Washington state - Covid-19 Cases and news- 76,836 cases; 1,953 deaths

[Pathfinder]

Posted on: March 2, 2020

FIRST DEATH FROM CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY RESIDENT. FOURTH CASE ANNOUNCED.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2020
CONTACT: Heather Thomas, 425.339.8688, hthomas@snohd.org

First Death from Coronavirus (COVID-19) of Snohomish County resident. Fourth case announced.

*Updated at 3:32 p.m. March 2

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – The Snohomish Health District has received notice of a new case of COVID-19. The presumptive positive test result came back from the State Public Health Laboratory, bringing the total number of cases in Snohomish County to four. The District has also just learned that one of its cases previously reported has sadly passed away.

New case information:

• A female in her 40s, currently hospitalized with underlying health conditions.

Updated case information:

• Previously announced male in his 40s hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland has died. The patient was a Snohomish County resident. He was not an employee at LifeCare. He did have underlying conditions. No additional details are available at this time.

Previously announced cases:

• Original case in January, fully recovered
• Student at Jackson High School announced Friday, isolating at home

The Health District is leading the effort to as quickly as possible identify close contacts of the new confirmed case. At this time, it appears to be another case of community transmission.

How the public can help:

• Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
• Healthcare providers and employers should not be referring individuals to the Snohomish Health District. We are not a healthcare facility. The District will coordinate with healthcare providers to determine if testing requests met criteria.
• Healthcare providers should not be sending patients to the hospital unless they meet hospital admissions criteria. Providers should refer to health alerts being sent for clinician guidance.
• If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your regular doctor first.
• Stay home when sick.
• Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check the Health District’s website (www.snohd.org/ncov2019) or follow on social media.

As we anticipate more cases, the Health District will no longer issue press releases for each individual case. Updates will be posted on the website at www.snohd.org/ncov2019 by 4:00 p.m. each day.

The Board of Health will receive a briefing today at 5:00 p.m. with latest updates. That meeting will be livestreamed through the Snohomish Health District’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SnohomishHealth.

http://www.snohd.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=268

[Niko]

Edit: I should have known, the tweets were already posted by Sharon. The blog link is an easy read for those lacking medical experience, such as myself.

I just found this to be an interesting and informative thread of tweets

https://twitter.com/trvrb

added blog posting about early epidemiological data from area:https://bedford.io/blog/ncov-cryptic-transmission/

[Pathfinder]

Public Health confirms seven new COVID-19 cases, bringing overall total to 21

March 3, 2020Summary

Public Health – Seattle & King County announced on Tuesday seven additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in King County residents, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 21, including eight deaths. Story

COVID-19 test results have come back from the Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirming seven additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents. With these seven new results, the total number of cases in King County is 21. Today's results include 2 additional deaths, along with an individual who was previously reported as ill but who has now died. This brings the total number of deaths in King County from COVID-19 to eight. Key messages of the day:

• What we have seen with the level of community spread has raised the level of concern about the immediate threat of COVID-19. The coming days and weeks are likely to bring more confirmed cases of COVID-19, but if we can all follow health recommendations now, we can blunt the impact of COVID-19 in our community.

What Public Health is doing:

This is a massive undertaking and we have a talented, dedicated team digging in to learn everything we can to protect the health of our community. What we have seen with the level of community spread has raised the level of concern about the immediate threat of COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people over 60, those with underlying health conditions or who are immune compromised.

This is a very fluid, fast-moving situation as we aggressively respond to this outbreak," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. "People with suspected or confirmed exposure to COVID-19 should reach out to their healthcare provider. As public health professionals we really appreciate clinicians on the front lines of patient care and they are critical to this response."

King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center:

• If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you're a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact our novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977.
• The call center will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM PT.
• For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.

When to seek medical evaluation and advice:

• If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

The public can help:

1. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
2. Stay home when sick.
3. Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
5. Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health's website (www.kingcounty.gov/COVID) or blog (www.publichealthinsider.com).

