Hannah Johnson, Public Health – Seattle & King County

Two more people in King County have died from the new coronavirus infection, COVID-19, briningg the total to have died from the disease in the county to eight.

In addition, Washington State Public Health Laboratory testing has confirmed seven additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents.

With these seven new results, the total number of cases in King County is 21.

Key messages of the day:

What we have seen with the level of community spread has raised the level of concern about the immediate threat of COVID-19.

The coming days and weeks are likely to bring more confirmed cases of COVID-19.

But if we can all follow health recommendations now, we can blunt the impact of COVID-19 in our community.

The seven new cases are:

• A female in her 40s, worked at LifeCare, never hospitalized and is recovering at home
• A female in her 60s, family member of a confirmed case of COVID-19, not hospitalized
• A male in his 70s, a frequent visitor of LifeCare, hospitalization status unknown currently
• A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
• A male in his 20s, unknown exposure, hospitalized at Swedish Issaquah
• A female in her 80s, resident of LifeCare, never hospitalized, died at her family home on 2/26/20
• A male in his 50s, resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center and died on 2/26/20

14 other cases previously reported by Public Health, include:

• A male in his 50s, hospitalized at Highline Hospital. No known exposures. He is in stable but critical condition. He had no underlying health conditions.
• A male in his 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
• A female in her 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
• A female in her 80s, a resident of LifeCare, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. She is in critical condition.
• A female in her 80s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. This person died on 3/1/20.
• A female in her 90s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
• A male in his 70s, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man has underlying health conditions, and is in critical condition
• A male in his 70s was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth. He had underlying health conditions and died on 2/29/20.
• A man in his 60s, hospitalized at Valley Medical Center in Renton.
• A man in 60s, hospitalized at Virginia Mason Medical Center.
• A woman in her 50s, who had traveled to South Korea; recovering at home
• A woman in her 70s, who was a resident of LifeCare in Kirkland, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth and died on 3/2/20
• A woman in her 40s, employed by LifeCare, who is hospitalized at Overlake Medical Center
• A man in his 50s, who was hospitalized and died 2/28/20 at EvergreenHealth

What Public Health is doing:

This is a massive undertaking and we have a talented, dedicated team digging in to learn everything we can to protect the health of our community.

What we have seen with the level of community spread has raised the level of concern about the immediate threat of COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people over 60, those with underlying health conditions or who are immune compromised.

This is a very fluid, fast-moving situation as we aggressively respond to this outbreak,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “People with suspected or confirmed exposure to COVID-19 should reach out to their healthcare provider. As public health professionals we really appreciate clinicians on the front lines of patient care and they are critical to this response.”

King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center:

• If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you’re a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact our novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977.
• The call center will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM PT.
• For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.

When to seek medical evaluation and advice:

• If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, call your healthcare provider. Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

The public can help:

1. 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 doctor first.
2. Stay home when sick.
3. Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
4. Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
5. Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health’s website (www.kingcounty.gov/COVID) or blog (www.publichealthinsider.com).

Remember to take every day preventive action such as washing hands, and if you are sick stay home. During an outbreak with a new virus there is a lot of uncertainty. Our guidance and advice is subject to change as we learn more. We will continue to keep you updated.