Media Release: Tips for staying safe outdoors as more recreation lands reopen

May 6, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Summary:   More public lands are reopening for limited use following closures to slow the spread of COVID-19. King County is offering guidelines for safely enjoying parks, trails, and natural areas. Story:   King County Parks is reopening parks and trails on May 8 following a six-week closure in support of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order […]

Media Release: Two reports show COVID-19 transmission has slowed, while most people still susceptible

May 4, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Summary: Two new reports provide further confirmation that social distancing measures have reduced transmission of COVID-19 in King County. Story: The number of COVID-19 infections in King County has been on the decline since the end of March, according to two recent reports that are consistent with data from Public Health – Seattle & King County. The […]

Public encouraged to watch for wider range of symptoms for COVID-19

April 29, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

Summary:   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added to its list of symptoms for COVID-19. Also, as more farmers markets open for the spring, customers are encouraged to practice important safety measures. Story:   As researchers continue to learn more about COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just added six new symptoms to its list of known COVID-19 symptoms. People with […]

A clean house is awesome. Accidental poisoning is not.

April 29, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

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 […]

Report: COVID-19 transmission decline slowing, rapid rise in cases at risk without continued social distancing

April 27, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

Summary:   A new report from the Institute for Disease Modeling shows the decrease in COVID-19 transmission in King County has slowed. Continued social distancing, and additional disease control measures, are necessary to avoid a rebound in new cases that could overwhelm the healthcare system. Story:   Research shows COVID-19 transmission decline slowing, rapid rise in disease […]

Not seeing friends and family is HARD. But it’s worth it.

April 27, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

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 […]