Crossposted from Public Health Insider 

With increasing number of COVID-19 cases, Public Health – Seattle & King County urges King County residents to take very seriously the recommendations to limit social contacts and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the community.  

Public Health is reporting 74 new cases today, bringing the official case count total in King County to 190. In addition, two new deaths are reported, bringing the total deaths to 22.

Story:

Access to more testing is showing us that COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly in King County. Ten long-term care facilities have reported positive COVID-19 cases. This underscores why it is critically important for residents to take seriously the precautions announced previously:

• Employers should encourage and enable as many employees as possible to telecommute and follow other guidance for businesses.
• Avoid bringing large groups of people together, and consider postponing events and gatherings.

Read more from Public Health Insider

Dear King County colleagues,

You might have seen increased cleaning activity from Facilities Management Division (FMD) custodial staff across our worksites as part of our efforts to stop the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

FMD has implemented additional protocols in efforts to regular clean highly touched surfaces such as door handles, elevator controls, and conference rooms. These protocols are being utilized on a reoccurring basis as we respond to COVID-19.

We are grateful for the extra efforts of our FMD colleagues in our buildings. For steps you can take to prevent spread of germs, click here. See our complete employee Q&A guide here.

For facilities questions or concerns, please contact FMD Customer Care Services at 206-477-9400. Customer Care is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For afterhours emergencies, please contact the FMD Emergency Dispatch Center at 206-296-5000.

Dear King County employee,

As we continue our efforts to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in King County, we have put together a list of answers to common questions for King County employees about our operations during this outbreak.

This is a rapidly evolving event and we will update these Q&As as needed with the most current information. If you have any additional questions, please talk to your supervisor, division director, or Human Resources Manager (SharePoint link). Please also refer to the Public Health – Seattle & King County website at www.kingcounty.gov/covid and the Public Health Insider blog for the latest information.

This guidance applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in separately elected agencies will continue to receive guidance from their leaders: Department of Assessments, Department of Judicial Administration, District Court, King County Council, King County Elections, King County Sheriff’s Office, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Superior Court.

Supervisors: please print and post for employees who do not have access to email.

You can tune in to this livestream at 9:30 a.m. today for a briefing on the Federal Emergency Funding Package for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

Speakers include:

• Governor Jay Inslee
• Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01)
• Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06)
• King County Executive Dow Constantine

Watch the livestream here (starts at 9:30 a.m.). For more information, resources, and guidance on COVID-19 in King County, please visit: kingcounty.gov/covid.

When the livestream is over, a recording of the press conference will still be available for viewing here.

Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We’re stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. Take advantage of these resources to prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma.