2,221 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed In Washington; 110 Dead

SEATTLE, WA — At least 225 additional coronavirus cases were confirmed in Washington Monday, and 15 more people have died from complications linked to the illness, according to the state health department.

Lab tests have now confirmed 2,221 illnesses statewide and 110 deaths in Washington, including 87 patients who have died in King County.

In Whatcom County, COVID-19 cases more than tripled Monday, largely linked to an outbreak among nearly three dozen residents at the Shuksan Healthcare Center in Bellingham.

The nationwide death toll is fast approaching 600 after an increase of more than 100 deaths in a single day. During an appearance on NBC News Monday, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams warned Americans "it's going to get bad" this week. New York state, where the virus has spread particularly fast, now accounts for almost half of the nation's confirmed COVID-19 illnesses.

Only one week ago, the number of deaths linked to the illness across the nation was 70.

Inslee issues "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" directive, barring all non-essential activity

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a new directive Monday night, prohibiting all non-essential businesses from operating and requiring everyone to stay home as much as possible to help prevent further spread of the virus.

The governor said his expanded order would not affect grocery stores or doctor's offices, and restaurants will be allowed to continue take-out and delivery services. All group social and recreational activities are banned under the new order, but solo activities, like walks or bike rides, are permitted, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.

King County launches Seattle Community Assessment Network (SCAN)

Seattle and King County Public Health has partnered with the Seattle Flu Study to develop a clearer understanding of how the virus is spreading throughout the region. Public health officials said researchers will collect testing samples from people across the county to ensure researchers have a better picture of the virus's spread, especially among people who may be asymptomatic.

"By using innovative research methods and data modeling, SCAN can help us better predict the number of people who may be infected but unrecognized," officials wrote in a news release. "Understanding how COVID-19 is being transmitted, even among those who have not yet sought medical care and would not otherwise be tested, will help us determine if community measures such as social distancing are working, and whether we need to adapt our guidance."

Community members interested in participating in the SCAN study can sign up here.

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Senate Democrats block $1.8 trillion coronavirus stimulus plan, citing corporate bailout concerns and a lack of worker protections

Democrats in the Senate blocked a stimulus measure from moving forward for a second time Monday, zeroing in on a lack of oversight for a proposed $425 billion fund for corporate assistance, limited funding for health care workers. CNN reports Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was optimistic a deal would be reached soon.

Boeing will halt all production in Puget Sound by Wednesday

Boeing will stop production at all Puget Sound facilities this week, with plans to re-evaluate after two weeks. The embattled aerospace company is Washington's largest private employer, with a workforce of approximately 60,000 people. More than two dozen Boeing employees in Washington have tested positive for COVID-19, including an Everett man who died from complications related to the illness Sunday.

Illnesses confirmed statewide: 2,221 (110 deaths)

King: 1,170 cases (87 deaths)
Snohomish: 519 cases (11 deaths)
Pierce: 126 cases (1 death)
Whatcom: 48 cases (2 deaths)
Skagit: 45 cases (1 death)
Island: 25 cases (1 death)
Spokane: 29 cases
Grant: 23 cases (1 death)
Kitsap: 18 cases
Yakima: 25 cases
Thurston: 11 cases
Clark: 13 cases (4 deaths)
Benton: 7 cases (2 deaths)
Jefferson: 7 cases
Clallam: 4 cases
Klickitat: 4 cases
Kittitas: 5 cases
Chelan: 6 cases
Cowlitz: 3 cases
Franklin: 3 cases
Lewis: 2 cases
Mason: 1 case
Columbia: 1 case
Grays Harbor: 1 case
Lincoln: 1 case
San Juan: 1 case
Stevens: 1 case
Walla Walla: 1 case
Douglas: 1 case
Unassigned: 177 cases*

*Health agencies are still working to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for cases marked "unassigned."

Total tested: 33,933
Negative: 31,712 (93%)

Helpful links from the department of health:

• What to do if you have a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illness.
• What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease.
• What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed.