COVID-19: Seattle Podcast

As students return to Washington State University for a hybrid model of in-person and online classes, student parties are on the rise. So the Pullman Police Department has switched from an education-first approach to issuing fines, and Chief Gary Jenkins joins KIRO Radio's Dave Ross to talk about how it's working in practice.

Plus, we have an update about this podcast project! We are switching to a weekly schedule rather than a daily one. Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo will explain the reasons behind that decision at the top of this episode.

The CDC instructed states to prepare to distribute a vaccine to health care workers and other high-risk groups by November 1st. KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss whether this timing is  politically motivated or being rushed unsafely.

And, a sunny Labor Day weekend is fast approaching! Dave Ross tells us how to stay safe while gathering with friends or family ... even outdoors.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo walk through a widely misinterpreted report from the CDC that only 6% of reported deaths are solely from COVID-19.

In other CDC news, a broad reach of the agency's power resulted in a new nationwide eviction moratorium for renters. Who exactly qualifies for this protection?

And unemployed Washingtonians waiting for the $300 addition to their weekly checks have an end in sight: September 21st is when payments are set to arrive.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss a rumored White House strategy to combat the virus: waiting for herd immunity to kick in.

Two new free testing sites are opening in South King County, aimed at minority populations who have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. Find a comprehensive list of free Seattle and King County testing locations right here.

And Paul Gallant from 710 ESPN's Danny & Gallant joins the show to discuss the coronavirus outbreak that has postponed the next few Mariners games. How has the empty-stadium, shortened season been going so far?

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss a recent interview that Dr. Brett Giroir gave to our sister station, KTTH, saying it's safe for Washington to reopen businesses and schools more fully. But do our state public health experts agree?

Dave Ross explains the stalemate over the next coronavirus relief package and the sticky situation legislators and President Trump now find themselves in ... as they haggle over trillions of dollars of bailouts for state and local governments.

And the FDA could partially approve a vaccine before regular testing phases are completed. But here's the real question: when will we be able to walk into CVS and get one?

King County Public Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin joins KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo to answer lots of questions:

Are we ready for the flu season that's about to hit in the middle of a pandemic?

Is there any chance schools could reopen by the end of the year?

And, what's going on the with the CDC's new recommendation not to test asymptomatic people? 

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo have information about how kids can keep playing team sports safely, from an expert.

The CDC changes it's recommendations for testing: now, they're saying you shouldn't get tested if you don't have symptoms - even if you've recently been exposed. Dave Ross discusses whether this is part of some larger conspiracy to lower the positive case data from the Trump administration.

And reporter Nicole Jennings joins Aaron Granillo with an update on the dire situation of delayed unemployment benefits across Washington state. What's the hold-up at the Employment Security Department?

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss the mental health of kids heading into an online-only start to their school year. Are schools, parents and teachers prepared?

Plus, some important updated guidelines:

The World Health Organization changes their recommendations for young children wearing masks.

The Food and Drug Administration retracts some of their confidence in convalescent plasma therapy and clears up a misleading statistic.

And the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has new guidelines for how to travel safely.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss how the University of Washington and Bloodworks Northwest have been using convalescent plasma therapy since March, to treat only the most severe cases of COVID-19.

CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield joined KTTH for an interview, and seemed to criticize many schools in Washington that have opted for all-remote classes this fall.

And Washington State University's campus may be remote this year, but students are back on Greek Row, and partying. We'll check in.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo recap Governor Inslee's reopening of bowling alleys and U-Pick farms, as well as a glimmer of hope: COVID cases are trending just slightly downwards again in Washington state.

Another thing that's declining just slightly? The number of people on unemployment in our state. If you're still waiting for payments and can't get through the phone lines, Dave Ross wants to help.

And it seems like wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands might actually be working. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield says these public health measures are reducing the number of deaths in the US. How long did it take us to learn this lesson? Dave digs into the archives.