COVID-19: Seattle Podcast

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo join up for the last time, after nearly a year of this reporting project.  They'll discuss the impossible online waitlists for vaccines, and if we're ready to reopen schools. And, over the past year of this crisis, what story or moment has stuck with Dave and Aaron the most? This will be the final formal episode of the COVID-19: Seattle podcast. To keep up with us elsewhere, you can: Sign up for our newsletter, which goes out once a week. We'll continue to collect local pandemic news for you in one easy place. Subscribe to Dave's podcast, Ross Files, for in-depth interviews with experts and local leaders. Thank you to all of our loyal listeners over the past year! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. George Diaz is an infectious disease specialist with Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, WA. He treated the very first confirmed coronavirus patient in the United States, isolating him with the hospital's strictest Ebola precautions and using a robot for examinations.  Exactly a year later, he joins KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo on the COVID-19: Seattle podcast to reflect on those earliest days of the pandemic, and make predictions for the year ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss the vaccine rollout in Washington state, and whether teachers should be able to cut the line. You can check your current eligibility for the vaccine here. And, Whatcom County is seeing a surge of cases. They expect January to triple what they saw in December, which was already the county's worst month ever. Dave and Aaron issue a timely reminder: don't forget about "stranger bias." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross speaks with Dr. Keith Jerome, head of the University of Washington's Virology Lab, to answer common questions about the vaccine rollout and address the post-holiday surge in cases. Plus, reporter Aaron Granillo joins with more information about your place in line for a vaccine, and the statewide app that should be online next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social Distancing... lockdowns... PPE shortages... and distance learning. Those were just a handful of the major challenges we faced in 2020. And KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo tracked it all right here, day by day. What were people in Washington thinking and feeling during the very first statewide lockdown? Did the predictions of doctors and researchers in the early days come true?  Aaron is joined by KIRO Radio's Mike Lewis as they listen back to the earliest episodes of this podcast and discuss the milestone moments in the pandemic from 2020. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Inslee's recently revised guidelines mean we could see many school districts reopening for in-person classes before the end of January. Join KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo as they cover what this means for children, teachers and staff across Washington state. And, the next federal relief bill has inched just a little bit closer to passing. This version includes a second stimulus check. Finally, this was a big week for healthcare workers: Pfizer's vaccine was distributed to hospitals and clinics across the US. How concerned should we be about the allergic reactions some people have seen? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross is joined by reporter Aaron Granillo to discuss the agonizing process of being so close to a vaccine while daily coronavirus cases numbers have reached a new peak nationwide. How are our hospitals and healthcare providers holding up here in Washington state? Aaron explains our hospital capacity, and who will be at the front of the line for vaccination. And, Governor Inslee's restrictions on restaurants, gyms and theaters - now extended through January - have put many business owners and their employees in an impossible position. Dave Ross walks us through the politics in the other Washington, as Republicans and Democrats argue over liability and bailing out local governments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporter Aaron Granillo is joined this week by Mike Lewis, host of KIRO Nights and a familiar voice on the show. They'll take a look at the latest coronavirus stats as a third surge in cases meets with the holiday season. How are we doing on hospital capacity, and what is the current survival rate from the virus? Mike also owns a local bar, and discusses how the new statewide restrictions on indoor dining and alcohol service are impacting his business and employees. In an impossible situation, what kind of state and federal relief can we expect? And finally, Washington state just launched an exposure notification app this week. Plenty of people have opted in so far, and we'll tell you how you can either download or turn on the feature on your own phone. You can hear more from Mike Lewis on KIRO Nights, weekdays from 7-10 PM or on demand as a podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross talks with Governor Jay Inslee about Washington's response to the pandemic. What is hospital capacity like right now? How dire is this third wave? And what do the predictive models tell us about the rest of the holiday season? Then, reporter Aaron Granillo joins Dave Ross to debrief the interview and look ahead at how we can possibly dig our way out of the dire financial straits this virus has left so many families and businesses in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo cover the encouraging early results of the Pfizer vaccine trial, and chat with Dr. Julie McElrath. She's leading one of 3 major vaccine trials in Seattle and looking for volunteers.  