Taking care of mental health during COVID-19
Even while practicing physical distancing, there’s a lot we can do to take care of ourselves and stay connected with others.
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Recognizing an incident with the shadow of a long history of hate
When staff and leadership at Public Health—Seattle & King County learned about the horrific shipment of body bags to our partners at Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB), we were shocked and dismayed. The news generated a private apology and inquiry from Public Health to the CEO of SIHB. And it generated a rapid search of […]
Read MoreNew data shows broader social, economic, health impacts of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19
Public Health – Seattle & King County has created a new set of data tools that show some of the broader impacts in King County – focusing on social, economic, and overall health and well-being.
Read MoreD.I.Y. Face Coverings: Tips on making cloth masks from the Public Health Crafter’s Corner
Learn to make a simple face covering that will provide protection from COVID-19. In King County, a new health directive instructs people to wear face coverings in public spaces, We’ve got tips for inexpensive and easy-to-make cloth masks.
Read MoreNew delivery service underway for customers of Tukwila Food Pantry
People who need food in the Tukwila area received the first home deliveries from the Tukwila Food Pantry recently, and more households will benefit from the new program through the end of June.
Read MoreHow to Stay Safe When Cleaning Up After Rodents
If you are in the yard, garage or garden, watch for signs of rodents and take precautions against hantavirus exposure when cleaning up after rodents. Also take steps to protect yourself if you are entering a building that has been closed up during Stay at Home orders. We have tips to help.
Read MoreProtecting residents in long-term care facilities – progress and challenges
A looming heartbreak in the coronavirus pandemic is the impact of the virus on people living in long-term care facilities such as skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family homes. Locally and nationally, the biggest outbreaks have been in these facilities, which house and care for more than 12,000 people in King County.
Read MoreCOVID-19 testing is increasingly available in King County
COVID-19 testing is a key strategy for reducing the spread of the virus in our community. Public Health – Seattle & King County is now recommending that anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or close contact with someone who has COVID-19 be tested right away. Testing as soon as possible after symptoms appear is important to […]
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know about King County’s Health Directive on Face Coverings
A new Health Officer directive strongly urges people in King County to wear face coverings in public places, both indoors in places such as grocery stores and businesses, and also outdoors when it’s difficult to maintain six feet apart from others. While face coverings do not replace proper hygiene or social distancing as protection measures, […]
Read MoreUpdate: Latest report shows COVID-19 transmission rate may be increasing in King County and Western Washington; persisting higher in Eastern Washington
After dropping throughout March and into the first part of April, the transmission rate of COVID-19 is no longer falling and may be rising again in Western Washington, according to the latest report from Bellevue-based Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM). The report also included an analysis of the rate of transmission in the eastern half […]
Read MoreFishing in the time of COVID-19
Now that Washington State has re-opened for some fishing in a phased approach as of May 5, we want you to know how to enjoy the outdoors while staying safe and healthy – from the fishing site to the catch on your plate.
Read MoreCall 9-1-1 at the first sign of a heart attack or stroke
King County’s Medic One/Emergency Medical Services is encouraging residents to continue to call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies such as heart attack or stroke.
Read MoreNeed support so you can isolate or quarantine? We’re here to help.
When someone has symptoms of COVID-19, they need to stay away from others by isolating themselves, even from people who live with them. That’s not always possible for those who live with many family members or with young children, or if their home isn’t set up so that the person who is sick can have […]
Read MoreUpdate on Hepatitis A outbreak
April 2020 marks one year since we announced the first case of locally-acquired hepatitis A in a person living homeless in King County. We identified this case in the context of many cities and states across the country experiencing large outbreaks of hepatitis A among people living homeless or who use drugs.
Read MoreThe Weight of Having to Wait: Emotions Surfaced by the Stay at Home Extension
With the extension of the Stay at Home order in Washington State, we have a lot of feelings. Right now, as Public Health, we just want to validate your feelings. For those who can, if you are finding it harder to muster up the resolve to stay home, we see you.
