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Dear friends and neighbors,
The latest report from Public Health – Seattle & King County identifies thirteen new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of reported King County cases to 71. Sadly, the total number of deaths reported to Public Health is now 15. This has been a very stressful and trying time and the situation is still rapidly evolving. The best thing you can do to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the illness is to stay informed.
According to Public Health, there are currently no restrictions on who can be tested for COVID-19 and commercial testing is becoming more available. Health care providers may test any patient in whom they suspect COVID-19. While testing is becoming more available, there are limitations in health care providers’ capacity to obtain samples and process lab results rapidly.
While there are no restrictions on who can get tested, not everybody who feels ill needs to be tested, particularly if you have mild illness. If you are sick with fever, cough or shortness of breath and are in a high-risk group, call your health care provider to discuss whether you should be tested for COVID-19. More information is available at Public Health’s COVID-19 Common questions about coronavirus website.
People at high risk for complications from COVID-19 are:
- People older than 60 years
- People with chronic medical conditions
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant people
I want to also recognize and commend the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce for establishing a Magnolia Chamber Care Corps that will assist businesses by providing an extra set of helping hands or skill sets due to employees needing to stay home or if potential school closures impact employee work schedules. I am pleased to see our communities rallying around each other during this difficult time – especially in supporting our small businesses and their employees. I also thank Starbucks for its volunteer efforts. I’d appreciate being informed of other organizations in our communities that you know about that are also helping for the public good.
Thank you again for taking the time to read my update. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns. I will do my best to keep you informed with the latest info.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Kohl-Welles
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