And Dr. Stephen Anderson from MultiCare Auburn Medical Center has been working on the frontlines in the emergency department throughout the pandemic. He joins us to explain just how serious the third wave of the virus is for Washington state, and the conversation convinces both Dave and Aaron to change their Thanksgiving plans. If you'd like to get involved in a vaccine trial, you can find more information here. Join the conversation and submit your own ideas for show conversations in our new community Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is hitting a 3rd wave of coronavirus cases while we reconsider our nation's leadership. What would it take for either Biden or Trump to get life in the US "back to normal" again? KIRO Radio's Dave Ross interviews virologist Dr. William Haseltine, a former Harvard researcher with a focus on public health, about how we can banish the pandemic for good... even without a vaccine. Then, reporter Aaron Granillo joins to talk about what the exit polls suggest American voters prioritized this election: the economy, or the pandemic? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporter Aaron Granillo breaks an exclusive interview with the first confirmed patient in Seattle who was re-infected with the coronavirus. Then, he does a Q&A with KIRO Radio's Dave Ross to answer questions like: how long does immunity last? How many different strains of the virus are out there? And what does this mean for the vaccine? Join the conversation and get your own questions about the virus answered by joining COVID-19: Seattle on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss the fall wave of new coronavirus cases that's sweeping the country, and compare red and blue state policies. Is another lockdown ahead of us in Washington? Governor Inslee did issue some restrictions earlier this week, but only for college campuses. With 35 outbreaks statewide, the message to students is: stop socializing. And, local health officials released an early version of their plan for distributing a vaccine throughout the state. But have they factored in our trust issues? Is there something you want this podcast to report on? Or a story of your own you want to share? You can now talk to the show directly by joining our new Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coronavirus cases are rising in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. But some restrictions are loosening: movie theaters reopen on Friday. Dr. Ali Mokdad from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which tries to predict when coronavirus cases will rise and why, joins KIRO Radio's Dave Ross to discuss what to expect as we head into colder weather and plan more indoor gatherings. Dr. Mokdad also offers his best prediction for when this will all be over: in other words, when we can expect a vaccine. Two major vaccine trials paused this week after a small number of negative reactions, and reporter Aaron Granillo will explain why that's actually good news. And, of course, we take a look at the campaign trail. Two Biden campaign staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus. And President Trump resumed his rallies, triumphing his defeat of the disease. Join the conversation in the COVID-19: Seattle Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo give a 10-minute recap of Wednesday night's debates. How did the candidates talk about the ongoing pandemic? Incumbent Governor Inslee faced off against his Republican challenger Loren Culp. And Vice President Mike Pence took the stage, behind plexiglass, to debate Senator Kamala Harris. Plus, we'll give you a rundown of all this week's coronavirus news you can use. A coronavirus outbreak strikes the University of Washington's Greek Row, there are some new rules at Seattle parks, and the CDC has updated what you need to know about how the virus can spread. Free coronavirus testing sites are open every day across Seattle. You can find the locations and reserve a spot here. Or, purchase an at-home coronavirus test, newly available in Washington, right here. Join the conversation in our podcast's brand new Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo react to today's breaking news that President Trump has tested positive for the coronavirus. With just 30 days until the election, what does this mean for the health of his campaign - and the health of the country? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss this week's coronavirus news. First up: COVID is accelerating job losses at Boeing, and the company decided this week to shutter it's 787 Dreamliner production line in Everett. The first presidential debate confused and dismayed many of those who tuned in. Dave Ross parses through the mayhem and pulls out a better idea of each candidate's plan to handling this ongoing pandemic. And, select school districts in Washington are welcoming back some of their youngest students for in-person classes. What do parents think about that? Join the conversation in our podcast's Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss a sobering milestone the US passed this week: 200,000 deaths from COVID-19. How is our country grieving? And what does this say about how we've handled the pandemic so far? Speaking of our pandemic response, Dr. Anthony Fauci and the head of the CDC testified before Congress on Wednesday about the seemingly ever-changing CDC guidelines. Senator Patty Murray wants a task force to investigate. And, the very earliest infection rate data is back from schools that reopened for in-person classes. Join the conversation in our Facebook group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As skepticism about vaccines rises nationwide, KIRO Radio's Dave Ross calls Dr. Keith Jerome, head of the University of Washington's Virology lab, to ask him the question on everyone's mind: when can we expect a vaccine in pharmacies? By election day? And how safe will it be? Join the conversation on our podcast's Facebook page. