Report: Social Distancing Slowing Coronavirus in Western WA

SEATTLE, WA — Social distancing is working in slowing the spread of the new coronavirus in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, according to a new report from the Institute of Disease Modeling. But, the institute warns, the practices must continue if the state wants to keep seeing the benefits it brings.

The latest report tracked transmissions of the virus from February 28 through March 30, and found that after social distancing policies were implemented, there were "significant reductions" in the number of coronavirus transmissions.

Before social distancing began, each patient who caught the coronavirus spread it to almost three other people on average. Now, the report says, each patient spreads it to just one other person. Put another way: the study found that keeping people apart has effectively cut the spread of the virus by two thirds. However, the study also warns that the state must continue social distancing, otherwise researchers say the virus could rebound and begin spreading quickly again.

Health officials are celebrating the news as a sign that the state's current plans are working, and are optimistic about what it means for the future. “The social distancing steps the public has taken are having a real impact in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our region," said Jeff Duchin, spokesman for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Now is not the time to relax - we need to continue with the current measures and further decrease transmission. The threat of a rebound that could overwhelm the healthcare system remains if we let up too soon."

Researchers behind the report also warn against complacency. “It’s encouraging that social distancing measures are working better than we initially estimated, but we are at a critical point in our pandemic response and must not relax current measures or we will lose hard-fought ground.” said Dr. Mike Famulare, Principal Research Scientist with the Institute of Disease Modeling.

Gov. Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order has made physical distancing a requirement statewide. The order mandated the closure of all non-essential businesses and requires residents to stay at home unless they were leaving for essential needs like to get food or visit a doctor. That order remains in place until at least May 4.

The state is also working on other plans to slow the virus: on Monday, Inslee and the governors of Oregon and California formed an alliance to combat the spread of the coronavirus and reopen their states together when the time comes.

Meanwhile experts are also asking individuals to do their part and practice social distancing. Effective social distancing means keeping a space of at least six feet between yourself and anyone who is not a part of your household. Wearing a cloth mask is also encouraged to lessen the chance of spreading the disease.