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After dropping throughout March and into the first part of April, the transmission rate of COVID-19 is no longer falling and may be rising again in King County and Western Washington, according to the latest report from Bellevue-based Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM).
“This report once again reminds us that our position is precarious and COVID-19 transmission and new cases remain unacceptably high. We need to double down on distancing and other prevention steps at home, in the community, and in workplaces and we must see these numbers improve before relaxing our current restrictions,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. Read more about the latest data here.
--Additional Updates--
King County Parks reopening, with restrictions and some continued closures
Today, May 8, just in time for the beautiful weather, King County Parks is reopening parks, including regional & backcountry trails. While visiting, remember to keep it moving and maintain physical distancing. Learn more about what's open and not, other restrictions, as well as tips on how to recreate responsibly >>> https://kingcountyparks.org/COVID/
Additional Safe Start requirements for individuals and employers released
Last Friday Governor Inslee outlined four phases for reopening Washington’s economy. The phased reopening plan, called "Safe Start," allows more activity in each phase, but with at least a three-week delay between phases, and possibly more if case numbers start to increase.
Today he provided additional details and requirements for businesses. You can find more information about Inslee’s Safe Start approach and new requirements here.
New analysis shows racial inequities in COVID-19
Data released late last week by Public Health - Seattle & King County shows that in King County, COVID-19 is disproportionally impacting communities of color. Because our state’s rules don’t require the collection of race and ethnicity data for COVID-19 and other diseases, it’s impossible to fully understand the impact of these diseases on communities of color.
That’s why King County Executive Dow Constantine, Board of Health Chair and King County Councilmember Joe McDermott and I signed a letter last month that requests the Washington State Board of Health increase requirements for collecting race and ethnicity data.
Better data will allow our public health professionals to work more effectively to save lives I’m proud to join my colleagues to advocate for these improvements.
Viruses don't discriminate
Additionally, it is important to remember that COVID-19 does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, nationality, language, nor economic situation. Misinformation has created fear and hostility that is impacting many of our communities experiencing inequities, particularly our Chinese and other Asian and Pacific Islander communities and unsheltered neighbors. Public Health has put together several anti-discrimination resources that I encourage you to use.
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Metro adds trips and seat signs; No fares through May 31
King County Metro Transit remains committed to making transit as safe and reliable as possible. On Monday, it announced more trips on high-demand routes, new signage to enable people to distance safely and extended its suspension of fares through May 31. Read more on the Metro Matters Blog.
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Stay home and spread the word!
Remember right now, physical distancing is the most important thing we can do to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Please forward this email widely and invite others to sign-up to my email updates to receive important and timely information for District 6 constituents.
Sincerely,
 Claudia Balducci
King County Council
Council Chair
District 6
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