Scientists around the world are on the lookout for new COVID-19 variants, which are caused by mutations of the virus when its replication machinery makes an error. Experts say these mutations and the new variants are normal and to be expected. In recent months, so-called variants of concern have been identified in the U.
- PUB DATE: 1/28/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: ABC News

When we need help, first responders are the ones who answer the call. Firefighters, EMTs, and police officers put their health and lives at risk every day to serve those in their community. During the pandemic, those risks have only become more pronounced as first responders venture into dozens of homes each week, many of them for COVID-19-related calls.
- PUB DATE: 1/28/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KERO-TV ABC 23 Bakersfield

Firefighters in King County are sharing their experiences with pregnancy while working in the fire service. Five women in the service spoke at an event hosted by the King County Fire Chiefs Association to address how they overcame obstacles while working. Three of the women are currently pregnant, one had her baby a year ago and one had her child months before entering the fire academy 25 years ago.
- PUB DATE: 1/28/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

Hundreds of cars lined up outside the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds on Tuesday to be among the first to be vaccinated at Southwest Washington’s first mass vaccination site. Opened under a joint effort between the Washington Department of Health, the National Guard, and the Albertsons/Safeway Pharmacy Operations, the clinic expected to vaccinate as many as 750 people each day this week.
- PUB DATE: 1/28/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Clark County Today

Former Camano Island Fire Chief Mike Ganz, who twice served as interim chief in Burlington after retiring as a full-time fire administrator, is serving as interim chief of the Anacortes Fire Department. The Anacortes fire chief position has been vacant since Oct. 31, when then-chief Dave Oliveri departed after being placed on administrative leave by Mayor Laurie Gere.
- PUB DATE: 1/27/2021 11:40:53 PM - SOURCE: Skagit Valley Herald (GoSkagit.com)