Thread by @KCPubHealth

.@PurpleHayesRN: I want to send my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have passed, and our heartfelt thoughts those who are now seriously ill.

#COVID19 #coronavirus #WAcoronavirus

@PurpleHayesRN Also in our thoughts are the health care workers and EMS responders, who are heroically caring for those affected. They are doing incredible work, as they are trained to do.

We know that the vast majority of people who become infected with the virus will not have serious illness. But for those who do, our health care workers will do everything they can to help patients in need.

We will do everything we can for our health workers. We can all help by saving masks for them, so they can stay healthy and treat more patients.

Masks are not recommended for healthy people to prevent infection, but they are so important for our health care workers to have.

We face a challenge now, but I want you to know that we have the best people in the world right here in King County that are responding to it, including a team from the CDC that just arrived.

.@DocJeffD: We are reporting 4 new cases today. Of the 4 cases, 2 have died. In addition, 1 of our previously reported cases has now died.

This brings the total number of cases to 14, including 5 deaths total.

#COVID19 #coronavirus #WAcoronavirus

@DocJeffD These are the new cases:

• A male in his 50s, hospitalized at Highline Hospital. No known exposures.
• A male in his 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The man had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20

• A female in her 70s, a resident of LifeCare, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth in Kirkland. The woman had underlying health conditions, and died 3/1/20
• A female in her 80s, a resident of LifeCare, was hospitalized at EvergreenHealth

• In addition, a woman in her 80s, who was already reported as in critical condition at Evergreen, has died. She died on 3/1/20

We are recommending steps to limit the spread of this illness, similar to what we do to limit the spread of the flu:

- Stay home when sick
- Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing

- When you go into a crowded situation with close contact it’s not possible to know if there are others with mild illness.

- To increase your chances of staying healthy, avoid crowded settings if possible, especially if you are over 60, or have other chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.

- Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.

- At this time, we are not recommending widespread school closures or cancellation of activities at schools. If there is a positive case at a school, we will be working provide guidance.

At this time, we have no confirmed #COVID19 cases in our school community.

On Sunday, @kcexec signed an emergency declaration for King County’s response to #COVID19.

#coronavirus #WAcoronavirus