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 20, 2020 at 3:20 pm
Cases updated March 20, 2020
- Number of confirmed cases: 793
- Number of deaths: 67
See related press release:
Additional testing capacity, adjustments at King County jails, and other COVID-19 updates from Public Health - Seattle & King County for March 20, 2020
- New limits on large gatherings, other emergency strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19
- Additional updates: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Washington State Dept. of Health
Questions on complying with the Health Officer Order?
The public has been highly accepting of and cooperative with Public Health's actions that are intended to protect the community's health and well-being in King County. The Local Health Officer Order and the statewide emergency Proclamation issued March 16th by the Governor are enforceable by law. King County will not be actively searching for violations, and our focus is on helping people understand the importance of social distancing, rather than citations.
If you have specific questions or reports related to this, please email coronavirus@kingcounty.gov
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 Child Care Recommendations
(Updated March 20, 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
Signs to print and post
to help grocery stores, restaurants, childcares and event organizers communicate the steps they are taking to minimize risk of COVID-19