Remember to take every day preventive action such as watching hands, and if you are sick stay home. During an outbreak with a new virus there is a lot of uncertainty. Our guidance and advice is subject to change as we learn more. We will continue to keep you updated. The seven new cases are in:

• A female in her 40s, worked at LifeCare, never hospitalized and is recovering at home
• A female in her 60s, family member of a confirmed case of COVID-19, not hospitalized
• A male in his 70s, a frequent visitor of LifeCare, hospitalization status unknown currently
• A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
• A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
• A female in her 80s, resident of LifeCare, never hospitalized, died at her family home on 2/26/20
• A male in his 50s, resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center and died on 2/26/20

14 other cases, already reported earlier by Public Health, include:

• A male in his 50s, hospitalized at Highline Hospital. No known exposures. He is in stable but critical condition. He had no underlying health conditions.
• A male in his 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
• A female in her 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
• A female in her 80s, a resident of LifeCare, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. She is in critical condition.
• A female in her 80s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. This person died on 3/1/20.
• A female in her 90s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
• A male in his 70s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
• A male in his 70s was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. He had underlying health conditions and died on 2/29/20.
• A man in his 60s, hospitalized at Valley Medical Center in Renton.
• A man in 60s, hospitalized at Virginia Mason Medical Center.
• A woman in her 50s, who had traveled to South Korea; recovering at home
• A woman in her 70s, who was a resident of LifeCare in Kirkland, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth and died on 3/2/20
• A woman in her 40s, employed by LifeCare, who is hospitalized at Overlake Medical Center
• A man in his 50s, who was hospitalized and died 2/28/20 at EvergreenHealth

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/hea...-8-deaths.aspx

[sharon sanders]

Now 9 deaths per Washington state.

27 confirmed positive.

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

[Pathfinder]

March 3, 2020
For immediate release

Statement on COVID-19 case at Harborview Medical Center

Patient was admitted on Feb. 24 and died on Feb. 26, 2020.

MEDIA CONTACT:
UW Medicine Media Relations - mediarelations@uw.edu


We have received notice from Public Health – Seattle & King County that a presumptive positive coronavirus case has been detected in a 54-year-old male patient who was admitted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on Feb. 24 and died Feb. 26, 2020. This patient, with underlying medical conditions, had been transferred to Harborview from Life Care Center of Kirkland.

In coordination with Public Health – Seattle & King County, we have determined that some staff may have been exposed while working in an intensive care unit where the patient had been treated. We don’t believe that other patients were potentially exposed.

Potentially exposed staff have been contacted by our Employee Health team and are being monitored and screened daily.

###

https://newsroom.uw.edu/news/statement-covid-19-case-harborview-medical-center

[Treyfish]

12 quarantined Kirkland firefighters showing 'flu-like' symptoms

---

by KOMO News Staff
Tuesday, March 3rd 2020
KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Twelve of 30 firefighters and police officers in Kirkland who have been quarantined after potential or direct exposure to the COVID-19 virus at the city's LifeCare facility are now showing "flu-like" symptoms, according to city of Kirkland officials.


The 30 all had been quarantined after they had responded to calls at the LifeCare Facility in the days before and during an outbreak of COVID-19 that was discovered at the center. At least five patients connected to the center have died and more remain sickened.

One firefighter has been released from quarantine after completing their 14-day period while 26 firefighters and three police officers remain.

"Twelve first responders are showing flu-like symptoms, and 19 have confirmed direct exposure,"...https://komonews.com/news/coronaviru...-like-symptoms

[Emily]

Firefighters could be high risk due to occupational exposures.

[Emily]

There may be something wrong at Life Care in Kirkland. There is no communication with families. They will not release symptomatic patients for testing even though Evergreen thinks they should be tested. Families hoped that CDC would be able to help, but they say they are not able to gain access, either!

https://twitter.com/AlisonKIRO7/status/1235082076560347136?s=20

https://twitter.com/AlisonKIRO7/status/1234656437764227072?s=20

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/kirkland-nursing-facility-ground-zero-king-countys-fight-against-coronavirus/6EUXFBWWEJANHDDQPSO5TESXZU/

https://q13fox.com/2020/03/02/her-husband-is-a-patient-at-lifecare-center-in-kirkland-and-she-wants-answers/

https://twitter.com/TedLandK5/status...871486976?s=20 (Another news video showed a van off-loading a lot of what appeared to be oxygen machines that day, too.)

https://twitter.com/SnewsThe/status/1234594717381189632?s=20

(Citizen journalist interviewed a man crying outside about his mother. Heartbreaking.)

