Crossposted from KC Employee Giving  Here at the program, we believe in the strong power of philanthropy and know that our nonprofit organizations are on the front lines of this work. This is a long haul issue and we need our nonprofit organizations to make it through to the other side.  Philanthropy is a huge act of community and builds resilience. It is also a powerful tool in our toolbox in combating this pandemic.  Read more from KC Employee Giving

Crossposted from Metro Matters  As the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt across our community, King County Metro will further reduce bus service on Monday, April 6, to focus operations on a core 115 Metro and Sound Transit routes, and reduced water taxi and Link light rail service.  The revised Reduced Schedule identifies routes that will operate with fewer trips and hours. This updated schedule will maintain vital lifelines for access to critical supplies, services, and worksites across the region.  Overall, Metro will operate with approximately 37% fewer buses, 30% fewer transit… Read More

King County supports employees who may choose to wear a cloth face mask while they are working. If you voluntarily choose to wear a cloth face mask, please carefully review and follow this guidance: Cloth face mask should— Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face Be secured with ties or ear loops Include multiple layers of fabric Allow for breathing without restriction Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape While wearing your cloth face mask – Avoid touching the mask to make… Read More

On Friday, additional guidance on cloth face masks was provided by federal and local public health authorities, and King County quickly moved to identify a supplier and put in an order for cloth masks for front line, non-medical workers. The cloth face masks recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance. The county is continuing efforts to identify suppliers and obtain medical masks for healthcare workers and medical first… Read More

Downtown Seattle is home to more than 330,000 jobs and 88,000 residents. The heart of the region, the economic engine, is now quiet. While downtown Seattle is at a near-standstill, we’re flattening the curve and doing what we can to battle COVID-19. The heart still beats strong and we’ll be ready for the comeback. View this video to learn more. 

Crossposted from Balanced You  Now that you have stocked up on groceries, you may be wondering how to best use all the rice and beans you bought and what recipes will boost your immune system. Balanced You has got you covered.  There’s no better support for your immune system than sleeping well, exercising, managing your stress, washing your hands, and eating a healthy diet. Evidence for specific foods that boost immune responses is mixed, but sticking to a balanced diet filled with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables will help you get… Read More

Crossposted from Public Health Insider  Public Health—Seattle & King County urges everyone, even people who are young and healthy, to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition, Public Health reported 164 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the official case count in King County to 3,331. Fourteen new deaths were reported, bringing the total of COVID-19 deaths in King County to 222.  Story: Staying apart prevents new outbreaks of COVID-19 illness  Public Health – Seattle & King County urges everyone, even people who are young and healthy, to stay home… Read More

The federal government has shared a poster about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and its provisions for paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. You can view the poster here and the guidelines here.

Crossposted from Balanced You  Emergency responders – healthcare workers, public health professionals, law enforcement, emergency operations staff, and others – are heroes in the battle against coronavirus. King County is grateful for your dedication to our community’s health. Thank you.   Balanced You knows you are working long hours, making difficult decisions, enduring trauma, and facing human tragedy. Many of you are tired and stressed. Balanced You is here to support emergency responders as you care for your own well-being during this time and our community. Below, you will find tips and resources you can use… Read More

King County’s Facilities Management Division (FMD) is using a disinfectant to clean county facilities that is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.  FMD custodial staff is utilizing VIREX II 256 Solution to disinfect highly touched surfaces, such as door handles, elevator buttons, restrooms, Corrections visitation areas, and court rooms.  We want to thank FMD’s custodial team for its efforts in responding to COVID-19. For steps you can take to prevent the spread of germs, click here. 

Crossposted from Balanced You  Due to social distancing recommendations from the CDC and stay-at-home orders from Washington state leadership, Balanced You is making changes to our programming and resources. We are working with our partners to transition in-person programs and resources to online formats when possible, and to create new programs and resources that support King County employees in staying healthy and well while you respond to this pandemic, professionally and personally.  Read more from Balanced You

King County is a community of public servants. We care about the people we serve and the people we serve with. The COVID-19 outbreak, and the measures in place to stop its spread, may extend for months. Some employees will be impacted more than others and will exhaust their paid leave while recovering their health or caring for others. If you have been looking for an opportunity to support your fellow employees affected by COVID-19, the Emergency Leave Donation Fund is your chance. We are looking for your donations to help get… Read More