Crosposed from Cultivating Connections  When King County opened its first isolation/quarantine site this March in Kent as part of its emergency response to the COVID-19 crisis, the need to support guests’ mental health in addition to their physical health was immediately revealed as a top priority.  “It would be challenging for anyone to isolate or quarantine in a hotel room for up to 14 days, and this challenge is exacerbated when you have this terrible virus,” said Isabel Jones, Deputy Division Director, Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, Community and Human Services.  “As part of our response we… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters  As King County Metro continues to provide service for essential trips only, we remain committed to making transit as safe and reliable as possible.  Realizing that Metro’s reduced schedule and passenger limits have made commuting more challenging for some essential workers, we recently reduced the minimum number of riders for our Vanpool program to two people. Also, for customers with disabilities who are essential workers or are making essential trips, we’ve expanded eligibility for our Metro Access program.  Read more from Metro Matters

King County Parks announced today that on May 8 it will re-open its parks and trails, including regional and backcountry trails, with some restrictions. The county cautions, however, that keeping parks and trails open will depend on visitors practicing safe distancing and following public health guidelines.  Parking lots and trailheads will be open, as well as fields, docks and boat launches, and the off-leash dog area at Marymoor Park.  Visitors are asked to “Keep it Moving!” and refrain from gathering or playing team sports or pick-up games on the fields. King County… Read More

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Authors: Mohamed Ali, Ayan Abshir and Equity Response Team  Death is a universal experience, no matter what race or religion one identifies with. In Islam, Muslims are taught to overcome tragic circumstances with containment (Rida), gratitude (Hamd), patience (Sabr), and firm belief in destiny (Qadr). Although, death is a fact of life, it is never easy to lay a loved one to rest.  The local Somali community in Seattle was recently devastated by the first COVID-19 death. This death has brought to the surface the stress our community already deals… Read More

In a virtual seminar, this Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 7 p.m., we will talk about the impacts of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) on the Latinx community. We will respond to your questions, and more If you have a specific question, we would love to hear it. You can write your questions into the comments on the Facebook event or announcement. Follow us on the Condado de King Facebook page to receive a reminder the day of the virtual seminar.  This event will feature Matias Valenzuela, Director of Equity for Public Health – Seattle & King County, and… Read More

As we respond to the call to stay home and stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, many King County employees and residents have a renewed appreciation for – and look forward to once again fully experiencing – the healing qualities of King County’s natural spaces. The global response to the pandemic also offers a blueprint for environmental resiliency which relies on the power of collective action, and basing decisions on the latest science.   In commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, this lesson of resiliency and ingenuity resonates, and is why the Department… Read More

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC  COVID-19 UPDATE: Pet adoptions temporarily suspended  Following Governor Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, all adoptions at our Kent Adoption Center are temporarily suspended. Essential services will continue, as shown below. For more information about the COVID-19 outbreak, visit kingcounty.gov/covid.  Our number one priority at RASKC continues to be focused on delivering our mission of “Helping People and Pets.” We are honored to be of continued service to our communities, both in person when needed as well as online. You can access many of our services from the comfort of… Read More