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 events with more than 50 people are prohibited until further notice
- All events with fewer than 50 people are discouraged and prohibited unless organizers observe COVID-19 prevention measure.
- All bars, dance clubs, fitness and health clubs, movie theaters, nightclubs, and other social and recreational establishments until at least March 31.
- All restaurants and food service establishments cannot provide dining room service. They may remain open for drive-through, takeout and delivery.
- All other retail – including banks, grocery stores, hardware stores and pharmacies – should and may remain open, provided they observe COVID-19 prevention measures.
Under the order, events include: community, civic, public, leisure, or sporting events; parades; concerts; festivals; conventions; fundraisers; and similar activities.
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
- What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)
- What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)
- What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (PDF)
UPDATE: March 16, 2020 at 2:31 pm
This is a quickly evolving situation and
this site will be updated frequently.
Be sure to press the refresh or reload button on your web browser to ensure you are viewing the latest version of our website.
Cases updated March 16, 2020
- Number of confirmed cases: 488
- Number of deaths: 43
See related press release:
Update for March 16, 2020: New state and local Orders issued to protect residents’ health from COVID-19
- 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 50 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 non-healthcare employers to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 if an employee is diagnosed
If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19 infection, employers should immediately work with the employee to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to the virus based on close prolonged contact with the diagnosed individual, while maintaining confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Posted March 16, 2020)
- 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
