COVID-19 test results have come back from the State Public Health Laboratory confirming two additional cases of COVID-19 in King County residents. With these two new results, the total number of cases in King County is six. This number is expected to rise as more people are tested and results confirmed.
The two new cases are in:
• A male in his 60s, hospitalized at Valley Medical Center in Renton. The man has underlying health conditions, and is in critical but stable condition.
• A male in 60s, hospitalized at Virginia Mason Medical Center. The man has underlying health conditions, and his status is critical.
Four other cases, already reported earlier by Public Health, include:
• A woman in her 50s, who had traveled to South Korea; recovering at home
• A woman in her 70s, who was a resident of LifeCare in Kirkland, hospitalized at EvergreenHealth
• A woman in her 40s, employed by LifeCare, who is hospitalized at Overlake Medical Center
• A man in his 50s, who was hospitalized and died at EvergreenHealth
Public Health is aware that the U.S. Postal Service is reporting that one of its employees was diagnosed with COVID-19. This person was one of the four cases already reported, and is included in the six total cases.
The latest case is a woman who works at a package sorting facility in Federal Way, according to the USPS.
USPS said the woman would have some contact with other employees in the work environment, but no contact with the packages that are sent directly to customers.
Public Health is leading the effort to as quickly as possible identify close contacts of these six confirmed cases. These close contacts may include family members, co-workers, emergency responders and other contacts. A team of CDC officials is on-the-ground working with Public Health, along with the Washington state Department of Health, its health care system partners and many others.
The public can help:
• Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
• Stay home when sick.
• Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health’s website (kingcounty.gov/COVID) or Public Health Insider blog.
Public Health will provide additional updates.
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