[mcphilbrick]

Hazen high school closing - positive student

https://q13fox.com/2020/03/03/hazen-high-school-closed-for-the-week-after-student-tests-positive-for-covid-19/?taid=5e5ff4ed05296a00010449a1&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter

[Missouriwatcher]

One more King County death reported https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus

• Snohomish County - 8, including 1 death
• King - 31, including 9 deaths

KOMO News: ... King County started setting up a temporary quarantine village for people with coronavirus in the middle of a neighborhood.

https://komonews.com/news/coronavirus/king-county-picks-west-seattle-site-for-quarantine-site-amid-covid-19-response

[Rose]

Amazon employee tests positive in Seattle. Co-workers notified. https://www.seattletimes.com/busines...y-coronavirus/

[Shiloh]

Source: https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/1...ures-1.4838756

10 now dead in Washington state coronavirus outbreak, governor weighs closures
Martha Bellisle The Associated Press Published Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:41AM PST Last Updated Wednesday, March 4, 2020 11:42AM PST

SEATTLE -- Washington state on Wednesday reported a 10th death from coronavirus as Gov. Jay Inslee said he was evaluating daily whether to order widespread closures and cancellations due to the outbreak.

The state Department of Health released updated figures showing that nine people had died in King County, the state's most populous, and one in Snohomish County. The state has now reported 39 COVID-19 cases, all in the greater Seattle area.

No other information about the newly reported death was immediately available...

[Pathfinder]

LIFE CARE CENTER OF KIRKLAND

Statement from Life Care Center of Kirkland regarding COVID-19

Resident/Patient Information Hotline

---

If you have a loved one being cared for at Life Care Center of Kirkland, we have set up the following number as an additional way for you to receive updates about them. This number is strictly for family members and/or legally responsible parties.
Call (888) 565-1121

Updated: Wednesday, March 4, 4:00 a.m. PST

At Life Care Center of Kirkland, we have had several confirmed cases of COVID-19. Testing, confirmation and treatment of the virus is handled by local hospitals after patients who exhibit certain symptoms are sent from our facility to acute care centers. As such, we will defer to the local health authorities for official totals regarding COVID-19.

Current residents and associates continue to be monitored closely, specifically for an elevated temperature, cough and/or shortness of breath. Any resident displaying these symptoms is placed in isolation. Associates are screened prior to beginning work and upon leaving. We are also following infection control recommendations, including proper hand-washing techniques and wearing masks, gowns and gloves when caring for any symptomatic patients. All of these decisions have been made based on recommendations from the state health department and the CDC.

In addition to the above infection control strategies, the facility has also placed a hold on admissions, to fully focus on our current residents and associates. We encourage family members to call the facility if they have specific questions regarding their loved ones. To help keep the phone lines open for family members, please email media inquiries to pr@LCCA.com.

Our Life Care associates continue to focus on resident care, and we would like to acknowledge how dedicated they have been throughout this entire situation.

Ellie Basham
Executive Director

https://lcca.com/locations/wa/kirkland/announcement

[Emily]

Thank you, Pathfinder - I hope communication will improve. The local media said their are some family members who want to talk on camera, but they are self-quarantined now. Nobody was doing contact tracing.

[Pathfinder]

EvergreenHealth -

Community Message - 3.4.20

Dear Community,

Our goal in all of our communications is to help ensure you, our staff, providers and community, are informed with the most up to date information available.

As you can imagine, circumstances, processes and protocols are developing and evolving rapidly, as we work with collective agility to provide the highest quality of care in an environment of absolute safety for our COVID-19 patients, and all patients in our care.

Working in close collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), as well as the Washington State Department of Health and Seattle—King County Public Health Department, we anticipate on-going and multiple updates regularly—striving to make sure messaging is as timely and thoughtful as possible.

We continue to learn from, and respond swiftly to, these changing circumstances by creating new guidelines that will create and inform best practice models, to help ensure all COVID-19 patients are receiving the best, safest care possible, and that our staff and community are kept safe.

---

What's New?

• Screening Protocols
• The CDC has now categorized COVID-19 as endemic -- learn what this means

New Screening Protocols


In partnership with the CDC, we have updated our screening guidelines for COVID-19.

As of March 3, 2020, we have halted performing nasopharyngeal testing in our outpatient clinics, including all five urgent care locations.

