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Dear friends and neighbors,
King County and our region continue to be heavily impacted by the coronavirus. It’s hard to believe we are at the epicenter of this crisis in the United States, but we must stay positive and continue to do all we can to help. Many of you have had to make adjustments to your daily routine as a result of this public health crisis. Even though this has been an enormous challenge, taking extra precautions will have a positive impact and will help keep our most vulnerable neighbors from becoming infected.
Today Public Health reported 33 new cases of COVID-19. The official case count total in King County is now 116. In addition, three new deaths are reported, bringing the total deaths to 20 – of which 19 are directly connected to the Life Care Center in Kirkland.
As a reminder 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
Here is what Public Health is advising people at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 do to protect themselves and their loved ones:
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Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies. Create a household plan of action (see CDC’s home plan checklist).
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid crowds and other congregate settings.
- Try to avoid being in large groups of people, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Clean your hands often.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs.
- Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions.
- Pay attention for potential symptoms.
- COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Seattle Foundation announces new COVID-19 response fund
Earlier today, it was announced that the Seattle Foundation, a philanthropic community foundation, announced that it was forming a coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners to create a COVID-19 Response Fund that will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the region’s coronavirus outbreak. As of today, contributions from the fund’s leading partners total more than $6 million and that number is still growing. This is yet another example of how we as a community are stronger together. This is exactly the kind of action we will need to continue to see for us to remain resilient as a region to the harmful impacts of this crisis. You can read more about this fund and what it aims to do by clicking the following link: https://www.seattlefoundation.org/Blog/Articles/2020/03/puget-sound-area-philanthropy-government-and-business-come-together-to-establish-covid19
Donate blood!
As I mentioned in yesterday’s update, Bloodworks Northwest is concerned that the outbreak will result in a shortage of blood donors, causing the region’s blood supply to drop drastically. Bloodworks is urging the community to step up to donate and spread word of the current need. If you are someone who does not fall under Public Health’s list of people at high risk, please consider reaching out to them and donating blood. Click the following link to find out to donate blood: https://www.bloodworksnw.org/
Thank you again for taking the time to read my update. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns and be well.
Sincerely,
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Jeanne Kohl-Welles
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