Thread by @KCPubHealth

Earlier today, state and local health officials announced new guidance to @KingCountyWA residents aimed at reducing their risk of exposure to #COVID19.

See the recommendations to reduce the risk of spread of #coronavirus: bit.ly/COVIDrecommend…

While all residents can take steps now, people with underlying health conditions are urged to pay special attention to recommendations to avoid large gatherings of people.

Public Health also announced on Wednesday 10 additional confirmed cases of #COVID19 in @KingCountyWA residents, including 1 death.

This brings the total of confirmed cases to 31, including 9 deaths.

We understand these actions will have a tremendous impact on the lives of people in our community.

We are making these recommendations in consultation with @CDCgov based on the best information we have currently to protect the public's health.

This is a critical moment in the growing outbreak of #COVID19 in @KingCountyWA, and these measures can potentially impact the spread of the disease.

People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others.

People at higher risk include:

◾People 60 and older
◾People with underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes
◾People who have weakened immune systems
◾People who are pregnant

Workplaces should enact measures that allow people who can work from home to do so.

Taking these measures can help reduce the number of workers who come into contact with #COVID19 and help minimize absenteeism due to illness.

If you can feasibly avoid bringing large groups of people together, consider postponing events and gatherings.

Public Health is not recommending closing schools at this time unless there has been a confirmed case in the school.

Public Health also respects an individual school's decisions about closures or postponement of activities as each school knows the needs of its community best.

All people should not go out when they are sick.

Avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you need to go, limit your time there and keep six feet away from patients.