King County Executive Dow Constantine

When we ended 2019, we had every reason to be optimistic, hopeful, and prepared for another year of growth in King County. But 2020 proved just how quickly things can change. 

It’s no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated our focus this year, as we led the response to the nation’s first outbreak of the disease. From setting up our medical command center even before the first confirmed case, to building isolation and quarantine recovery facilities, to distributing millions of masks to county residents, King County employees have been working to help those we serve to beat this disease. 

That work was met with a strong, sustained commitment by the people of King County who did all they could to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the disease. An unparalleled public effort to wear masks, keep socially distant, and of course, wash hands, has so far kept our hospitals from being overwhelmed as we await vaccines sufficient to stop this disease. 

Read more in the official press release.