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Dear friends and neighbors,
Earlier today, state and local officials took major steps to help slow the spread of COVID-19. These include actions specific to King County that are sure to disrupt our lives and lifestyles as we seek to slow the spread of this pandemic.
At a press conference this morning, Governor Jay Inslee announced that starting today, events that take place in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties with more than 250 people are prohibited by the state. At the same time, the Seattle - King County Department of Public Health issued a local order prohibiting events of fewer than 250 people, unless measures are taken by event organizers to minimize risk.
Under this local health officer order, an "event" is defined as a public gathering for business, social, or recreational activities including, but not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities, unless event organizers take steps to minimize risk. Specifically, organizers of events of fewer than 250 people must ensure that:
- Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions that are at increased risk of serious COVID-19 are encouraged not to attend (including employees);
- Social distancing recommendations must be met (i.e., limit contact of people within 6 feet from each other for 10 minutes or longer);
- Employees must be screened for coronavirus symptoms each day and excluded if symptomatic;
- Proper hand hygiene and sanitation must be readily available to all attendees and employees; and
- Environmental cleaning guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are followed (e.g., clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily or more frequently).
They also announced that further guidance for schools will be issued later today, to support them as they prepare for the increasing possibility of prolonged mandatory closures. You can watch the entirety of the press conference here.
Following the press conference, Seattle Public Schools announced that all schools in the district will close for at least two weeks beginning tomorrow. You can read more about this development by clicking the following link: https://www.seattleschools.org/emergency_center/urgent_message
Needless to say, these are major disruptions to life as we know it. But as your councilmember, I am working closely with public health officials and believe these are prudent steps to protect the wellbeing of our families, friends, and society.
I will continue to share updates with you as I receive them. In the meantime, please continue to follow public health guidelines and check here for the latest from public health officials.
I also want to encourage you to check out this very good article on the importance of social distancing and how it really works to help: https://www.flattenthecurve.com/?utm_source=Wire%20News%20Alerts&utm_campaign=0ec9519672-Morning%20Wire%20April%2017_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5c5dd551fd-0ec9519672-332507265
Latest from Public Health on COVID-19
Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/10/20:
- 234 confirmed cases (up 44 from yesterday)
- 26 confirmed deaths (up 4 from yesterday)
The four deaths being reported today were all among previously reported cases. These additional deaths include:
- A woman in her 90s, Life Care Center resident, died on 3/3.
- A man in his 90s, Life Care Center resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, died on 3/5.
- A woman in her 60s, Life Care Center resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, died on 3/9.
- A woman in her 90s, a resident of Redmond Care and Rehab, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth, died on 3/10.
Of the 26 deaths reported, 22 are associated with Life Care Center.
Furry friends update
As a member of the Woodland Park Zoo Board, I want to let you know the Zoo is temporarily closing to the public effective March 12, 2020 through March 31, 2020 following the lead and directive of our state health and government officials as a measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
On the bright side, our furry friends at the zoo will be well cared for during the closure. Critical operations staff, including animal care teams and other selected employees, will continue working at the zoo to provide vital care to our animals and infrastructure.
On a related note, the Pacific Science Center will close to the public starting Thursday, March 12. This includes all programs and events, both IMAX theaters, the Laser Dome, the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, and the Polliwog Preschool.
Coronavirus does not discriminate
Please keep in mind, COVID-19 DOES NOT discriminate based on race, ethnicity, nationality, language, or economic status. Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We’re stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. Take advantage of these resources to prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus/anti-stigma.aspx
Thank you again for taking the time to read my update. You can expect ones to continue being sent out on a daily basis. Feel free too forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here. And please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns and, most importantly, be well.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Kohl-Welles
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