New data dashboard from Public Health on key indicators of COVID-19 activity
Public Health – Seattle & King County published today a new data dashboard that provides a snapshot of key indicators related to COVID-19 disease activity, testing capacity, and healthcare system status. These data will be useful to help guide decisions about whether restrictions and precautions are adequate, or whether they need to be strengthened or carefully relaxed.

More locations for COVID-19 testing at no cost available throughout King County
To prevent COVID-19 from spreading to family, friends, and the community, Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 be tested right away.

Now available: Local data on unemployment, healthcare, housing and other measures during COVID-19 pandemic
New data tools now available provide information on the social, health and economic impacts during COVID-19.

Face covering directive goes into effect today: Prevent spreading COVID-19 when unable to maintain 6 feet of distance
A health directive to wear face coverings in public goes into effect today. Wear a face covering at any indoor or outdoor public space where you may be within 6 feet of someone who does not live with you.

Protecting rights of people with disabilities as face-covering directive goes into effect Monday
The directive to wear face coverings while in public goes into effect May 18 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. King County asks people to be mindful that it is not recommended for all community members to wear a face covering – including some people with disabilities.

Testing recommended for anyone with mild COVID-19 symptoms; decreased cases in long-term care facilities shows importance of aggressive response
Anyone with mild symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested as soon as possible to reduce its spread through the community – and testing locations are available throughout King County. Also, lower numbers of COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities point to the importance of public health measures in reducing the spread of the virus in these settings.

Health Officer directs residents to use face coverings in indoor public settings, outdoors where social distancing is difficult
Public Health – Seattle & King County Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin, along with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan, announced a new Health Officer Directive strongly urging face coverings in all indoor public places including grocery stores and other businesses, as well as outside settings where maintaining six feet of social distancing is difficult. This directive will go into effect May 18, 2020.

Latest report shows COVID-19 transmission rate could be rising in King County; social distancing remains key
Latest data shows the COVID-19 transmission rate could be rising across King County and the rest of western Washington after previous indications the transmission rate had fallen below a critical threshold.

Tips for staying safe outdoors as more recreation lands reopen
More public lands are reopening for limited use following closures to slow the spread of COVID-19. King County is offering guidelines for safely enjoying parks, trails, and natural areas.

Two reports show COVID-19 transmission has slowed, while most people still susceptible
Two new reports provide further confirmation that social distancing measures have reduced transmission of COVID-19 in King County.

New analysis shows pronounced racial inequities among COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths
Updated data shows that in King County, COVID-19 is disproportionally impacting communities of color. There is more to do collectively to support all communities with access to testing, information and social supports to address inequities in health outcomes.