Here’s why:

1. The CDC has determined that COVID-19 is now endemic, meaning that the virus is now considered to be regularly found in our region amongst our population. Previously, only individuals who had previously known risk factors (including history of travel, exposure to a confirmed case), were considered high risk for acquiring the disease.
2. There is increased risk of transmission when performing any nasopharyngeal testing.
3. It is safe to see patients with respiratory illnesses with both patient and clinician masked similar to any flu season.
4. We will be setting up a Respiratory Clinic for assessment and testing for patients with respiratory symptoms. More information will be available as soon as plans are finalized.

Screening

• Patients will continue to be seen in our clinics. The risk of transmission is low when the patient and clinician are masked, similar to influenza. Patients will be treated based on clinical presentation, just without nasopharyngeal testing.
• Patients who are asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19) will be seen as usual.

Once we have the Respiratory Clinic established, we will begin phone screening all scheduled patients for all appointments to redirect those with specific respiratory symptoms to the testing clinic. It's now an endemic


The CDC has now categorized COVID-19 as endemic - What does this mean?

As of March 3, the CDC has determined COVID-19 is now endemic, meaning that the virus is now considered to be regularly found in our region amongst our population.

Previously, only individuals who had existing and known risk factors (including history of travel, exposure to a confirmed case), were considered high risk for acquiring the disease. We hope this update will provide more context and reassurance as it pertains to understanding your safety risk, which is similar to the risk of exposure we experience every cold and flu season in our communities.

---

Basic FAQ's


What is a novel coronavirus?
(from the CDC) A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

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How do I protect myself and my family?
For current information about COVID-19 and recommendations for keeping yourself and your family healthy, we recommend these resources:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Washington State Department of Health
Seattle & King County Public Health
Snohomish Health District

If you have overseas travel plans, we encourage you to visit the CDC travel site.

Our 24-Hour Nurse Navigators – Healthline is a free service available any time of day and night. Our consulting nurse service provides home care information, and can help determine if urgent care or emergency care are called for. Call 425.899.3555 with specific questions about COVID-19.

---

I’ve recently visited the EvergreenHealth Kirkland campus. How do I know if I’ve been exposed to COVID-19?
The likelihood of exposure from visiting the Kirkland campus for an appointment or to see a patient is a similar risk of exposure we experience every cold and flu season in our communities.
As always, it is important to remain vigilant in recognizing any symptoms and seek care according to current recommendations.

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Who is most at risk for being significantly impacted by COVID-19?
Children, seniors and those with existing health conditions or compromised immunity should take extra precautions in remaining vigilant of symptoms and taking preventive measures.

For your protection and safety, please continue to follow everyday best practices to help prevent and slow the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

---

Visiting EvergreenHealth & Your Scheduled Appointments


I have an appointment or services scheduled at the EvergreenHealth Kirkland campus. Should I cancel it?
At this time, appointments will continue as scheduled. Should there be any changes to your appointment or a different recommendation from your physician, we will notify you as soon as possible.

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Is it safe for me to deliver my baby at EvergreenHealth?
While COVID-19 is new, our response is not. EvergreenHealth treats patients with a variety of infectious diseases on a daily basis. These patients are isolated and treated in appropriate spaces by trained staff using specialized equipment. We are trained and equipped to safely care for these patients and to protect the health of other patients and our staff.

According to the CDC, the most susceptible patients to date are more senior members of our community and primarily those with compromised immunity.

We encourage you to talk to your personal OB about your concerns and options.

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I have a loved one currently in EvergreenHealth’s care on the Kirkland campus. Is it safe to visit them?
We continue to welcome visitors. However, if you have a fever or a cough, please return home and visit us when you are well. Children and those with existing health conditions or compromised immunity should take extra caution and consideration for visiting any areas in the community linked to confirmed cases of COVID-19.

As always, it is important to remain vigilant in recognizing any symptoms and seeking care when appropriate. Please visit www.cdc.gov to learn more about symptoms and when to seek care.

