Latest Data
Data from the CDC, Washington State Department of Health, and Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department all indicate that case rates remain very high.
Vaccine Information
TPCHD data says that unvaccinated persons are 3x more likely to be infected and 10x more likely to be hospitalized.
VACCINE LOCATIONS: COVID-19 vaccines are widely available. No documentation or insurance is required at most clinics. Children 5-11 are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and anyone 12+ may receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Everyone 16+ is eligible for booster shots once 6 months have passed since completing their initial vaccination sequence.
- TPCHD Vaccine Location Finder
- Towne Center Clinic: 10330 59th Avenue Southwest Suite B, Lakewood, WA
Testing Information
TESTING LOCATIONS: Large public COVID-19 testing sites do change locations often. Refer to the health department website to find the nearest testing site.
Free At-Home Tests Available
- Federal Government: Every U.S. household may order up to four at-home COVID-19 tests for free. Orders ship in 7-12 days.
- Washington State Dept. of Health: WA residents may order up to 5 rapid tests per household for free.
Free N95 Masks Available
Free N-95 masks are available at several Lakewood locations.
The CDC has partnered with retailers to offer free N-95 masks. Safeway, Costco, CVS, Rite Aide, Fred Meyer, Walgreens, and Walmart are participants.
Free masks will be available at Lakewood City Hall and the Lakewood Police Station between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- City Hall: 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood WA
- Police Station: 9401 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA
Suspicious COVID-19 Testing Site in Lakewood
On Jan. 12, the City received reports of suspicious practices at a local testing clinic. Code enforcement found the clinic operating without a state business license and issued a Stop Work Order, closing the clinic temporarily.
The City promptly filed complaints to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Office of the Attorney General, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Since then, the Center for COVID Control suspended operations nationally as various agencies investigate their practices.
The property owner at the Lakewood location posted a lease termination at the site. The site is now vacant. The clinic is unlikely to return to Lakewood.
Refer to public health agencies for vetted lists of COVID-19 testing locations and at-home test procurement sites.
Recent COVID-19 News & Updates
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- CDC updates consumer mask website to emphasize protection, fit, and comfort
- Any mask is better than no mask, but the CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently.
Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
- Three flu-related deaths reported in Washington as flu activity rises
- Flu activity across Washington has risen to moderate levels and, for the first time in roughly two years, Washington state is reporting multiple flu-related deaths.
- Department of Health to make significant changes to COVID-19 data dashboard
- The goal is to display current trends and information that are most applicable to the current phase of the pandemic. DOH is also adjusting the frequency of COVID-19 dashboard updates from daily to three times a week.
- State launches at-home rapid COVID-19 test portal
- Washington state residents may order rapid-antigen COVID tests online, and will receive those tests delivered at no cost. People can order up to 5 free tests for a household.
- Increase in breakthrough cases related to current COVID-19 surge
- “If you are already vaccinated, getting a booster dose of vaccine is the best way to decrease your chance of getting a breakthrough infection,” said Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, Chief Science Officer.
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
- We’re seeing a record number of COVID-19 cases. We must do all we can to protect ourselves, our families and our hospitals.
- Our hospitals and ICUs are near full. Even if a fraction of the latest cases end up in the hospital, it could overwhelm our already strained healthcare system.
- School data shows most outbreaks happen outside the classroom
- Vaccines and boosters protect kids from the worst COVID-19 outcomes. Everyone 5 and older is eligible for the vaccine. And everyone 12 and older should get their COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.
- Flu activity is low in Pierce County and Washington but increasing nationally.
- Getting a flu shot is the best protection against the flu. It can stop you from getting the flu. If you do get sick, your illness will be milder and shorter. And it protects you and those around you all season.