King County has confirmed cases of novel coronavirus and more cases have been identified in the U.S. The vast majority of the illnesses around the world are mild, with fever and cough. A much smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions. Public Health has produced an informative two-page factsheet, and you can get answers to many questions about COVID-19 on the Public Health website. 

Dear employee, You can tune in to this livestream at 1 p.m. today, where state and local officials will provide updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. Speakers include: King County Executive Dow Constantine Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County Patty Hayes, Director, Public Health – Seattle & King County Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer, Washington State Department of Health Dr. Tom Clark, Deputy Director of CDC Division of Viral Diseases. Watch the livestream here (starts at 1 p.m.). For more information, resources, and guidance… Read More

Crossposted from Metro Matters  As directed by King County Executive Dow Constantine, Metro staff are increasing the frequency of cleaning of buses beginning Tuesday evening to limit the spread of novel coronavirus.  Night crews will begin to clean every bus in Metro’s fleet using a bleach solution to wipe down high-touch surfaces such as buttons, handholds, pull cords, rails, and stanchions and disinfect the transit operator’s work area. Maintenance staff are beginning to transition within the next day to a daily procedure that instead will broadly spray a stronger, more comprehensive disinfectant on… Read More

Dear employee, You can tune in to this livestream at 11 a.m. today, where state and local officials will provide updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. King County Executive Dow Constantine will announce an Emergency Declaration, and immediate actions to assist in treatment. Speakers include: Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer, Public Health – Seattle & King County King County Executive Dow Constantine Officials from EvergreenHealth Hospital Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer, Washington State Department of Health Patty Hayes, Director, Public Health- Seattle & King County. Watch the livestream here (starts at… Read More

Dear employee, As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to spread to more countries, the likelihood that eventually there will be more cases in the United States increases. King County is getting prepared now in order to reduce the number of illnesses and negative effects that could occur in our community. Department leaders are working with the Executive’s Senior Leadership Team and the Office of Emergency Management now on response planning – short term and long term – in line with our Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP). Every one of us have… Read More