Read MoreUpdate: Latest reports show COVID-19 declining; infections found across King County, most still susceptible
The number of COVID-19 infections in King County has been on the decline since the end of March, according to two recent reports from the Bellevue-based Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) and the Greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network (SCAN), a disease surveillance initiative in partnership with Public Health – Seattle & King County. The reports […]
Read MoreMaking meaning of the COVID-19 race and ethnicity data: A conversation with our Health Officer and our Equity Director
The impacts of COVID-19 are disproportionately impacting communities of color. A conversation with our Health Officer and Equity Officer provide insight.
Read MoreNew analysis shows pronounced racial inequities among COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths
Updated data shows that in King County, COVID-19 is disproportionally impacting communities of color.
Read MoreParks and Recreation, Public Health and Pawnee
Parks and Recreation returns for a benefit episode for food banks, set in the midst of COVID-19. We reflect on our favorite public health themed episodes of the show.
Read MoreA clean house is awesome. Accidental poisoning is not.
By Michell Mouton, Hazardous Waste Management Program, Environmental Health Let’s take a deep breath, slow down and have a talk about cleaning, disinfecting and staying safe. With more people using cleaning products during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been an increase in accidental poisonings in Washington State. The Washington Poison Center reported a 23% increase in […]
Read MoreFarmers market season is back, but physical distance is still required
Farmers markets are great opportunities to purchase fresh, healthy, and locally grown foods. They also tend to draw crowds. Farmers markets, and other places that sell food products, like grocery stores, are considered essential businesses under the statewide Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Throughout Washington State, more farmers markets may continue to open throughout the […]
Read MoreNot seeing friends and family is HARD. But it’s worth it.
Grandparents miss cuddling their grandbabies. Teens miss hangouts and deep talks with their closest friends. We miss seeing our siblings and cousins, best friends, barbers, co-workers, teachers, and gym buddies. Everyone is feeling the strain from the lack of in-person interaction that makes life rich and full. COVID-19 is taking a toll, and we all […]
Read MoreWIC is open for business
WIC services are open for you and your family! WIC has been identified as an essential service and staff are providing services by phone to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Read MoreUpdate: COVID-19 transmission decline slowing, rapid rise at risk without continued social distancing
The social distancing measures observed in King County have reduced transmission of COVID-19 to the point where cases are expected to slowly decline or plateau at current levels.
Read MoreNo wipes in the pipes: Guidelines on how to avoid clogging the sewer system
Author: Silvia-Antonia Rus The COVID-19 outbreak derails regular routines and supplies in drastic ways. One of the ways that it impacts daily life is the limited supply of toilet paper across stores. People are also using more cleaning wipes to make sure that we clean and sanitize our homes to prevent illnesses. These actions can […]
Read MorePublic Health calls for community safety as fentanyl-involved deaths rise
Public Health – Seattle & King County reminds our community that pills purchased off the street or online without a prescription likely contains illicit fentanyl—the drug that can lead to overdose and death. In just the past two weeks, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified 14 people whose lives were lost to drug overdose involving fentanyl.
Read MoreMourning together, virtually: How our Muslim community adapted using technology
Authors: Mohamed Ali, Ayan Abshir & Equity Response Team Death is a universal experience, no matter what race or religion one identifies with. In Islam, Muslims are taught to overcome tragic circumstances with containment (Rida), gratitude (Hamd), patience (Sabr), and firm belief in destiny (Qadr). Although, death is a fact of life, it is never […]
Read MoreAntibody (serology) tests: What we know and don’t know
A new type of test that measures antibodies to the SARS-CoV2 virus has been getting a lot of attention lately and is becoming available, but there are important limitations.
Read MoreSUPPORTING PEOPLE LIVING HOMELESS DURING COVID-19
Preventing and slowing the spread of COVID-19 within people living homeless continues to be a high priority in our pandemic response.
Read MoreWhen grandparents live with you: How to protect older adults at home from COVID-19
Living with multiple generations in the home has wonderful social benefits, and also requires extra steps to prevent exposing older family members to COVID-19. We offer tips for protecting vulnerable family members, especially for essential workers who have to work outside the home.
Read MoreHow public health officials decide when to order closures
Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health — Seattle & King County recently interviewed with ProPublica and The Seattle Times to discuss his and the department’s thinking related to the timing of Public Health recommendations to avoid and subsequently prohibit large public gatherings, and in particular in not prohibiting the Sounders match on March 7th. The following is an overview of information Dr. Duchin shared in his conversation and through e-mail.
Read MoreGreater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network (SCAN) Releases Data from First 18 Days of Testing
On March 23, Public Health — Seattle & King County and the team behind the Seattle Flu Study launched the greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network—or SCAN for short. Thanks to the participation of volunteers across the county, SCAN has already begun to identify cases that might otherwise have gone undetected. In its first 18 days, […]
Read MoreEmergency childcare for first responders & essential workers
Employees who are essential workers under the statewide “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order can now access free emergency child care through a King County program to help parents who are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 response.
Read MoreJoin us in thanking our community’s essential workers
Over the past few weeks many people have transitioned to telecommuting to comply with the statewide Stay Home order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Many others, who are essential workers, will continue to report to their jobs to ensure critical public health, safety and infrastructure functions continue to support Washingtonians. They are making sure that there is food, water, electricity, trash and sanitation services, buses & trains running, and health care services and spaces.
Read MoreStaying connected while staying at home: Tips for older adults
Are you an older adult or do you have older adults in your life that you love? Protecting ourselves and those we love by staying apart is hard. Here are few ways that older adults can stay safe and healthy while still connecting with friends and family!
Read MoreHow we are monitoring COVID-19 preliminary data by race, ethnicity
Public Health – Seattle & King County is releasing preliminary data of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and confirmed deaths by race/ethnicity. This preliminary data shows COVID-related deaths and hospitalizations are impacting people of all races and ethnicities. Additional data is needed to be able to draw conclusions about the impact COVID-19 is having across racial/ethnic groups in King County.
Read MoreThe danger of ending social distancing too early: A conversation with our Health Officer
Social distancing measures appear to be slowing the spread of COVID-19 in King County, but we must stay steady with the Stay Home order to prevent another wave of the outbreak. Dr. Jeff Duchin explains the dangers and discusses what is needed to relax social distancing.
Read MoreOver 20,000 kits to be distributed by Public Health for local COVID-19 testing needs
Update 4.19.20: On April 17, 2020, Public Health – Seattle & King County was alerted by UW Medicine to discontinue use of the 20,000 COVID-19 specimen collection kits donated to Public Health, due to a quality control issue with the viral transport media that preserves the specimen. The kits were recalled from all local partners […]
Read MoreStaying safe while getting outdoors
Getting outside for fresh air, exercise, and perhaps even to restore a sense of hope is important. As long as you’re following proper social distancing, getting outside and getting exercise is great for your mental, emotional and physical health.
Read MoreHow to get to medical appointments safely
We all know that we’re supposed to stay home, especially if we’re not feeling well. But what about getting to important medical appointments like dialysis? Or visiting your health care provider after calling their office and telling them about your COVID-19-like symptoms? Sometimes we need to get from our homes to the doctor’s office for […]
Read MorePandemic in Seattle: A comic strip about 1918 and now
How is today’s COVID-19 pandemic in Seattle similar–and different–than what happened during the 1918 influenza pandemic? We explore how public health measures made a difference then, and what that means now, through a comic strip.
Read MoreFaith leaders provide strong support in times of physical separation
With the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order now in effect through May 4, connecting with faith-based and cultural communities continues to be a vital source of support. Earlier this month, Public Health had the opportunity to stand in solidarity with faith and spiritual leaders who are building unity and connection in times of physical distancing.