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a freshly formatted weekly episode, KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss the shocking revelations from Bob Woodward's new book, 'Rage,' and play tape of the president admitting to the severity of the virus being far worse than the flu as early as February. How much of a difference would an earlier lockdown or mask mandate have made? And should Woodward have broken this story back in March, when lives still could have been saved? In other news: a "worship protest" on Labor Day outside a shuttered GasWorks Park drew ire from the surrounding community and sharp comparisons between large prayer gatherings and large protests against police brutality. Dave Ross offers a defense of targeted park closures. Join the conversation in our new Facebook group: COVID-19: Seattle Podcast Updates! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An epidemiologist in Arizona compares her governor's coronavirus strategy to Inslee's here in Washington. Rent is dropping in New York City as people flee urban centers. What are the predictions for Seattle's downtown core? And Paul Gallant from Danny and Gallant joins to discuss the somewhat inevitable news that the Seattle Seahawks won't be bringing fans into the stadium this season. But other teams in the league might. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats and Republicans in Congress might be close to negotiating through their stalemate over the next big coronavirus relief package. KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo give us an update. The mayhem of virus outbreaks at colleges and universities that reopened for in-person classes continues, with more campuses sending students back home. And a fishing vessel in Seattle gives researchers some strong evidence that coronavirus antibodies might actually protect you - even if you're living in packed bunks with over a hundred other infected crew members. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss settling into a new normal full of coronavirus-related lifestyle changes. A pool party in Wuhan raises concern, and paints a stark contrast between strict lockdowns and the "partial reopening" approach. Plus, the University of North Carolina reversed course on their hybrid in-person model and sent students home after an outbreak. Partying students blame the university administration. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo go over some of the misinformation floating around about COVID-19, and consult Dr. Gordon Cohen. Plus, Gonzaga and Whitworth are welcoming back their students for in-person learning. Dave and Aaron discuss the safety plan, and the risks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss an interview with Washington state epidemiologist Dr. Scott Lindquist, who says public health officials are tracking coronavirus cases as they follow seasonal harvests. Plus, should kids wear masks? It's a big question as we track the states that are attempting to reopen schools for in-person learning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many school districts across Washington state have decided to start classes online this fall. KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien discuss the ripple effect of those decisions with Chris Reykdal, Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction who oversees all public school districts across the state. Then, Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo break down the interview. How feasible are outdoor classes? Could students really be back in classrooms fairly soon? And how will the return of flu season impact this whole process? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss the impact of a postponed fall football season on not only students and their families, but revenue. Coronavirus cases seem to be trending downwards in Snohomish, Pierce and Yakima Counties. And, there's a new $40 million dollar COVID-19 relief fund for undocumented workers in Washington state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo for a daily coronavirus news rundown.  A new data review shows that the virus does, in fact, infect children, and in larger numbers than we previously understood. How could this affect school closures nationwide? A new vaccine from Russia invites some skepticism. And as Dave and Aaron both return to the show after summer vacations, they discuss what it's like to fly on a plane right now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As negotiations in Congress over the next coronavirus relief package stalled, President Trump instead issued a series of sweeping executive orders. How effective are they? KIRO Radio's Dave Ross walks us through what to expect, and the legal challenges that may lie ahead. We're also bringing you the latest virus news here in the other Washington ... Washington state. People under the age of 40 now have the highest percentage of cases. Changes are coming for indoor fitness centers. And a prayer service in Cal Anderson Park without masks or social distancing raises concern. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporter Chris Sullivan joins KIRO Radio's Dave Ross to explain why Mayor Jenny Durkan vetoed a COVID-19 relief plan from the Seattle City Council.  Could we endure another stay-at-home order here in Washington? A new model of rising case numbers predicts it could happen in October. A teen in Puyallup passed away due to the coronavirus this week. Governor Jay Inslee eases up on visitor restrictions at long-term care facilities, offering some relief to families who have been separated for months. And a new, walk-up only COVID-19 testing site is opening today at Rainier Beach High School. More information about free testing in the City of Seattle can be found right here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross talks with Gene Balk, data columnist for the Seattle Times, about how drastically the latest coronavirus case numbers vary throughout King County ... and why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross is back with all the coronavirus news you might have missed this week.  