Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
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Link/share this page at www.kingcounty.gov/covid
In King County, we all must take urgent action to minimize the health impacts of COVID-19:
- A health order has been issued to curtail the amount of face-to-face interaction. This includes a prohibition on all events with 50 or more people and health requirements to hold smaller gatherings. Many social and recreational services must temporarily close and restaurants may not offer dine-in services.
- Avoid close contact with others as much as possible.
- Wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your face. These simple actions are among the most effective to avoid illness.
- 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 17, 2020 at 3:06 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 17, 2020
- Number of confirmed cases: 518
- Number of deaths: 46
See related press release:
Public Health - Seattle & King County COVID-19 update for March 17, 2020
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
- Information on coronavirus (COVID-19) for organizations housing older adults in the community
- 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