King County Reports 171 New Coronavirus Cases; 35 More In Pierce

SEATTLE, WA — King County confirmed an additional 171 cases of the new coronavirus Monday afternoon and 9 additional deaths were linked to the virus, according to public health officials. The state's most populous county accounts for almost half of Washington's COVID-19 cases, with 2,330 confirmed illnesses, and a majority of its deaths, with 150.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department reported 35 additional COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing that county's total to 352 cases and six deaths.

Updated numbers were not available on the statewide level. The Washington Department of Health said "technical difficulties related to a high volume of data" prevented them from posting the new counts Monday evening.

As of Sunday night, at least 4,896 cases and 195 deaths associated with the virus were confirmed across Washington.

Inslee outlines potential penalties for violating stay-at-home orders

Gov. Jay Inslee unveiled a "three-tier" process for handling potential violations of mandatory social distancing and stay-at-home orders Monday afternoon. The governor and law enforcement leaders said they would continue to work to ensure 100 percent voluntary compliance, but would issue citations, suspend business licenses or seek potential civil or criminal action if cases required firm action.

The state established an online form for residents to report potential violations, including large gatherings, non-essential businesses operating or unlawful evictions, on the Washington coronavirus website.

Seattle City Council unanimously passes resolution urging universal suspension of rent and mortgage payments

Seattle city council members voted 8-0 to adopt a resolution Monday, calling for state and federal leaders to issue an emergency moratorium on all rent and mortgage payments during the coronavirus outbreak. The Seattle Times reports the non-binding resolution is part of a nationwide movement to provide relief beyond eviction bans, which can still leave tenants liable for missed payments or loss of housing after a moratorium is lifted.

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Reports find early evidence that social distancing measures are helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 in King County

Two reports by a Bellevue-based disease research firm found increased social distancing measures appeared to make a notable difference in reducing the transmission rate of COVID-19 in the Seattle region. Researchers developed a model comparing changes to overall mobility to the virus's reproductive behavior and found a notable drop in transmission between late February and late March.

While the preliminary findings are encouraging, public health officials said it will take many more weeks to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of how successful mitigation efforts have been.

"No one should take these findings as an indication to relax our social distancing strategy," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for King County. "The threat of a rebound that could overwhelm the healthcare system remains and will remain for the foreseeable future if we let up too soon."

As testing capacity builds, a lack of kits creates bottleneck

Inslee praised Washington's expanded testing capability Monday, but acknowledged a lack of available kits from the federal government placed limits on how many tests could be processed daily. The governor said Washington's capacity to test for COVID-19 ranks among the highest in the nation, thanks in large part to the University of Washington, but largescale manufacturing of the kits would be required on a federal level to meet demand.

"Things as simple as the swabs," Inslee told CNN. "When the little vials -- when you put the swab in it to send it to the lab, it needs a particular medium in it to preserve it. We just do not have those simple things."

Inslee said he spoke to Vice President Mike Pence Monday morning and reiterated the growing need in Washington, including more protective equipment for health care workers -- a shortage that is prevalent across the nation.

"We're going to need a lot more help from the federal government before we're out of the woods," Inslee said.

At least 16 COVID-19 illnesses associated with Western State Hospital

At least 12 employees and four patients have tested positive for COVID-19 at Washington's largest psychiatric hospital, including an 85-year-old patient who died last Thursday. Western State Hospital told the Associated Press it has continually monitored all patients for symptoms and limited movements within wards as a precaution. Workers at the hospital are seeking better protection and some staff members have raised concerns about unsafe conditions and a lack of action from management.

Property tax deadlines extended

King, Pierce and Snohomish counties have extended the deadline for individual property tax payments to June 1, citing increased the financial hardship caused by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in Washington. The original deadline for first-half payments was April 30.