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Dear Friends,
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop here in King County, I want to make sure you have the latest information on the County’s response and the state of our public health. The coronavirus situation is rapidly evolving, but as of early Wednesday afternoon, this update is current.
My highest priority remains the health of our community, and I hope this information is helpful.
Today, public officials confirmed 10 new cases of COVID-19 and, sadly, one additional death in King County. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 31 — tragically including a total of nine deaths. Another eight cases, including one death, have been confirmed in Snohomish County.
District 9 School & Hospital Update:
- Hazen High School in the Renton School District has closed for the remainder of the week after a student tested positive for COVID-19. The student is not in critical condition and is recovering at home.
- Both Covington Elementary School and Kentridge High School have closed for the day to thoroughly disinfect their campuses.
- An employee of Valley Medical Center in Renton has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee is not in critical condition and is recovering at home.
- Valley Medical Center is currently treating a man in his 60s who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Are you a school administrator? Review this information for how childcare and schools should prepare for and respond to COVID-19.
Are you an employer? Review this information for how businesses should prepare for and respond to COVID-19.
How to decrease your risk of getting sick:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (like doorknobs and light switches).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
When to seek medical attention:
- If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Isolate yourself and wear a mask before leaving the house.
- Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
- If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
- If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you’re a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact the County's novel coronavirus call center at 206-477-3977 between 8 AM-7 PM.
- For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.
How to prepare for a coronavirus outbreak:
Even if most cases are relatively mild, there are impacts when large numbers of people are sick and absent from work and school all at the same time.
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If you are at a higher risk of severe illness, you should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible. This includes people with underlying health conditions, with weakened immune systems, and who are pregnant.
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Plan now so that you can be ready in case many people are sick and can’t go to work or school. Talk at work about how your workplace can still operate if many workers are absent. Discuss sick-leave policies and telework options. Plan alternative childcare arrangements for children in case school is dismissed.
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Talk to your friends and neighbors about how you can help each other. Can you drop groceries off on their doorstep? Can you take turns looking after children who aren’t sick?
- If you regularly take prescription medication, talk to your health care provider, pharmacist, and insurance provider about keeping an emergency supply of medications at home.
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Plan ways to care for those at greater risk for serious illness and hospitalization, including anyone 60 and older and those with underlying health conditions. Infection can worsen their health conditions, and services they rely on may not be available.
I will do my very best to keep you informed with the latest information as we work through this crisis together. To stay up to date with the latest announcements as the situation develops, please visit: www.kingcounty.gov/covid.
Sincerely,
Reagan Dunn
Vice Chair
Metropolitan King County Council
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