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Encouraging research from Bellevue’s Institute for Disease Modeling indicates that COVID-19’s spread in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties is slowing. That’s good news, but we’re not out of the woods yet. If we let up on social distancing too quickly, we risk a rebound in the outbreak. That’s what happened in 1918, as this graphic from a recent article in National Geographic illustrates.
The line in the chart below shows weekly deaths in Seattle from the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, per 100,000 population, above the expected death rate. The number represents deaths per 100,000 population after 24 weeks of the pandemic. The shading shows duration of social distancing measures. As you can see, after social distancing measures were discontinued (the first time), Seattle experienced a strong rebound in the rate of deaths. Similar, and even far worse rebound curves were experienced in other parts of the United States.
--Additional Updates--
Governor Inslee Extends and Expands Eviction Moratorium and Protections
Yesterday, Governor Jay Inslee extended the eviction moratorium until June 4 and expanded the order by preventing landlords from evicting in all situations that fall within the Landlord Tenant Act. It also contains several additional prohibitions. Notably, the original order did not cover all living situations or every circumstance, nor did it cover commercial rentals and leases. Read more about the extended and expanded order here.
Additional Metro and Sound Transit Reductions Coming Monday
In response to continued low ridership and increasing staffing challenges, King County Metro and Sound Transit will implement further service cuts beginning Monday.
Metro reports 70% ridership declines from pre-COVID levels and the agency will soon operate approximately 42% fewer buses and 27% fewer service trips than typical weekday service. Weekend trips will be reduced by 15% on Saturdays and 4% on Sundays.
Meanwhile, Sound Transit reports ridership declines ranging from 85-90% and will be cutting 29 weekend trips from routes 542 and 550, and will reduce light rail headways from 20 to 30 minutes, but will exclusively run 4-car trains.
Puget Sound Energy to Offer Assistance during Pandemic
Puget Sound Energy will make funds available to help customers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through its Crisis-Affected Customer Assistance Program.
This includes customers who recently became unemployed, partially unemployed, or cannot work. With approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, PSE made revisions to its program to make these funds available to a broader group of customers.
PSE also continues to offer payment plans and allow customers to change bill due dates for those who may need additional assistance. For more information on this program and other program offerings, visit www.pse.com/covidhelp.
WIC is an Essential Service and Continues to be Available to Pregnant Women, New Moms and Young Children
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The program gives families access to nutritious foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, health assessments and referrals. Given recent employment changes and layoffs, people may be seeking WIC services for the first time or returning to services. WIC has the capacity to serve additional people.
People seeking WIC services do not need to visit a WIC clinic. WIC services are available by phone or video chat even when physical buildings are closed. To find WIC services in your area:
Washington WIC has recently added many nutritious food options to help ensure WIC participants can find foods when shopping. WIC clinics can answer questions about these foods. Download the WIC Shopper app for more information.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6
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