Washington Adds 248 New Coronavirus Cases; 13 More Deaths

SEATTLE, WA — Washington confirmed an additional 248 cases of the new coronavirus Tuesday, and 13 more people have died from complications related to the illness. King County, the epicenter for the virus in the state, accounted for 107 of the new COVID-19 illnesses and seven of the deaths. In Snohomish County, health officials have confirmed nearly 100 new cases and five more deaths since Monday.

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home order Monday night, as part of an evolving effort to substantially slow the virus's spread and save lives.

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King County seeks inmate releases; state prisoners petition state Supreme Court

King County is working to reduce its jail population by hundreds of inmates to ensure there is room to isolate those at higher risk for developing complications from the virus, while prioritizing bed space for people who pose "an imminent threat to public safety." The county executive's office said the total number of people incarcerated at its two adult facilities has dropped by 300 in recent weeks, down to 1,638 Tuesday. The goal, the county says, is to reduce that number to 1,200.

Separately, a group of prisoners have petitioned the state Supreme Court to release all inmates over 50, those with underlying health conditions, and people within 18 months of completing their sentences.

Sea-Tac TSA employees tests positive for COVID-19

Airport officials said the Transportation Security Administration notified them that an employee working at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport recently tested positive for COVID-19. According to Sea-Tac, the officer last worked a morning shift on Saturday, March 21, at Checkpoint 5, which has been closed for cleaning.

All Washington State Parks closed, including wildlife areas and water access

State parks officials announced they would close all state-managed parks to visitors Wednesday, citing Gov. Jay Inslee's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order. Over the weekend, Washington State Parks closed all state campgrounds, with a planned reopening date of April 30. The expanded closure includes all wildlife areas and water access in state parks and will remain in place for at least two weeks.

National park officials announced closures at several sites across the Pacific Northwest Tuesday, including at Mount Rainier.

Washington allows restaurants to deliver beer, wine and spirits with food

As part of an ongoing effort to "ensure social distancing," and reduce trips shoppers take, the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board issued a temporary rule Tuesday, allowing all restaurants with existing alcohol licenses to sell beer, wine and spirits with take-out and delivery orders.

According to the new rule, all alcohol must be sold in sealed bottles, cans, growlers or kegs, and can only be provided with orders that include food.

Insurance commissioner orders state-regulated insurers to expand telehealth options and coronavirus testing coverage

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued a second emergency order Tuesday, requiring state-regulated insurers to cover alternate coverage options to include more digital and telephone appointments. The updated order also requires insurers to cover medically-necessary testing and treat drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites as providers, with no copays or deductibles.

Coronavirus cases by county

Illnesses confirmed statewide: 2,469 (123 deaths)

King: 1,277 cases (94 deaths)
Snohomish: 614 cases (16 deaths)
Pierce: 138 cases (1 death)
Whatcom: 64 cases (2 deaths)
Skagit: 48 cases (1 death)
Yakima: 44 cases (1 death)
Spokane: 33 cases
Island: 29 cases (1 death)
Grant: 27 cases (1 death)
Kitsap: 20 cases
Kittitas: 18 cases
Clark: 16 cases (4 deaths)
Thurston: 14 cases
Benton: 12 cases (2 deaths)
Jefferson: 8 cases
Franklin: 7 cases
Klickitat: 6 cases
Chelan: 6 cases
Clallam: 4 cases
Cowlitz: 3 cases
Lewis: 2 cases
Mason: 2 cases
Walla Walla: 2 cases
Douglas: 2 cases
Columbia: 1 case
Grays Harbor: 1 case
Lincoln: 1 case
San Juan: 1 case
Stevens: 1 case
Unassigned: 65 cases*

*Health agencies are still working to determine the appropriate jurisdiction for cases marked "unassigned."

Total tested: 34,181 (7% positive)

Important reminders from state health officials:

• What’s open and what’s closed
• What’s meant by “stay at home”

Helpful links from the department of health:

• What to do if you have a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 illness.
• What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease.
• What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed.