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Another 6,900 monkeypox vaccine doses are en route to Washington state and could start arriving by this weekend — but health officials acknowledge it won't be enough to meet the need.

Why it matters: The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Washington has roughly doubled every seven to eight days, with 166 cases reported as of Aug. 3, public health officials told reporters Thursday.

On Thursday, the U.S. government declared monkeypox a public health emergency.

By the numbers: All told, state health officials have ordered 13,700 monkeypox vaccine doses so far, 6,800 of which the state has already received.

But in King County alone, health officials estimate that 40,000 people are at high or elevated risk of exposure to the virus. Nearly 90% of the state's monkeypox cases are in King County.

Even once the state receives the roughly 10,000 additional doses it is expecting between now and early September, the total will fall far short of safeguarding everyone at risk.

Supplies of the vaccine are limited, with states' allotments set by the federal government. 

State of play: For now, Washington is focusing its limited vaccine supply on people who have had confirmed cases of monkeypox or exposure to people with the virus, said Michele Roberts, an assistant health secretary who directs the state health department's immunization teams.

The state is also focusing on distributing first doses, as opposed to administrating second doses of the two-dose regimen, she said.

What they're saying: "While we work to build up vaccine supplies, it's important to protect yourself and those around you," Roberts said.

"If you notice a rash please keep it covered, seek medical attention and avoid close contact with others until the rash is gone."

Catch up quick: Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease.

Although the current outbreak has been largely concentrated among men who have sex with men, health officials say anyone can become infected through close contact. 

That can include kissing, or potentially even touching linens or clothing used by someone who was infected.

The illness is characterized by flu-like symptoms and a rash that turns into raised bumps, which can appear anywhere on the body.

The bottom line: "We do not have enough vaccine to open up broadly to the whole LGBTQ community or to those at highest risk at this point," Roberts said. "As more vaccine becomes available, we'll be opening up more broadly."

More monkeypox vaccines are coming to Washington, but not enough

State health officials have ordered or acquired about 14,000 monkeypox vaccine doses so far.

Monkeypox

Another 6,900 monkeypox vaccine doses are en route to Washington state and could start arriving by this weekend — but health officials acknowledge it won&#x27;t be enough to meet the need.Why it matters: The number of confirmed monkeypox cases in Washington has roughly doubled every seven to eight days, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="166 cases" data-vars-click-url="https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/monkeypox" data-vars-content-id="139b6165-ffe4-4558-86bc-98e15fcc6a55" data-vars-headline="More monkeypox vaccines are coming to Washington, but not enough" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/monkeypox" target="_blank">166 cases</a> reported as of Aug. 3, public health officials told reporters Thursday.

News

The Seattle City Council has voted to permanently cap the commission that food delivery apps can charge restaurants, extending a protection aimed at helping local businesses survive during the pandemic.

Why it matters: Without a cap in place, apps like DoorDash and Grubhub can take 30% or more of an order's purchase price as commission for delivery services, cutting into restaurants' often thin profit margin, according to a memo from city council staff.

Flashback: In 2020, the city limited delivery apps' maximum cut of an order to 15%.

But that restriction is set to expire whenever the mayor decides to lift the city's COVID-19 civil emergency order.

Jamie Housen, a spokesperson for Mayor Bruce Harrell, told Axios that the mayor hasn't set a date for that, but has encouraged the council to plan ahead.

The latest: The new measure the council passed Tuesday will ensure the 15% cap continues permanently, even after the emergency declaration is lifted.

Apps will still be able to charge additional money for services that go beyond food delivery, such as marketing.

What they're saying: "Because Seattle's emergency order for the pandemic ends soon, our diverse local restaurants face a financial cliff unless we take swift action," Seattle City Council member Alex Pedersen said at Tuesday's council meeting.

The other side: Anna Powell, a government relations manager for DoorDash, told the council Tuesday that making the price cap permanent could lead to higher costs for customers, while hurting local restaurants and delivery drivers. 

What's next: Houser said the mayor intends to sign the measure into law soon.

Seattle will permanently cap food delivery app fees

The city will continue to cap delivery apps' commission at 15% of an order's price, even after the COVID state of emergency is lifted.

Illustration of a food delivery bag, with a dollar stapled to it instead of a receipt.

Restaurants

The Seattle City Council has voted to permanently cap the commission that food delivery apps can charge restaurants, extending a protection aimed at helping local businesses survive during the pandemic.Why it matters: Without a cap in place, apps like DoorDash and Grubhub can take 30% or more of an order&#x27;s purchase price as commission for delivery services, cutting into restaurants&#x27; often thin profit margin, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a memo from city council staff" data-vars-click-url="http://seattle.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=11082196&amp;GUID=01677ED1-D77A-4CDB-A92F-F02C33077BCD" data-vars-content-id="2d63268a-70a0-4643-bff0-9d6ae1c9fefe" data-vars-headline="Seattle will permanently cap food delivery app fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://seattle.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=11082196&amp;GUID=01677ED1-D77A-4CDB-A92F-F02C33077BCD" target="_blank">a memo from city council staff</a>.

Politics

Two land masses, covered in trees, with a waterway in between them with a boat on it. 

Deception Pass and Deception State Park. (Photo by: Giulio Andreini/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

True story: The views at Deception Pass, at the north end of Whidbey Island, are so spectacular they convinced my husband to move to Washington state after he retired from the military.

That means 13 years of marriage and a toddler owe their entire existence to Whidbey Island being awesome.

What to expect: Whidbey's picturesque northwest beaches, charming seaside towns and great hiking make it like a pick-your–own adventure book of fun itineraries.

For a romantic weekend, try the Saratoga Inn in Langley.

The upscale B&B boasts views of the mountains and the sea, and it's right near the cute waterfront town's artisan shops and high quality restaurants.

At Captain Whidbey Inn, you can opt for a cabin overlooking Penn Cove, or stay in the historic main lodge, which gives off cozy, rustic vibes.

If you're up for roughing it a little, you can camp or rent a cabin in Deception Pass State Park, where cliffs and old growth forests abut the sea, providing killer views.

A red wharf building labeled "Coupeville" with colorful canoes and kayaks on a rack in front. 

The historic wharf building in Coupeville. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

In addition to hiking around Deception Pass, check out Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, where you can hike along a bluff overlooking Puget Sound.

Grab an ice cream cone and stroll the boardwalk. 

Then, wander in and out of the little shops on Front Street, or venture down to the beach.

Explore the art galleries and quaint shops of Langley while you wait for a table at one of the town's stellar restaurants.

A black pot filled with mussels and studded with pieces of bacon, garnished with parsley. 

Mussels at Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar in Langley. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios

For some of the area's best seafood — including to-die-for Dungeness crab — visit Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar in Langley.

The fish and chips, clams and Penn Cove mussels are also great.

Pro tip: Plan to put yourself on the waitlist and wander the town for a bit, as there’s usually a line. 

Ultra House, also in Langley, makes delicious ramen.

Bonus: It’s located on a pretty courtyard lined with cute shops.

The Little Red Hen bakery in Coupeville makes delectable pastries to get your morning started.

Sunshine Drip is another good breakfast option, with laidback outdoor seating and an eclectic menu ranging from citrus-laced avocado toast to homemade biscuits and gravy.

The Oystercatcher in Coupeville provides a high-end dining experience in a setting that doesn't feel stuffy.

And no visit to Whidbey Island is complete without a stop at Toby’s Tavern, which serves up giant pots of local mussels with crispy garlic bread perfect for dipping.

Related Axios guide: Explore Washington's outdoor playground in Methow Valley, 4 hours from Seattle.

Roam beaches and eat seafood on Whidbey Island, 90 minutes from Seattle

Whidbey's picturesque northwest beaches, charming seaside towns and great hiking make it like a pick-your–own adventure book of fun itineraries.

Travel

A view of the water below from the bridge in Deception Pass State Park near Seattle.

<figure><img alt="Two land masses, covered in trees, with a waterway in between them with a boat on it. " height="3744" id="2e82a6b4-0e6b-4623-baa3-96f1bf08e4d5" src="https://images.axios.com/rP1fQP72drR9l3DOg6D5kYIpbMI=/2022/08/05/1659723324775.jpg" width="5616"/><figcaption>Deception Pass and Deception State Park. (Photo by: Giulio Andreini/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>True story: The views at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deception Pass" data-vars-click-url="https://www.king5.com/article/news/five-tips-for-a-memorable-trip-to-deception-pass-bridge/281-fc1a5fdf-59da-4591-9824-0242eca10a5f" data-vars-content-id="805983b8-6568-42bf-bb85-f35ef5f40507" data-vars-headline="Roam beaches and eat seafood on Whidbey Island, 90 minutes from Seattle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/five-tips-for-a-memorable-trip-to-deception-pass-bridge/281-fc1a5fdf-59da-4591-9824-0242eca10a5f" target="_blank">Deception Pass</a>, at the north end of Whidbey Island, are so spectacular they convinced my husband to move to Washington state after he retired from the military.<ul><li>That means 13 years of marriage and a toddler owe their entire existence to Whidbey Island being awesome.</li></ul>What to expect: Whidbey&#x27;s picturesque northwest beaches, charming seaside towns and great hiking make it like a pick-your–own adventure book of fun itineraries.

