Inslee Expands Events Ban, School Closure Order Across Washington

OLYMPIA, WA — Gov. Jay Inslee will expand a ban on large public gatherings and a mandatory school closure order to cover the entire state Friday, as the number of illnesses linked to the new coronavirus grew to 568 in 15 counties and the virus's death toll reached 38.

Public health officials said 58 of the new cases announced Friday were in King County, along with five deaths. Four deaths linked to the virus have now been confirmed in Snohomish County. Washington has seen the majority of deaths related to COVID-19 in the United States, along with the highest number of confirmed cases.

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Mandatory school closures expand statewide, restrictions added to universities

Inslee said in a press briefing Friday afternoon that he planned to sign three executive orders, including the two expansions of his previous mandates, and a new order restricting most activities at universities, community colleges and technical schools.

All K-12 schools must close by Tuesday, March 17 and will not be allowed to reopen before Monday, April 27. The last day classroom instruction will be permitted is Monday, March 16.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued a similar order in her state Thursday night.

According to Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, approximately 1.2 million students are enrolled in public and charter schools statewide.

Inslee's earlier school closure order was limited to King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. During a briefing Thursday, he directed all school districts to prepare contingency plans for further closures, including potential childcare options, nutritional assistance programs and online learning plans.

The governor said children have, so far, been less prone to contract the virus and have typically shown milder symptoms. Secretary of Health John Wiesman said only 2 percent of the cases confirmed in the state were in patients under 19 years old.

However, the governor says, public health agencies believe closing schools could represent a "significant cut" in overall infections, including among school staff members, some of whom are also in high-risk groups.

Ban on large gatherings throughout Washington

The events ban, which will now apply to all counties, prohibits all public gatherings and events with 250 or more people in attendance. Events impacted by the rule include concerts, sporting events, festivals, fundraisers, parades, church services and social gatherings, including large parties or weddings. Grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, transit systems and airports are not affected by the ban, but staff must take recommended steps to minimize the spread of disease.

Additional orders in the state's three most populous counties require gatherings with fewer than 250 people adhere to guidelines provided by public health officials.

Latest developments in King County

King County remains the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington, accounting for 328 illnesses and 32 deaths. Seattle and King County Public Health said the case count is expected to double every five-to-seven days.

Three of the deaths announced Friday were among elderly residents of the Life Care Center nursing home in Kirkland, now associated with 25 deaths connected to the virus.

Precautionary measures at correctional facilities

While no cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at correctional facilities, the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention announced precautionary steps to ensure the health of inmates, visitors and staff. Officials said 45 King County inmates at high-risk for compications will be transferred to Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent to reduce their exposure.

Public visitation for the adult facilities has been suspended and group activities have been canceled. Detention officials said each person who is booked at a correction facility will be screened by a nurse during the intake process.

Trump declares national emergency; $50 billion in federal funding for coronavirus response

President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration Friday, freeing up billions for federal, state and local efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. During a national emergency, states could request a 75 percent federal cost-share for expenses that include emergency workers, medical tests, medical supplies, vaccinations and more, Bloomberg reported.

The move comes as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced at an earlier news conference that the House of Representatives will move forward with a Friday vote on a sweeping coronavirus aid package.

Patch reporter Megan VerHelst contributed to this report.

Latest guidance from Seattle and King County Public Health:

"Anyone who is sick should stay home. Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19, as well as their close contacts, should follow Public Health guidance addressing what to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 or are worried that you do. Retail establishments should follow guidance for retail businesses and service operators. People who are having a medical emergency should call 9-1-1."

People at high risk for complications from COVID-19 are:

• People older than 60
• People with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes
• People with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant people

The Washington Department of Health has published these fact-sheets to help residents decide what steps to take:

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