Common questions about coronavirus
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.
Anti-stigma resources
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.
Updated guidance to slow spread of coronavirus
Public Health officials and King County Executive Dow Constantine today provided updated guidance to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). King County is working to model the way for other employers, and is making the following recommendations to King County employees (Note: this applies to Executive Branch employees. Employees in separately elected agencies [listed below] will receive guidance from their leaders): Telecommute: Employees whose work can be performed through telecommuting should do so, with the approval of their supervisors. Please find telecommute resources here and submit a signed telecommute agreement… Read More
Watch coronavirus press conference at 1 p.m today, March 4
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
March 3: Metro implements new cleaning procedures across fleet to limit spread of novel coronavirus
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
Operational changes as we respond to novel coronavirus
In the spirit of slowing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and keeping a healthy workforce, we are implementing some short-term changes to our operations. Meetings: All non-essential King County in-person large group employee meetings and gatherings will be canceled through March 2020. Please work with your supervisors and use good judgment about which meetings are essential and limit the number of people present where possible. Conduct essential and non-essential meetings using Skype or teleconference where practical. Telecommute: Employees whose work can be performed through telecommuting are encouraged to do so with… Read More
Addressing issues with application process for state PFML
As employees have begun to file for payments under the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, King County has become aware of issues with the application process. It has been brought to our attention that when employees are completing the fields of the initial benefit account on the Employment Security Department PFML website there are some challenges. Based on the personal information employees enter as part of the application process, the Employment Information auto-populates. King County’s current Name includes “DNRP/WTD” and related address. Please accept this information as your employer. King County… Read More
Connect with health care professionals using telehealth tools
Your King County medical plan offers you and your covered family members several ways to obtain medical advice and care from the comfort and safety of your own home. These telehealth services are offered at little or no additional cost to you. For Regence BlueShield members (KingCare and KingCare Select) Doctor on Demand, available 24/7. Cost is $10 per visit. Connect with a board-certified physician or therapist from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Download the Doctor on Demand app from the App Store or Google Play. You’ll need your Regence member ID number to register…. Read More
Help stop the spread of novel coronavirus
With the announcement of new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the loss of five lives in King County, it is critical that we each do our part to stop the spread of the virus. Public Health – Seattle & King County has issued the following advice, and will continue to update you as advice changes: Do not go to the emergency room unless essential.Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular… Read More
Increased cleaning service in response to COVID-19, March 2
Dear King County colleagues, Effective immediately, Facilities Management Division (FMD) has implemented additional cleaning protocols in efforts to sanitize highly touched surfaces such as door handles, elevator controls, and conference rooms. These protocols will be utilized on a reoccurring basis as we respond to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Thank you for your support of these additional actions. For steps you can take to prevent spread of germs, click 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… Read More
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