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Public Health - Seattle & King County (Public Health) now recommends that anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms be tested as soon as possible.
Previously, due to supply shortages, Public Health guidance prioritized testing for people most at risk for severe illness, including healthcare providers and first responders.
Now as testing availability grows in King County and with expanded testing criteria from the Washington State Department of Health, all individuals are encouraged to get tested. Remember, testing ASAP after symptoms appear can help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to family, friends and the community. Read more about who should, and how people can get tested on the Public Health Insider Blog >>>
 image courtesy of Seattle & King County Public Health
A reminder: new face covering directive begins Monday
The new King County Health Officer Directive that strongly urges individuals at indoor or confined outdoor public settings to use face coverings over their nose and mouth begins Monday, May 18.
Read the frequently asked questions, who and where the directive applies to, as well as the exceptions that exist at www.kingcounty.gov/masks.
Also, a reminder that all riders and operators on King County Metro will be required to wear face coverings. Read more about this requirement on Metro’s blog >>>
 Masks or not - viruses don't discriminate
It is important to remember that COVID-19 does not discriminate. It is distressing to hear that across King County, racial and ethnic communities are experiencing increased acts of racism, racial profiling and violence.
In addition, people wearing face coverings can be subject to additional stigma and discrimination. Public Health has put together several anti-discrimination resources. The conclusion of this Public Health Insider blog post reminds us that "discrimination, harassment, racial profiling, violence, and other hate crimes for wearing or not wearing a face covering is against the law."
Everyone deserves to feel safe. Full stop. Please join me in standing with our neighbors across King County to create a more tolerant and welcoming community.
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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