Public Health – Seattle & King County is urging everyone to practice better social distancing.

We’ve seen it firsthand ourselves – groups of people gathered too closely in local parks, beaches, etc. as if we’re in the midst of just another spring break party.

The good news? Only one new death was reported on Sunday!

Here’s more from Public Health:

There were 106 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, Mar. 22, 2020, bringing the official case count in King County to 1,040, with yet one new death reported, bringing the total of confirmed deaths to 75.

“We’re working with food establishments to ensure compliance with COVID-19 health precautions,” officials said. “We will begin providing updates on the number of people in King County’s isolation and quarantine facilities.”

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 as much as you can.
      • Limit trips for groceries, gas, and other essentials.
      • If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times.
      • Public Health urges everyone to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Every face-to-face interaction is an opportunity for COVID-19 to spread and impact those most at risk.

Working with food establishments on COVID-19 health precautions
Public Health’s Food Protection Program has been working hard to help ensure food establishments adhere to the current Local Health Officer Order requiring all food establishments provide take-out or delivery only in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Public Health has found that the vast majority of King County food establishments are adhering to the guidance to help keep their customers and community safe. Food Safety Inspectors are proactively sharing guidance and responding to complaints we receive about individual food establishments that may not be complying. When we get a complaint, we reach out to the food establishment and advise them on the steps they need to take to be in compliance.

The Food Protection Program is also developing methods for Food Safety Inspectors to conduct random, proactive field verification of the Health Order using methods that maintain social distancing.

Proper cleaning and sanitation are important now more than ever in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Food Protection Program is providing regular educational reminders to food establishments about the importance of strong hygiene practices.

Isolation and quarantine facilities update
Isolation and quarantine is a proven public health practice for reducing the spread of disease. Examples of people who may need this assistance include people who cannot safely isolate from a family member who is elderly or medically fragile, or people experiencing homelessness. Individuals can only be placed into one of King County’s isolation and quarantine facilities after a health professional with Public Health has determined that they need isolation or quarantine.

One person is currently staying in a King County isolation and quarantine facility.

We will begin providing regular updates on the number of people in King County’s isolation and quarantine facilities. No other identifying or personal information will be provided.

Case updates
Public Health—Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on Mar. 21, 2020:

      • 1,040 confirmed cases (up 106 from yesterday)*
      • 75 confirmed deaths (up 1 from yesterday)

This additional death includes:

      • A man in his 80s, who died on 3/13 at Overlake Medical Center

Of the 75 deaths reported, 35 are confirmed to be associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.

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