9 Coronavirus Deaths In Washington, 7 More Cases In King County

SEATTLE, WA — Nine people have now died from the new coronavirus in Washington, including a patient who died on Feb. 26 and was not known to have the illness at the time of their death, public health officials said Tuesday. The deaths include eight people in King County and one person in Snohomish County, with the total number of COVID-19 cases in each county rising to 21 and six respectively.

Latest: Washington Coronavirus: 39 Cases In King, Snohomish; 10 Deaths

Seattle and King County Public Health said two deaths related to the virus were confirmed since Monday, along with the death of a person who was previously reported ill. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 illnesses in King County grew by seven.

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A Harborview spokesperson said the Feb. 26 patient had underlying health conditions and was a resident at the Kirkland senior facility now connected to at least four other deaths and eight COVID-19 infections. King County Public Health announced the first known death connected to the virus on Feb. 29. The hospital said some staff at Harborview's intensive care unit may have been exposed to the virus and are being monitored and screened in coordination with public health workers.

"This is a massive undertaking and we have a talented, dedicated team digging in to learn everything we can to protect the health of our community," Public Health said in a news release. "What we have seen with the level of community spread has raised the level of concern about the immediate threat of COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people over 60, those with underlying health conditions or who are immune compromised."

"This is a very fluid, fast-moving situation as we aggressively respond to this outbreak," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, the health officer for King County.

According to the Department of Health, a combined 27 infections and 9 deaths have been linked to COVID-19 in King and Snohomish counties. So far, the illness has not been confirmed elsewhere in the state.

North Carolina diagnosed its first case of the virus Tuesday, discovered in a patient who recently visited the Kirkland senior facility.

Washington Department of Health workers are testing up to 200 samples for the virus daily at a laboratory in Shoreline, and Gov. Jay Inslee said the state was looking to expand that capacity. The University of Washington began processing additional tests Tuesday.

King County Novel Coronavirus Call Center:

• If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you’re a healthcare provider with questions about the virus, contact the novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977.
• The call center will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM PT.
• For general concerns and questions about COVID-19, call the Washington State Novel Coronavirus Call Center at 1-800-525-0127.

Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to flu or colds and may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell

According to the Department of Health, these are the steps people should take to reduce their risk of getting and spreading any viral respiratory infections:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.

Monitor the latest information on COVID-19 in Washington and across the United States:

• Public Health Seattle-King County
• Snohomish County Health District
• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention