2,496 Confirmed Coronavirus Cases In King County, 164 Dead

SEATTLE, WA — King County has recorded nearly 2,500 cases of the new coronavirus and 164 deaths linked to the illness, public health officials announced Wednesday. That number includes an additional 166 cases confirmed since Monday and 14 more deaths.

Related: Washington Nears 6,000 Coronavirus Cases; At Least 247 Dead

Coronavirus cases in your Patch:

Seattle:
811 confirmed cases (10.7% positivity rate)
34 deaths (4.2% of cases)

Kirkland:
209 confirmed cases (23.8% positivity rate)
45 deaths (21.5% of cases)

Bellevue:
144 confirmed cases (14.4% positivity rate)
4 deaths (2.8% of cases)

Redmond:
137 confirmed cases (22% positivity rate)
22 deaths (16.1% of cases)

Renton:
142 confirmed cases (14.1% positivity rate)
4 deaths (2.8% of cases)

Mercer Island:
43 confirmed cases (18.6% positivity rate)
1 death (2.3% of cases)

Shoreline:
124 confirmed cases (16.2% positivity rate)
11 deaths (8.9% of cases)

Lake Forest Park:
14 confirmed cases (9.6% positivity rate)
1 death (7.1% of cases)

Woodinville:
45 confirmed cases (14% positivity rate)
4 deaths (8.9% of cases)

Issaquah:
93 confirmed cases (19.6% positivity rate)
15 deaths (16.1% of cases)

Sammamish:
45 confirmed cases (13.1% positivity rate)
0 deaths

Enumclaw:
18 confirmed cases (10.7% positivity rate)
1 death (5.6% of cases)

Total tested in King County: 18,887
Positive results: 2,496 (13.2% positivity rate)

View data on more King County cities, or sort results by zip code here.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Washington. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Two Seattle councilmembers propose expanded "Amazon Tax" to fund coronavirus relief

Seattle councilmembers Kshama Sawant and Tammy Morales unveiled an expanded "Amazon Tax" proposal Wednesday, seeking an additional $200 million to provide financial relief for up to 100,000 low-income households.

Under the proposal, eligible families and individuals would receive four payments of $500 this year.

The new version of the tax would apply to large businesses with payrolls exceeding $7 million and go into effect June 1, 2020. Non-profits, public employers and grocery stores would be exempt.

The legislation's sponsors estimate the tax would raise approximately $500 million annually for affordable housing construction and energy efficiency upgrades.

Sawant and Morales are scheduled to formally introduce the bill to the council on Monday.

Inslee calls on manufacturers to make protective gear

Gov. Jay Inslee is calling on Washington companies to help manufacture surgical masks, testing swabs, vials, gloves, face shields and other protective equipment to help keep health care workers safe on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak. Manufacturers interested in getting involved can find a complete list of needed items on the state coronavirus website. Washington is also seeking bulk donations to fulfill its most urgent needs, which residents can learn about here.

The Associated Press reports more than 1 million pieces of personal protective equipment have been delivered across the state, but more is help is needed. President Donald Trump indicated Wednesday that the federal stockpile is facing a shortage.

Updated guidance on non-medical masks

While public health officials have stopped short of formally recommending the use of masks to prevent the spread of infection, King County said homemade masks may provide some level of protection. Medical-grade masks, like N95 respirators, should be reserved for health care providers.

"Medical masks are needed for healthcare workers who are in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. We need our healthcare workers to be able to continue providing their services during this pandemic," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for King County. "For the general public, homemade fabric masks, especially if well-made and fit, may provide some benefit."

According to Duchin, fabric masks can help prevent the spread of infections to others, especially when worn by someone who may be infected with the virus and asymptomatic. The virus spreads by infectious droplets, which can travel when someone coughs, sneezes or speaks.

"It is not known how much protection homemade cloth masks provide to the person wearing the mask, and this may depend on the quality of the mask and how well it fits," Duchin said. "For this reason, homemade and fabric masks should not be considered reliable protection but may provide some benefit."

For those who choose to wear masks, health officials say they should be worn consistently and properly to avoid contamination to the hands and face of the wearer. Masks should be changed when moist and washed.

The Seattle Police Department shares domestic violence resources

The Seattle Police Department is sharing some reminders after domestic violence reports in the city increased by more than 20 percent in March.

Recent weeks have seen public activities severely limited, mass unemployment and a large shift in people working from home.

Anyone in a domestic violence situation can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Those who require immediate help should call or text 911. Seattle police said it is important to include an exact location and what type of help is required in the first message to assure officers arrives quickly.

You can learn more about Seattle's Victim Support Team here.