Kshama Sawant Urges Free Doctor Visits For Coronavirus Symptoms

SEATTLE, WA — Amid mounting concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19, Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant is calling on the city and county to use their emergency funds to cover medical bills for anyone who seeks treatment for a respiratory illness.

Related: 6 Washington Coronavirus Deaths; King County Declares Emergency

Sawant sent a letter to Mayor Jenny Durkan and King County Executive Dow Constantine Monday morning after 14 cases of the new coronavirus were diagnosed in King County over the weekend, including the six deaths now linked to the virus in Washington. Sawant says anyone suffers symptoms associated with the illness — which can include a fever, cough and other respiratory issues— should be able to go to the doctor "without fear of medical bills."

"Insurance companies or employers should cover all copays and other out-of-pocket costs, with the city or county providing support as needed. This should be advertised widely so that anyone with a respiratory illness knows they can get care at no cost to themselves. We also must demand that in addition to fully complying with City and State labor laws, all employers provide guaranteed paid sick leave as necessary, and maximum flexibility for employees to work from home."

Sawant goes on to connect the virus's continued spread with the national conversation over a universal, single-payer healthcare system.

"There is the serious danger that thousands of people in our community may contract coronavirus, but never have it diagnosed or receive care, because they cannot afford a doctor's visit," Sawant wrote. "One city or one county alone cannot create Medicare for All, but we can take emergency measures here to ensure that cose is not a barrier for our community to get the care they need in this immediate crisis, and to avoid further spreading of the virus."

The King County Executive's Office hosted a joint press conference Monday morning, declaring a countywide emergency and confirming 18 infections and six deaths linked to the virus in Washington state.