Large Shipment Of Medical Supplies Arrives In King County

SEATTLE, WA — King County received its first direct shipment of personal protective equipment this week, securing thousands of pieces of critical supplies to protect health care workers and first responders during the coronavirus outbreak.

The state's most populous county has seen the largest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths linked to the illness in Washington.

County officials said this week's shipment, ordered from a California dental equipment company, included 200,000 masks, 23,250 coveralls, 10,000 glasses, 10,000 face shields, and 1,305 no-touch thermometers.

"The delivery is the first of many anticipated regular shipments — and is a major step toward addressing the scarcity people have faced in the fight against #COVID19," the county posted on social media.

Access to protective equipment has presented a challenge for health workers in Washington and across the United States since the coronavirus outbreak began, with limited shipments divided between dozens of states from the federal government stockpile.

Federal shipments to the state department of health are prioritized for distribution among facilities and hospitals with the greatest number of confirmed cases and emergency medical services.