Amazon Employee Infected With Coronavirus In Seattle

SEATTLE, WA — An Amazon employee in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the company confirmed Tuesday evening.

Latest: Washington Coronavirus: 39 Cases In King, Snohomish; 10 Deaths

A message sent to employees and shared on social media said the person worked at the Brazil building, located on 9th Avenue North, and went home sick Feb. 25. According to the post, the employee has not returned to work since and remains in quarantine. In the email, the company said it notified colleagues who had been in close contact with the person and urged others to stay home and seek medical attention if they suffer symptoms.

"We're supporting the affected employee who is in quarantine," an Amazon spokesperson told Patch.

Earlier Tuesday, health officials announced three more deaths and seven additional cases of the COVID-19 virus confirmed in King County since Monday, bringing the countywide total of infections to 21. According to the Department of Health, 27 illnesses and nine deaths have been linked to the virus statewide.

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signed an emergency proclamation Tuesday afternoon granting the city expanded authority to address public health concerns.

"As we prepare to take additional steps in Seattle, we know that our city will need additional resources and help from both our state and federal government," Durkan said. "For example, we are looking to our partners to increase the availability of testing in a way that does not overwhelm the health care system but meets the growing need."

Durkan's office said the mayor will announce specific actions related to the proclamation in the days ahead.

King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center:

• If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you’re a health care provider with questions about the virus, call the King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 206-477-3977.
• The call center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT.
• For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 800-525-0127.

Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to flu or colds and may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell

According to the Department of Health, these are the steps people should take to reduce their risk of getting and spreading any viral respiratory infections:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.

Monitor the latest information on COVID-19 in Washington and across the United States:

• Public Health Seattle-King County
• Snohomish County Health District
• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention