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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It has been an intense 24 hours. I think it is finally sinking in that we are entering truly uncharted waters and the world as we know it isn’t going to be the same for the foreseeable future. I am especially thinking of those in our community who have school-aged children. Earlier today, Governor Inslee and the Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced mandatory six-week closures for all schools within King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. Frankly, this must be a very confusing and scary time for kids. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out this article that appeared in the New York Times about what parents need to know about the Coronavirus: https://parenting.nytimes.com/childrens-health/coronavirus-children-pregnant-women
Also, here are 8 tips from UNICEF to help comfort and protect your kids: https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Public Health is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/11/20
- 270 confirmed cases (up 36 from yesterday)
- 27 confirmed deaths (up 1 from yesterday)
The one death being reported today is in a man in his 80s. He died at EvergreenHealth on 3/11/20.
Of the 27 deaths reported, 22 are associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.
A new guidance was issued yesterday regarding the gathering of large crowds. Despite these rules that limit gatherings, it’s clear that residents will continue to need services. Retail businesses and service operators such as grocery stores, drug stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and other retail establishments may and should stay open, if they follow guidance aimed at maximizing excellent hygiene, social distancing, and cleaning. However, many have already closed, hopefully temporarily. If you own or operate a retail establishment, click the following to learn more about what you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus/retail.aspx
Working with public health officials, I have learned we can expect the COVID-19 case count to double every 5-7 days. A key Public Health – Seattle and King County goal is to minimize the number of people who get seriously ill at the same time, so that those who are at risk for severe illness are able to get the care they need. If too many people get very sick all at once, this will put an unmanageable burden on our health care system.
Anyone who is sick should continue stay home. Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19, as well as their close contacts, should follow Public Health guidance addressing what to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 or are worried that you do.
People helping people
One of the bright spots of this crisis has been seeing people, organizations and businesses stepping up to help. Here are some highlights of people doing the right thing in and around our community to make a positive difference considering our difficult circumstances:
- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced that it is teaming up with Public Health to distribute at-home coronavirus testing kits to residents in and around Seattle. This will help to detect and prevent the spread of the virus.
- While it is difficult and hard for businesses, I commend PCC for temporarily closing its Aurora/Green Lake location after learning one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. PCC is doing the right thing by following all recommended guidelines from public health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and city, county, and state public health departments.
- As I mentioned yesterday, the Woodland Park Zoo and the Pacific Science Center have decided to close to the public to help prevent the spread of the virus. Since then, the Seattle Aquarium has closed for the time being as is the case with many others of our arts, culture, science and heritage organizations. Again, these are necessary and appropriate decisions that will benefit the community.
- Our hospitality and tourism industries are also suffering which means closures, hopefully temporarily, which could very unfortunately lead to a growing number of workers being laid off. Councilmember Rod Dembowski and I are working with County Executive Constantine on mitigation legislation to provide assistance to bring to the County Council for approval. And, as I mentioned yesterday, if possible, you might make donations now to community organizations, a local theatre, museum, science program, non-profit, etc. important to you.
Lastly, I am pleased King County Metro has decided to temporarily cease in-person fare enforcement inspections during the crisis response. Fares are still required, and passengers are still expected to pay or to tap their ORCA card.
Guided by the recommendations of Public Health - Seattle & King County related to social distancing, suspending fare enforcement will limit hand-to-hand, close interactions between fare enforcement officers and passengers, protecting their health and – by extension – the health of our community.
Fare enforcement officers will continue to be onboard coaches and visible on Metro’s system to deliver safety support, assist customers and operators, and provide information or directions to those who need help finding resources. I had requested this upon seeing the reaction on a bus I boarded at the Courthouse last week. We all need to pitch in and be helpful and I’m very pleased Metro has changed its inspections policy for the time being.
For the latest information on how King County Metro is responding to novel coronavirus, please visit the Metro Matters blog posts, or Metro’s Twitter page or Facebook page.
Keep in touch
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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