#15,075
King County & Seattle, Washington continue to be the hardest hit region of the United States with COVID-19, and their latest update adds 74 new cases and 2 additional deaths, bringing their total number to 190 confirmed cases, with 22 fatalities.
King County's high case fatality rate (11.6%) has been primarily due to the spread of the virus at Life Care Center of Kirkland, an LTCF (Long Term Care Facility) where most of the residents are elderly, and have significant comorbidities.
Today, in addition to the updated case and death totals, we also learn that at least 9 other LTCFs in the region have now reported that residents and/or employees have tested positive for the virus. From today's update:
The following facilities have reported residents and/or employees who tested positive for the virus. Public Health is supporting these facilities to test and optimize care for residents, and to prevent further transmission of the virus. Because of the volume of cases, we are not able to provide any additional details about these facilities.
- Life Care Center of Kirkland
- Issaquah Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
- Emerald Heights
- Aegis Living at Marymoor
- Redmond Care & Rehabilitation Center
- Ida Culver House Ravenna
- Boulevard Park Place Active Retirement Community
- Madison House Independent & Assisted Living Community
- The Gardens at Juanita Bay
- Columbia Lutheran Home
As I wrote earlier today, in CDC: For People At Higher Risk From COVID-19, while health individuals under the age of 40 appear to have a far lower risk from COVID-19, older patients - particularly those with comorbidities - are at particularly high risk of severe disease or death.
People living in LTCFs are perhaps the most fragile population we have, and today's news is understandably quite concerning to local authorities, to the patients and staff at these facilities, and their friends and family members.Finding ways to keep COVID-19 out of these types of facilities across the nation will be crucial if we hope to prevent a tragedy of enormous proportions. The link and an excerpt from today's update. Follow the link to read it in its entirety.
Update: Increasing King County COVID-19 case numbers for March 10, 2020 point to importance of social distancing
March 10, 2020
Summary
With increasing number of COVID-19 cases, Public Health – Seattle & King County urges King County residents to take very seriously the recommendations to limit social contacts and minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the community. We are reporting 74 new cases today, bringing the official case count total in King County to 190. In addition, two new deaths are reported, bringing the total deaths to 22.
Story
Access to more testing is showing us that COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly in King County. Ten long-term care facilities have reported positive COVID-19 cases. This underscores why it is critically important for residents to take seriously the precautions announced previously:
- Employers should encourage and enable as many employees as possible to telecommute and follow other guidance for businesses.
- Avoid bringing large groups of people together, and consider postponing events and gatherings.
In particular, we all should take steps to help protect those at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19. The following recommendations apply to everyone – and are especially important for those at higher risk:
- Stay home when you are sick. Do not go out in public when you are sick. If you are ill in any way call your doctor's office first before going in.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid crowds and other congregate settings.
- Try to avoid being in large groups of people, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Clean your hands often.