First: what's the hold up with the next federal stimulus package? Dave walks us through a few of the major arguments, and where lawmakers have been able to compromise. The national debate over vote-by-mail continues. And in the last weeks of summer, what's still open, and who is facing pandemic-related closures? An update on Washington State Ferries, Argosy Cruises, and the Space Needle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Teresa Everson, the health officer for Yakima County Health District, joins KIRO Radio's Mike Lewis and reporter Aaron Granillo to discuss the current state of the coronavirus outbreak in Yakima. What have they done to slow the virus, especially in a largely agricultural community where many people have been unable to join a lockdown? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transportation reporter Chris Sullivan joins the show to explain what's going on inside Boeing with newly announced job and production cuts. Is the coronavirus entirely to blame? KIRO Radio's Mike Lewis and reporter Aaron Granillo compare Seattle's case count to other countries. And Alaska has a new restriction for visitors entering the state. Plus, Mike recommends WindowSwap, which lets you gaze out different windows around the world (virtually, of course). Check it out right here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second-largest teacher's union in the country supports strikes if schools try to reopen where there are high infection rates. KIRO Radio's Mike Lewis and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss how much kids stand to lose from another six-month closure. And unions representing transportation workers want a federal mask mandate on planes, trains and buses.  Local government employees in Western Washington will continue working from home until at least January of 2021. Is this extension really just our new normal? Plus, is all the deep-cleaning and disinfectant spray at restaurants, in the subway and even at Disneyland simply "hygiene theater?" A new article in The Atlantic suggests as much, but Mike Lewis will keep wiping down the tables at his bar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Mike Lewis and reporter Aaron Granillo bring Paul Gallant from 710 ESPN's Danny and Gallant on the show to talk about the coronavirus outbreak on the Miami Marlins team. How are incidents like this going to affect players, not just in baseball but in every sport? But first: an expanded mask mandate went into effect on Saturday, and a new nationwide poll shows that American support for wearing masks in public is more popular than ever. Lucky, because coronavirus cases in Washington are still on the rise. We seem to be at a turning point, a local study concluded. Mike Lewis and Aaron Granillo discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Mike Lewis and reporter Aaron Granillo preview the new coronavirus relief package coming from Senate Republicans. Just how much can it boost economic recovery? The next phase of a promising vaccine trial kicks off today, with 30,000 participants. And, does a coronavirus outbreak on the Miami Marlins spell doom for the rest of the MLB season? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Inslee has issued new restrictions in Washington state on bars, restaurants, weddings, funerals and gyms. Co-host of KIRO Nights Mike Lewis joins reporter Aaron Granillo to talk about the impact in a very real way, since he owns a bar himself. Plus, extra federal unemployment benefits are set to expire at the end of July, but Republicans and Democrats can't get on the same page about what to extend and how. Mike and Aaron discuss the standoff over an extra $600 a week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo discuss online-only school, and the return of a familiar foe: flu season. And, they debate the merits of the "pandemic pods" that some parents are organizing to avoid the burden of homeschooling solo. We also check in on the latest soundbite from Dr. Anthony Fauci, who says COVID-19 will never - that's right, never - be entirely gone. But Dave Ross is confident that we can learn to live with it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many high school sports have officially been called off for the fall. Chris Sullivan joins Dave Ross to talk about what's happening over in Idaho, and the fallout this will have for student athletes. What's driving the rising coronavirus case average in Washington state? We're  now facing new travel restrictions, and slower testing turnarounds. A new study from the University of Washington and the state health department will test people at random for coronavirus antibodies, trying to figure out how common the virus really is. Reporter Aaron Granillo talks about getting his own antibody test results back. And, Dave Ross and Aaron Granillo recap President Trump's first public coronavirus briefing in months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KIRO Radio's Dave Ross and reporter Aaron Granillo have an update on several of the most promising vaccines for the coronavirus. But with anti-vaccination fears and safety concerns, will enough Americans trust the 'warp speed' process? President Trump will resume a daily briefing today. We're not sure quite what to expect. And could you use a reusable mask? There's a drive-through event this afternoon from Seattle and King County Public Health distributing free masks to residents. More information here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.