Things to Do

You already know you can check out books using your library card. 

But did you know about the other perks your Seattle Public Library can score you?

Here are eight under-the-radar resources cardholders can access:

Free museum passes. Once every 30 days, you can use your library card to reserve a free pass to one of nine Seattle museums, the zoo or aquarium.

Borrow a Discovery Pass to visit Washington State Parks for free. You can check out a park pass for two weeks at a time. 

Check out a WiFi hotspot for up to three weeks. 

Research products before you buy them with access to Consumer Reports. 

Get advice to start your own business with virtual consultations — or evaluate stocks with Morningstar and Value Line before investing.

Learn new skills by taking by taking online courses from LinkedIn Learning. You can also brush up on programming, web design and business concepts with the O’Reilly Complete Public Library.

Tackle a new language with free access to the Mango app. 

It's free for anyone who lives, works, owns property or goes to school in the library's service area.

That includes Seattle, Bothell and most parts of King County, spokesperson Laura Gentry tells Axios.

8 surprising perks of having a Seattle Library card

You can do a lot more than check out books.

Illustration of a glowing keyhole on an old book.

You already know you can check out books using your library card. <ul><li>But did you know about the other perks your Seattle Public Library can score you?</li></ul>

Seafair Weekend is back — and so is the three-day Umoja Fest, the annual celebration of Seattle’s African American community.

What to expect: The Blue Angels will perform aerial acrobatics over Lake Washington this Friday through Sunday.

Hydroplane races — think: a lot of fast motorboats — kick off Friday morning.

Details: You can get a free, front-row view from Genesee Park on Friday — but you’ll need tickets to hang there Saturday and Sunday.

If that $35-per-day ticket price isn’t your thing, Seattle Met has a handy roundup of free spots along Lake Washington where you can catch a glimpse.

Warning: Parking will be terrible everywhere, so public transit is your friend. Here’s the full event schedule.

Meanwhile, Umoja Fest — which organizers call the “soul of Seafair” — is bringing a weekend of activities to Judkins Park.

The event was scaled back the last two years due to COVID-19, but has now returned to its full three days of glory.

Highlights include the Africatown Heritage Parade at 1pm Saturday, plus a children’s village, food vendors and music performances throughout the weekend.

Seattle weekend events: Seafair and Umoja Fest

The Blue Angels are back, and so is the event that organizers dub "the soul of Seafair."

A scene from the 2019 Umoja Fest Africatown Heritage Parade

A scene from the 2019 Umoja Fest Africatown Heritage Parade. Photo: Genna Martin/Seattlepi.com/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Entertainment

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Seafair Weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.seafair.org/events/2022/seafair-weekend-festival" data-vars-content-id="ee58e755-0625-4f89-8064-beb124cccff0" data-vars-headline="Seattle weekend events: Seafair and Umoja Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.seafair.org/events/2022/seafair-weekend-festival" target="_blank">Seafair Weekend</a> is back — and so is the three-day <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Umoja Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://umojafestnw.com/" data-vars-content-id="ee58e755-0625-4f89-8064-beb124cccff0" data-vars-headline="Seattle weekend events: Seafair and Umoja Fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://umojafestnw.com/" target="_blank">Umoja Fest</a>, the annual celebration of Seattle’s African American community.What to expect: The Blue Angels will perform aerial acrobatics over Lake Washington this Friday through Sunday.

Melissa Santos

Featured stories

Roam beaches and eat seafood on Whidbey Island, 90 minutes from Seattle

Seattle weekend events: Seafair and Umoja Fest

More monkeypox vaccines are coming to Washington, but not enough

8 surprising perks of having a Seattle Library card

Seattle will permanently cap food delivery app fees