Crossposted from Public Health Insider  On July 10th, Dr. Jeff Duchin gave an update on the COVID-19 outbreak in King County and expressed urgency for our community to help prevent a further surge in cases. View the update below.  “It is critical as a community we understand the long-term nature of this COVID-19 mess. None of us asked for this, none of us wanted this, but if we don’t deal with it, it will deal with us… We need long-term behavior change with respect to how close we get to one another, institutionalizing distancing, wearing… Read More

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  In response to rising COVID-19 cases county wide, Public Health – Seattle & King County is expanding efforts to educate and enforce compliance of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start COVID-19 reopening requirements in food establishments.   The governor’s Safe Start business reopening requirements include that food establishments:  Set up customer flow that allows for social distancing of 6 feet or more;  Assure that employees and customers wear face coverings;  Limit restaurant indoor and outdoor seating occupancy; and  Take other important protective measures such as surface cleaning and employee health screening. … Read More

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  In spite of Washington State’s ongoing efforts to contain it, COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly by the day, especially among  people aged 20-40. And while they are less likely to become seriously ill from the virus, they can still spread it to friends, family and neighbors – without even knowing they have it.  Many young people are also in the higher risk categories recently updated by the CDC.   Who’s at risk: An update  Much about the virus remains a mystery, but we are learning more each week about… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Public Health—Seattle & King County continues to monitor cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 and has noted an increase in cases over the past two weeks. Public Health expects to see some increase in cases as we get back to work and other activities in the community because there are more opportunities for COVID-19 to spread.   It’s been one week since King County moved into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan. With more re-opening of businesses, community activities and contact with one-another, Public Health—Seattle & King County is… Read More

King County moved into Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start plan on June 19. For the Parks Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), going through these phases has meant taking steps to encourage new habits while re-opening its parks and trails following the COVID-19 closures. As it re-opens, King County Parks has put several measures in place, including on-site signs, recreation policies, and operational adjustments. Parks is also part of the Recreate Responsibly Coalition, a statewide group that has come together during the pandemic to educate the… Read More