Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities – A Conversation with State Long-Term Care Ombuds

By Ingrid Ulrey, Policy Director, PHSKC Residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family homes are at high risk for serious illness and death from Covid-19, as we outlined in a recent blog. Washington State Department of Health Director John Wiesman issue an order requiring COVID-19 testing for all nursing home residents and […]

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New data dashboard from Public Health on key indicators of COVID-19 activity

Summary:    Public Health – Seattle & King County published today a new data dashboard that provides a snapshot of key indicators related to COVID-19 disease activity, testing capacity, and healthcare system status. These data will be useful to help guide decisions about whether restrictions and precautions are adequate, or whether they need to be strengthened […]

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Media release: Testing recommended for anyone with mild COVID-19 symptoms; decreased cases in long-term care facilities shows importance of aggressive response

Summary:    Anyone with mild symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible to reduce its spread through the community – and testing locations are available throughout King County. Also, lower numbers of COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities point to the importance of public health measures in reducing the spread of the virus […]

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Media Release: Health Officer directs residents to use face coverings in indoor public settings, outdoors where social distancing is difficult

SUMMARY Public Health – Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, along with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, announced a new Health Officer Directive strongly urging face coverings in all indoor public places including grocery stores and other businesses, as well as outside settings where maintaining six […]

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Media Release: Latest report shows COVID-19 transmission rate could be rising in King County; social distancing remains key

Summary:    Latest data shows the COVID-19 transmission rate could be rising across King County and the rest of western Washington after previous indications the transmission rate had fallen below a critical threshold. Story:    After dropping throughout March and into early April, the transmission rate of COVID-19 is no longer falling and could be rising again […]

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