By NWPB News November 10, 2020

Washington state health officials shared data during a Nov. 10, 2020 media briefing that shows the uptick in COVID-19 spread across the state. CREDIT: WA Dept. of Health

Washington is heading into the most severe surge of coronavirus yet. And time is running out to turn things around. That was the message Tuesday during a virtual briefing from a raft of high-ranking public health officials. Read More