 Image courtesy of Public Health - Seattle & King County
Updates & steps to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus
There are now multiple cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in King County, including in East King County. Multiple people have been hospitalized. Sadly, one individual has died.
The most important things we can do at this point are to keep up to date on information provided by public health experts (see links below), wash hands frequently, avoid touching your face, stay home if you are ill or experiencing symptoms, and prepare for the possibility that you might have to stay home from work or school for an extended period if the virus spreads more widely in the community.
Remember that although coronavirus is very contagious, and can be quite serious, most cases will be mild to moderate with people getting well by resting at home. Take good care of yourself and your loved ones, especially seniors and people with other underlying conditions who are most at risk, and check back with trusted public health sites for more information as this situation changes over the days to come.
Here is the latest information from King County, including links for more information and guidance for how to minimize risk of infection:
- There are multiple illnesses associated with a nursing home and a dialysis facility. We are working closely with their leadership, staff, and families to contain and manage the situation at these facilities.
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Health officials are working as rapidly as possible to identify others in the community who have been exposed, isolate them and get them tested for coronavirus.
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Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health) is fully activated through its Incident Command structure. They are in close contact with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Washington State Department of Health (DOH), hospitals, the Emergency Medical Services system, as well as our state and federal delegation. CDC in particular is providing close assistance, and is sending a high level team to King County to help with the response.
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King County government is coordinating together with Public Health to share information, deploy resources, and respond at the maximum capacity we are able.
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This is a troubling situation that health officials have been warning could happen.
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We have experience in responding to pandemics and our health officials have tremendous expertise and skills, but this is a very quickly-moving situation and information is changing daily.
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Health officials expect there will be additional cases locally and nationally as the coronavirus spreads more broadly. Our residents should plan to stay informed and follow health guidance carefully.
NOTE: Many people have asked what to do if you believe you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms. This is the current guidance from Public Health:
- Call your doctor – do not go into a medical facility.
- Your doctor will make an assessment about next steps. If it is determined that you should be screened for coronavirus, your doctor will contact Public Health to make arrangements for screening.
- Take all appropriate precautions. Do not go to work if you are sick. Wash your hands often and do not touch your face.
Links to more information from Public Health, DOH and CDC:
I will send more information as it becomes available.
Until next time,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
District 6
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