King County Coronavirus: Sports Stars Encourage Social Distancing

SEATTLE, WA—Some familiar faces in the sports arena are joining forces to remind King County residents of the importance of social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Russell Wilson, Sue Bird, Nicolás Lodeiro and Megan Rapinoe have joined Public Health's COVID-19 public education campaign to encourage King County residents to “Stand Together. Stay Apart."

These athletes are appearing in ads showing that the most important actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our healthcare system are to stay home and stay six feet away from others when you must go out, such as for an essential job or to buy groceries.

"Everyone, even people who are young and healthy, must stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Each individual's actions affect the health of our entire community, and what we do as a community protects us all," King County health officials said in an online statement.

The campaign is funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and is running on digital and social media platforms as well as TV and radio spots donated by regional business partners including Windemere, Puget Sound Energy, Washington State Association of Broadcasters, Microsoft, Washington Roundtable and Facebook.

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.