Happening now: @KIRO7Seattle live coverage of update on #coronavirus with city, county and state leaders. @RepDelBene just said King County is spending around $100K/day. 1/X
First BIG news: $11.5 million is coming to Washington state to help with costs related to the #coronavirus -- this is a chunk we KNOW is coming (more could) from the $8.3B spending deal inked by @realDonaldTrump while we (@KIRO7Seattle) were on air this AM. 2/
Half of the $2B+ tied to the #coronavirus bill will be released in the next 30 days across the U.S. Per @RepDerekKilmer that can be used for a variety of ways: testing, early warning, etc. 3/
Reaction from @GovInslee on the $8.3B spending bill on #coronavirus: "We are glad that Washington D.C. is sending much more than their thoughts and prayers." @KIRO7Seattle 4/
“The rest of the country, frankly, is looking to us for leadership.” - @GovInslee. Says they're looking at unemployment flexibility to help families hit hardest by #coronavirus fallout, tells media he asked @VP about this. Reiterates yesterday's insurance news. @KIRO7Seattle 5/
. @GovInslee says they’re setting up an incident command dedicated to long-term care facility. Reminder: This is the MOST AT-RISK population per current CDC fatality rate estimates. @KIRO7Seattle 6/
15 people transported to area hospitals from the Life Care Center at the center of the #coronavirus situation unfolding in our area per @kcexec. @KIRO7Seattle 7/
All residents/staff have been tested or WILL BE TESTED shortly due to @UW testing capacity. Says all residents that NEED to be hospitalized have, or are in the process of being transferred -- notes this is a fluid situation. @KIRO7Seattle 8/
. @kcexec says they're working with the state to set up a system for family of Life Care Center patients to be sent home. Commends medical staff on the ground working "in adverse conditions." Reminds public -- they have 24/7 needs while under #coronavirus threat. @KIRO7Seattle 9/
Responding to Qs about why the center hasn't been shutdown after multiple #coronavirus deaths -- says there isn't necessarily capacity at other centers/hospitals to take them in. @KIRO7Seattle 10/
Per @kcexec the federal gov't is stepping up with budget, but also with a task force of 30 medical professionals arriving tomorrow to work inside the Life Care Center. Refers to the staff as "strained." "We are grateful the cavalry is arriving." #coronavirus @KIRO7Seattle 11/
"We hear you." - @kcexec to those who thinks the county hasn't done enough. "We want to make sure everyone has the information, and support they need in a time of crisis." Says they're 100-percent committed to health and care of these patients. #coronavirus @KIRO7Seattle 12/
There are pluses and minuses to closing schools. @kcexec seems to be getting word that @UW is cancelling in-person classes. You can read more about that from @KIRO7Seattle, here: kiro7.com/news/local/cor… 13/
Guidance hasn't changed on closing local schools per Patty Hayes of @KCPubHealth. Reminds media/public -- #coronavirus is running counter-intuitive: it's not spreading with kids like it'd be expected with other viruses. Adds: Our guidance MAY change. @KIRO7Seattle 14/
I believe I hear @EssexKIRO7 asking why it takes 6 days for the county to get in contact with the families fearing #coronavirus killing loved ones w/ Life Care. @kcexec says he's losing patience with the facility, puts onus on them to be speaking with families. @KIRO7Seattle 15/
"Remember that these facilities are skilled nursing, so they're under HIPAA protection. The facility needs to talk to families directly." -- Patty Hayes, @KCPubHealth. @KIRO7Seattle 16/
I'm on the go, folks -- more updates from our team with live coverage on @KIRO7Seattle. Standby for a live wrap-up from @MichelleKIRO7 and @TraceyKIRO7. You can live-stream on KIRO7.com 17/17 #coronavirus
