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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As I mentioned in yesterday’s update, Council staff have developed a robust financial resources website. The information will be helpful to you or someone you may know needing assistance due to sickness, job layoffs, or business closures as a result of the economic fallout caused by the spread of COVID-19. Also, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any virus-related questions or concerns. My staff will work quickly to identify ways to get you the help you need and who to contact for assistance.
Latest from Public Health
Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/16/20
- 518 confirmed cases (up 30 from yesterday)
- 46 confirmed deaths (up 3 from yesterday)
These additional deaths include:
- A man in his 70s, who died at Valley Medical Center on 3/16
- A man in his 90s, who died at EvergreenHealth on 3/16
- A woman in her 70s, who died at EvergreenHealth on 3/13
Of the 46 deaths reported, 30 are confirmed to have been associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.
Additionally, Public Health is providing new information regarding guidance for child care facilities. At this point, they are not required to close, but there are considerations for them to make about whether they should close or not. Child care and early learning serve a vitally important function in allowing parents to continue working, which has positive public health, economic and social impacts.
Public Health suggests that decisions about whether and for how long to close a child care facility, are made that weigh the potential benefits gained by reducing the potential for COVID-19 transmission with the impacts of closing.
Driver appreciation day
Please join King County and the Metro Transit Division in celebrating International Transit Driver Appreciation Day tomorrow! Every day, thousands of King County Metro transit, rail, and paratransit operators are responsible for delivering passengers to work, school (hopefully soon), and appointments, and back home again. During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever that we recognize our public servants who are essential to keeping our community moving.
With Public Health’s guidance, we know that giving thanks can be done most safely by filling out a Driver Commendation Form or giving a shout out on social media. Those interested in providing a commendation should provide the details of a bus trip, such as the route and four-digit coach number, which helps Metro send that praise to the correct operator.
You can read more about Transit Driver Appreciation Day on the Metro Matters Blog.
Sometimes you got to laugh
It’s easy to get depressed, stressed and anxious during this truly difficult time. But, as they say, sometimes laughter is the best medicine. Remember to cherish the good moments when you can and try to laugh to keep your spirits up. I couldn’t help but laugh at this cartoon my husband Alex shared with me. What better way to memorialize 2020 than to buy jewelry with toilet rolls for that special person in your life? Pardon the misspelling.
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.
Lastly, let me know if you have ideas or tips for getting though these difficult times. Whether it’s an idea for staying healthy, keeping your sanity when self-isolating, or unique ideas for those who work from home - we want to hear from you!
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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