Read MoreStay Home, Stay Healthy, Give Blood
For the health of our community, it’s critical that 1,000 people donate blood every day. Potential blood donors are exempt from the statewide Stay Home, Stay Healthy stay-at-home order, which does not include essential health services, such as those provided by Bloodworks Northwest and its donors. Learn more about how to give blood!
Read MoreStaying at home is essential, but when distancing is difficult, wearing a non-medical mask may help limit the spread of COVID-19
Updated at 7:30pm on 4-3-2020 Staying apart from others is our best protection against COVID-19. The most important ways of preventing COVID-19 are frequent handwashing, avoiding touching your face, staying away from ill people, staying home and avoiding all non-essential activities and contact with others. Mask use does not replace the need to follow these […]
Read MoreStopping Racism Fueled by COVID-19 Fear
Many of us have read and seen the stories of Asian Americans being harassed and berated on the streets, in parks, and on public transit. Unfortunately, our Asian- American community is now a major target in the reawakening of anti-Chinese rhetoric, affecting the elderly and the young. In this post, we offer some resources and practical tips on how to stop racism fueled by COVID-19 fear.
Read MoreIntroducing SCAN: the greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network
Washington state reported its first case of COVID-19 on January 21st. Since then, government officials and public health experts have been asking: How many more cases are there? And where will the virus show up next? These are important questions. Understanding how common COVID-19 is and how it is spreading are critical to informing our […]
Read MoreResources for the deaf and hard of hearing community
Here is a great resource list for the deaf and hard of hearing community to help you stay safe during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Read MoreA parenting guide during COVID-19: Be kind to yourself
By Erin Murphy and Megan McJennett COVID-19 is causing stress for a lot of people and that stress can manifest very differently. So parents, this blog post is for you. Because parenting during COVID-19 is HARD. Parents already worry about their kids and COVID-19 only increases those worries. Thoughts may crowd your mind like, “what […]
Read MoreSing while you scrub and hopscotch outdoors: How to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in childcare settings
By Emma McVeigh, Alanna Beebe, and Ellen Flamiatos With the closure of schools, child care is even more important to parents and to our communities than ever. Child care plays an essential role for parents who don’t have work flexibility, including those who work in healthcare, critical infrastructure, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other services we […]
Read MoreCommunity is our anchor during COVID-19
How do we get on with living when life is so altered? Our best answer is that we’ll get through this outbreak by building community and making sacrifices out of love. What does that look like? It means preserving the healthcare system for those who need it most, social distancing but not social isolation, and supporting one another.
Read MoreShowing up for our kids during the outbreak
We know that new measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community are particularly stressful for parents, and for anyone who cares for kids. As we continue to work together to protect our friends and neighbors and slow the spread, we face new challenges, including showing up for our kids in a scary, […]
Read MorePublic Health Guidance for Childcares
As COVID-19 continues to spread in King County, Public Health is asking everyone in our community to take steps to slow the spread of the virus. These actions are meant reduce the number of people who become ill, and protect our families, friends and neighbors who are at risk for severe illness. On March 12, […]
Read MoreWe want social distancing, not social isolation
In light of the coronavirus outbreak in King County and our current community recommendations, Best Starts for Kids shares resources and ideas to help fight social isolation in the midst of social distancing.
Read MoreMedia Release: More locations for COVID-19 testing at no cost available throughout King County
To prevent COVID-19 from spreading to family, friends, and the community, Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 be tested right away.
Read MoreMedia Release: Now available: Local data on unemployment, healthcare, housing and other measures during COVID-19 pandemic
New data tools now available provide information on the social, health and economic impacts during COVID-19.
Read MoreMedia Release: Face covering directive goes into effect today: Prevent spreading COVID-19 when unable to maintain 6 feet of distance
A health directive to wear face coverings in public goes into effect today. Wear a face covering at any indoor or outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you.
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