Guidance for Workforce, Operations, and Customer Service Recovery 

These unprecedented times have challenged us in ways we never imagined. Throughout, you have demonstrated unfailing commitment to our community and personal and professional resilience in the face of massive change. You have proven time and again your expertise and dedication to public service, inspiring the country to follow your lead and inspiring me daily with your efforts. 

We have a True North guiding vision to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Our value of Racial Justice is foundational and will guide us in all that we do. We are the sole provider of many services that are the bedrock of a healthy community. The restoration of services that had to be modified or curtailed during the emergency is a milestone in our recovery and a mark of the return of stability to our community. Read more.  

Sharp increases in COVID-19 driven by cases among younger adults 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider 

Two weeks of sharp increases in COVID-19 cases in King County points to a concerning sign that our community is moving in the wrong direction to contain the virus. The daily average number of cases has more than doubled in the past two weeks, from an average of 40 daily cases in mid-June to 87 daily cases the week of June 21. 

Our target is to have about 39 cases or fewer per day. This is the number of cases that meets the statewide target of fewer than 25 new cases per 100,000 residents over a two-week period. Currently, the rate in King County is 54 new cases per 100,000 residents. Read more.  

Navigating a pandemic within a pandemic: Coping and care for Black communities 

Crossposted from Public Health Insider 

Prior to and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, another crisis has been taking place for communities of color, particularly for Black individuals of all genders. We are facing ongoing racial trauma and distress that impact every aspect of daily life – including mental health. Racism is a public health emergency that affects us all. As we experience, educate, and encounter it on a systemic and institutional level, we must commit to taking care of ourselves and our communities as well. Below are several resources and ideas to consider: 

Determine what amount of engagement feels healthy for you 

Information, distressing stories, and media coverage are being shared more rapidly than ever. For many, these stories are not new but the level of intensity is. Everyone’s level of familiarity, experience, and response to this information will vary. Try to connect and process information in the ways that feel healthy for you. Witnessing and experiencing these scenes can bring an added layer of trauma (or re-traumatization) with it. Read more.  

Donations Connector making a difference 

The King County Donations Connector is making a big difference in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic! As of June 19, King County had received: 

• More than 47,000 N95 respirators 
• More than 2,000 KN95 respirators 
• More than 144,000 surgical masks 
• About 105,000 gloves 
• More than 1,800 gallons of hand sanitizer 
• More than 37,000 face shields 
• Nearly 2,400 gowns 
• 200 thermometers 
• More than 5,300 “ear savers” 

You can still help or get help in the COVID-19 response through the King County Donations Connector! Check the Donations Connector for an updated list of current needs. If you are with an organization in need, you can also get help! Donations are distributed to first responders, health care providers and others fighting against COVID-19. 

More people need help getting food in the pandemic 

Food banks need your help now more than ever. “The pandemic and the resulting unemployment and economic downturn are having a severe impact on people’s ability to pay for basic necessities, including food,” said Brendan McCluskey, director of King County Emergency Management. 

Financial donations and volunteers are critically needed at food banks. “Especially with the potential for a second wave (of COVID-19), food bank providers are showing concern,” said Jennifer Rosenberger, Senior Manager with King County Emergency Management. 

The King County Donations Connector directs people who want to give money to the Washington Food Fund through Philanthropy Northwest. You can also sponsor a food box. Read the full media release.