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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In my update yesterday, I shared my appreciation for King County Metro Transit operators and the other staff that keep our region moving. Today, Metro announced that it will be providing masks to operators to help keep them safe and to slow the spread of COVID-19 – especially on our buses and water taxis. Keep in mind that you should only take the bus or other public transit for essential purposes only. With the weather warming up, you may be tempted to take the water taxi for the beautiful views and relaxation, but this simply is not acceptable and puts others at risk of infection. So, stay home and stay safe. And, if you do have to take transit, please wear a mask if you have one available. Click the following link to learn more about what Metro is doing to protect drivers and riders: https://kingcountymetro.blog/2020/04/10/covid-19-update-metro-to-distribute-cloth-face-masks-to-frontline-staff-starting-april-11/
The rest of this e-newsletter is meant to provide you with an update on some of the other issues on which I’ve been working as well as on helpful information related to the COVID-19 crisis. As always, I would like to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or comments.
All the best,
Latest numbers 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 4/10/20.
- 4,262 confirmed positive cases (up 145* from yesterday)
- 284 confirmed deaths (up 7 from yesterday)
This is good news with the lower numbers.
* The "new confirmed positive cases" figure we publish each day represents all new confirmed cases reported to us through 11:59 the night prior. Some of these test results were processed on days prior but were delayed in being reported to us. Please note that beginning on Monday, Public Health will be providing updates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only rather than on a daily basis. But I will try to get the numbers daily from other sources.
Detailed information about demographics of those who died from COVID-19 are available on the data dashboard.
Also, and again, here is an excellent website that offers real-time COVID-19 data in clear formats, broken down by country and state: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries
King County donations connector
King County government is working with regional private and public sector organizations to direct donations to agencies in need – and the people they are charged to serve during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As the response effort moves into a critical phase, people, businesses and non-profits are searching for an effective means to make sure services, supplies and funding reach health care providers, first responders (e.g., firefighters, law enforcement, medical and health care providers), and social service entities working on the front lines.
Toward that end, we have established the King County Regional Donations Connector to serve three purposes:
- Provide a system that allows donations and offers of assistance to be used in the response effort.
- Provide an online “marketplace” where offering organizations can be matched to those in need.
- Provide the public with an easily searchable list of resources.
Donating individuals, agencies and businesses are invited to share what they have to contribute (e.g., funding, surgical supplies, masks, counseling, etc.) and link up with frontline organizations. Click the following link to learn more: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/emergency-management/special-topics/donations-connector.aspx
How Metro improves air quality in buses for drivers and passengers
Metro is committed to eliminating the spread of COVID-19 and protecting employees and customers. In recent weeks, it has strengthened its cleaning protocols, boarding practices, and social distancing efforts. But there’s one improvement Metro began making two years ago that is of significant help now in responding to the current health crisis: its enhanced air filtration system. Learn more here.
Additional helpful and informative links
Today's moment of levity as well as practical advice
For those celebrating Easter tomorrow, check out this pretty cute cartoon that provides some good suggestions on how to ensure the Easter bunny is adhering to safe social distancing practices and hygiene. Remember to keep a six-foot distance if you have to go to public and be sure to wash your hands before you eat any Peeps or chocolate bunnies! And the traditional Passover Seder dinner has to be different this year just as is the case with attending Easter service and Easter dinner.
Also, Andrea Bocelli will be performing an Easter service online from an empty Cathedral in Milan. The performance will be broadcasted on his YouTube channel. You can read more by clicking the following link: https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKCN21R345
 (Photo credit BuzzFeed News)
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, sometimes more than one. Feel free to forward them to others who can subscribe by clicking here.
Finally, to prevent these updates from going straight to spam or junk folders, I encourage you to whitelist these emails by adding the email address to your contacts or address book. And be sure to check your spam folder if you think you may have missed an update.
And please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns and, most importantly, be well.
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