After entering Phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start Reopening Plan, Public Health – Seattle & King County has observed an unsettling trend with COVID-19 cases rising as restaurants, bars, and taverns resume operations. In an effort to keep businesses open and move King County forward through the Safe Start phases, Public Health is launching a new initiative to begin educational outreach and enforcement of Safe Start requirements for operating restaurants, bars, and taverns.
On July 8, 2020, Public Health – Seattle & King County closed Duke’s Chowder House on Alki Beach. This restaurant location was closed due to an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 among employees, the potential for workplace and employee transmission, and for non-compliance with Washington’s Safe Start Plan.
In response to rising COVID-19 cases county wide, Public Health – Seattle & King County is expanding efforts to educate and enforce compliance of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start COVID-19 reopening requirements in food establishments.
Under the current Health Order, restaurants may remain open for drive-through, delivery, and pick-up. Our Food Program also has a role to play in working with food service establishments so that they comply with the health order.
The Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County has issued an order intended to curtail the amount of face-to-interaction in the community that can potentially spread the virus. We explain what is now prohibited and what is still allowed (if steps to minimize the risk are taken.)
Update (December 16, 2019): We’ve identified additional cases in the E. coli outbreak potentially linked to meals at King County Evergreens restaurants during November 5-11, 2019. This outbreak appears to be over. For more information, view the foodborne illness disclosure for this outbreak. Update (December 6, 2019): We’ve identified additional cases linked to this outbreak. […]
