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Link/share this page at www.kingcounty.gov/covid
Social distancing is the most important thing we can do to fight the pandemic. We all need to work together to slow the spread of COVID-19. You should:
- Stay at home and avoid all non-essential contact with others.
- Limit trips for groceries, gas and other essentials.
- If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
As of March 23rd at 5pm, Governor Inslee has announced that he will sign a statewide Stay At Home order. This proclamation Stay Home, Stay Healthy will apply statewide and in King County. The order will last for two weeks and could be extended. Please note that the local health officer order and associated guidance posted here will be updated to reflect the Governor's order in the next 24-48 hours. Here are the key things for WA residents to know:
- Require every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity. See what's open and closed.
- Ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes.
What to do if you are ill
If you are ill with fever and a cough or shortness of breath, stay home. If you are unsure of how to care for yourself or are concerned about your condition, call your health care provider for advice. If you feel you need to visit your doctor, call them first. Keep yourself separated from other people and animals in your home. Cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for steps to take if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you may be infected with coronavirus
- Washington State Department of Health information on getting tested
- Washington State Department of Health information on what to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19
You can also use the online Coronavirus Assessment Tool developed by Providence and Microsoft.
UPDATE: March 23, 2020 at 4:10 pm
Cases updated March 23, 2020
- Number of confirmed cases: 1,170
- Number of deaths: 87
See related press release:
Urgent need for people to limit contact, and other COVID-19 updates from Public Health - Seattle & King County for March 23, 2020
- Additional updates: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Washington State Dept. of Health
Questions on complying with the
Stay Home, Stay Healthy 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. While the Governor’s Stay at Home Order is enforceable by law, King County will not be actively searching for violations. 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
- 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 grocery stores to minimize the spread of COVID-19
Grocery stores can play an important role in both protecting their employees and their customers from COVID-19 infections by following personal and environmental hygiene practices.
- 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
Public Health — Seattle & King County resources:
- Notify Public Health of a confirmed case or potential cluster in a healthcare or social service setting
- Guidance for PPE Conservation and Alternatives when PPE is Unavailable
- Healthy Advisories: Updates and interim guidance on outbreak of COVID-19
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
