BREAKING: A man in his 50s is being treated for the COVID-19 coronavirus at Highline Medical Center in Burien, Public Health – Seattle & King County reported on Monday morning, March 2, 2020.

Officials say that the victim – who was admitted to the hospital on Thursday, Feb. 27 – had no known previous exposures to anyone with the virus, or links to the Kirkland cases. He is in stable but in critical condition, and apparently has no underlying health conditions.

Cary Evans, Vice President for Communications and Government Affairs, CHI Franciscan, shared this info with The B-Town Blog:

“On Thursday, a patient was presented to the Emergency Department at Highline Medical Center with symptoms and other contributing factors consistent with coronavirus. The patient was admitted for observation and testing. Late Sunday night results of the test confirmed positive for coronavirus. We are strictly following all protocols and practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to compassionately care for the patient while keeping our caregivers and staff safe. The patient is currently in stable but critical condition in Highline’s ICU.”

A spokesperson also said that CHI Franciscan is closely monitoring all developments with the coronavirus.

“We are in contact with local and state authorities as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our staff is following the latest guidance from these public health agencies. We manage infectious disease on a regular basis and adhere to policies in place for this purpose. We have the necessary supplies and are prepared to identify, isolate and treat any potential patient who seeks care in our facilities. The safety of our patients, employees and physicians is our highest priority.”

As of Monday morning, there were 14 confirmed cases in King County, including five deaths, and four cases in Snohomish County, including one death.

Fifty possible victims are being tested for coronavirus at a Kirkland nursing facility.

Multiple schools in the county – but no Highline Public Schools – were closed Monday for deep cleaning after potential exposure to the virus.

King County Executive Dow Constantine also signed an Emergency Declaration, enabling the county to take extra steps to fight COVID-19. Among the first actions: purchasing a motel and setting up modular housing units on publicly-owned parking lots and other available land. This will be used to isolate patients in recovery as well as those in active treatment. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in a matter of days and available to Public Health by the end of the week. Location details will be made available when the transaction is complete.

In addition, King County will place modular units on public properties in locations throughout King County.

“We have moved to a new stage in the fight to contain and mitigate this outbreak. King County is aligned and organized behind this common mission, with Public Health – Seattle & King County as our lead agency,” said Executive Constantine. “We will direct all available resources to help cities, health-care facilities, businesses, and families continue life as normally as possible. But our best strategies depend on millions of residents actively following established disease prevention guidelines.”

This is a developing story, and we’ll update this post as we gather more information (refresh page to see the latest).

Below is raw video of an 11 a.m. press conference held by the county:

And a 3 p.m. press conference with Gov. Jay Inslee:

For more info, click here: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx

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