---

We encourage you to continue to visit our dedicated webpage for information, FAQs and on-going updates:
www.evergreenhealth.com/coronavirus

It is important to keep in mind that the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Washington State Department of Health, the King County Health Department and Snohomish Health District remain the expert sources for updates and information.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Washington State Department of Health
Seattle & King County Public Health
Snohomish Health District

https://www.evergreenhealth.com/community-message-3420

[sharon sanders]

Washington state, King county, Seattle live stream about to begin:

https://livestream.com/accounts/2830...fg8nvRgF0IFLic

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/hea...endations.aspx
State and local officials announce new recommendations to reduce risk of spread of COVID-19

March 4, 2020
Summary

State and local health officials announced new guidance to King County residents aimed at reducing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. While all residents can take steps now, people with underlying health conditions are urged to follow recommendations to avoid large gatherings of people.

Story

State and local officials announced today new recommendations to King County residents aimed at reducing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. We understand these actions will have a tremendous impact on the lives of people in our community. We are making these recommendations in consultation with CDC based on the best information we have currently to protect the public's health.
This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County and these measures can potentially impact the spread of the disease.
Public Health is recommending, but not requiring, the following steps:

• People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. People at higher risk include:
  • People 60 and older
  • People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
  • People who have weakened immune systems
  • People who are pregnant
• Workplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so. Taking these measures can help reduce the number of workers who come into contact with COVID-19 and help minimize absenteeism due to illness
• If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings.
• Public Health is not recommending closing schools at this time unless there has been a confirmed case in the school. Public Health – Seattle & King County also respects an individual school's decisions about closures or postponement of activities as each school knows the needs of their community best.
• All people should not go out when they are sick.
• Avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities, or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you need to go, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.

More detail on these measures will be available at www.kingcounty.gov/covid
Case update:

COVID-19 test results have come back from the Washington State Public Health Laboratory confirming ten additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents including one death. With these ten new results, the total number of cases in King County is 31. The total number of deaths is nine.
The ten new cases are in:

• A female in her 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
• A male in his 50s, associated with Life Care, not hospitalized
• A male in his 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
• A female in her 70s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
• A male in his 60s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at Evergreen
• A female in her 90s, Life Care resident, was hospitalized at Evergreen and died on 3/3/20
• A female in her 70s, Life Care resident, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
• A male in his 30s, no known exposure, not hospitalized
• A female in her teens, associated with Life Care, not hospitalized
• A male in his 80s, a resident of Life Care, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth

No other details about the 10 cases reported today are available currently.

21 other cases, already reported earlier by Public Health, include:

• A female in her 40s, worked at LifeCare, never hospitalized and is recovering at home
• A female in her 60s, family member of a confirmed case of COVID-19, not hospitalized
• A male in his 70s, a frequent visitor of LifeCare, hospitalization status unknown currently
• A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
• A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
• A female in her 80s, resident of LifeCare, never hospitalized, died on 2/26/20
• A male in his 50s, resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center and died on 2/26/20
• A male in his 50s, hospitalized at Highline Hospital. No known exposures. He is in stable but critical condition. He had no underlying health conditions.
• A male in his 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
• A female in her 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
• A female in her 80s, a resident of LifeCare, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. She is in critical condition.
• A female in her 80s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. This person died on 3/1/20.
• A female in her 90s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland.
• A male in his 70s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
• A male in his 70s was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. He had underlying health conditions and died on 2/29/20.
• A man in his 60s, hospitalized at Valley Medical Center in Renton.
• A man in 60s, hospitalized at Virginia Mason Medical Center.
• A woman in her 50s, who had traveled to South Korea; recovering at home
• A woman in her 70s, who was a resident of LifeCare in Kirkland, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth and died on 3/2/20
• A woman in her 40s, employed by LifeCare, who is hospitalized at Overlake Medical Center
• A man in his 50s, who was hospitalized and died 2/28/20 at EvergreenHealth

What Public Health is doing:

This is a massive undertaking and we have a talented, dedicated team digging in to learn everything we can to protect the health of our community. What we have seen with the level of community spread has raised the level of concern about the immediate threat of COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people over 60, those with underlying health conditions or who are immune compromised.
King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center:

• If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you're a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact our novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977.
• The call center will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM PT.
• For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.

When to seek medical evaluation and advice:

• If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

In addition to the recommendations listed above, the public can help:

1. Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
2. Stay home when sick.
3. Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
5. Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health's website (www.kingcounty.gov/COVID) or blog (www.publichealthinsider.com).

Remember to take every day preventive action such as watching hands, and if you are sick stay home. During an outbreak with a new virus there is a lot of uncertainty. Our guidance and advice is subject to change as we learn more. We will continue to keep you updated.