Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
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Link/share this page at www.kingcounty.gov/covid
This a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County. Public Health — Seattle & King County is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect the public's health. To minimize the health impacts of COVID-19 in King County, we are implementing a variety of emergency strategies to increase social distancing and slow the spread of this disease. We understand these actions will have a tremendous impact on all members of our community.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Health Officer Jeff Duchin announced a new Local Health Order that directed public health actions effective Monday, March 16.
- All gatherings with more than 50 participants are prohibited until further notice.
- All gatherings of 50 participants and below are prohibited until further notice unless previously announced criteria for hygiene and social distancing are met.
- Restaurants, bars, dance halls, clubs, theaters, health and fitness clubs, and other similar indoor social or recreational venues must cease operations until March 31, 2020.
- Restaurants and food service establishments may remain open only for drive-through, delivery, and pick-up only, until March 31, 2020.
- All other retail such as groceries, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, hardware stores, shopping centers, etc. may remain open provided they meet Public Health directives in the previous Local Health Order and align with the guidance for retail businesses and service operators to protect from the spread of COVID-19 which will be updated later today.
Our guidance documents are in the process of being updated to reflect the new Local Health Order. Please check back frequently.
Learn more: New limits on large gatherings, other emergency strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19
UPDATE: March 15, 2020 at 1:53 pm
There are confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in King County. The majority of these illnesses 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. This is a quickly evolving situation and this site will be updated frequently.
Case updates updated Mar. 15, 2020
- Number of confirmed cases: 420
- Number of deaths: 37
See related press release:
Update COVID-19 in King County for March 15, 2020
- Additional updates: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Washington State Dept. of Health
King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center
- If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to COVID-19—or if you're a healthcare provider with COVID-19 questions—contact our call center between 8 AM to 7 PM PST at 206-477-3977.
- For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State, please call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.
When to seek medical evaluation and advice
- If you have a cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, speak with your healthcare provider before going to a medical facility. Do not go to an emergency room.
- If you believe you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 9-1-1.
Resources
For older news releases, visit our 2020 News Release archive
Public Health — Seattle & King County
- Guidelines for events fewer than 250 people
- New limits on large gatherings
- Public Health Insider Blogs about COVID-19
Pandemic preparedness tips, Q & As with our health officers and more.
- Common Questions about Coronavirus
- Supporting King County residents experiencing homelessness to help slow the spread of COVID-19
King County Dept. of Community and Human Services blog, March 10, 2020
- Anti-Stigma resources
Washington Dept. of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Public Health — Seattle & King County
- Updated COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations: Implications for child care
(Updated March 12, 2020)
- Guidelines for gatherings of children and youth while schools are closed
(Posted March 12, 2020)
- New COVID-19 Public Health recommendations: How do these affect schools?
(Posted March 4, 2020)
Washington Dept. of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Public Health — Seattle & King County
- Guidance for retail businesses and service operators
This guidance applies to retail businesses and service operators such as grocery stores; drug stores, movie theaters; restaurants, and other retail establishments. (Posted March 11, 2020)
- Guidance documents for homeless service providers
Transmission of COVID-19 in the community could affect people experiencing homelessness in several ways including contributing to an increase in emergency shelter usage, or may lead to illness and absenteeism among homeless service provider staff. Learn how to prepare and respond if COVID-19 cases are identified.
- Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outreach Webinar
This webinar from March 6, 2020 is intended for outreach staff working with vulnerable communities and small businesses.
- Planning for a Coronavirus Pandemic: A guide for businesses and organizations:
- Planning for Community Based Organizations (PDF)
- Recommendations to minimize the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in retail food establishments
- Pandemic Community Advisory Group
Public Health — Seattle & King County convened representatives from various community, business, and government sectors in King County who are working together to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by accelerating the use of the recommended and required community mitigation strategies.
Washington Dept. of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Health advisories from Public Health — Seattle & King County:
CDC resources:
Our translated Public Health Recommendations are frequently updated. Please check back regularly.
COVID-19 Public Health recommendations
Common questions about novel coronavirus
