This just keeps being found closer and closer to where I live. How sad to see the media promoting the FEAR of all this rather than offering up information like that I just posted out about the NATURAL WAY to avoid this illness.
Jackie Juntti
WGEN idzrus@earthlink.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
https://www.king5.com/article/
Author: KING 5 Staff
Published: 7:17 AM PST March 1, 2020
Updated: 12:21 PM PST March 1, 2020
FEDERAL WAY, Wash.
A United States Postal Service employee in Federal Way has tested positive for COVID-19, or the 2019 novel coronavirus.
The latest case is a woman who works at a package sorting facility, 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.
She is recovering at home while the facility is closed for cleaning.
Public health officials are aware of this case.
RELATED: King County man is first person to die from coronavirus in the U.S.
RELATED: Are masks effective? Is it worse than the flu? A COVID-19 Q&A with a UW doctor
The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization. Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
Washington health lab ramps up testing for coronavirus as first U.S. death is confirmed in King County
CORONAVIRUS
Author: Hannah Everman (KING5)
Published: 10:01 AM PST February 29, 2020
Updated: 12:22 PM PST March 1, 2020
SEATTLE A King County resident has died from the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, health officials said Saturday.
This is the first known death from COVID-19 in the United States.
So far, there are six cases in King County and two in Snohomish County.
One student at Jackson High School in Mill Creek tested positive, and the first patient in the country to test positive for coronavirus was in Everett. The patient was treated at Seattle Children's North Clinic
The man had no history of travel outside of the U.S. or known contact with anyone who had COVID-19. He is also not connected to the possible outbreak at a nursing facility in Kirkland.
“We send sincere condolences...None of us want to see this," said Duchin.
King County man is first person to die from coronavirus in the U.S.
One is a woman in her 40s who is a health care worker at Life Care. She is in satisfactory condition at Overlake Hospital and hasn't had any travel outside of the U.S., Duchin said.
The other is a woman in her 70s and a resident at Life Care. She is in serious condition at EvergreenHealth Medical Center.
There are over 50 individuals associated with Life Care Center who have respiratory symptoms or who are hospitalized with pneumonia and undergoing testing for COVID-19, according to Duchin.
“Current residents and associates are being monitored closely, and any with symptoms or who are potentially exposed are quarantined. As a precaution, all visits to the facility from families, volunteers or vendors are not allowed,” said officials with Life Care Center of Kirkland.
Public Health officials are investigating this as a possible outbreak at Life Care Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are sending a team to support local health experts.
“While the vast majority of cases of COVID-19 are believed to be mild, the virus can be a very serious infection that can lead to death. Protecting the health of our community and supporting the care of health care workers is our top priority," said Duchin.
"It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19. Our hearts go out to their family and friends. We will continue to work toward a day where no one dies from this virus,” said Gov. Inslee. "I am committed to keeping Washingtonians healthy, safe and informed."
King County Executive Dow Constantine has activated the King County Emergency Operations Center to help handle COVID-19 cases and coordinate with cities across the region.
King County Metro also set up an Incident Management Team to develop policy recommendations, operational strategies, and protocols for sustaining Metro operations in all contingencies.
"Currently, if there are reports of unsanitary conditions on any of our buses, Metro Transit will immediately pull that bus from operations and sanitize that bus before it returns to operations. Metro cleans, vacuums each vehicle every day and that will continue," said Constantine.
King County Metro working to keep buses clean amid coronavirus concerns
Most people in the country have little risk of contracting coronavirus, according to Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. However, some have increased risk depending on their exposure and people with weakened immune systems, conditions, or illnesses are at a greater risk.
This means washing hands with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding large crowded areas if possible, and most importantly staying home from work or school if you're sick.
What are coronavirus symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or colds. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization.
Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to the Department of Health.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
Common symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus
RELATED: 2 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Snohomish, King counties
RELATED: Trump to discuss coronavirus threat Saturday at White HouseSeattle Sounders monitoring coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS
Author: KING 5 Staff
Published: 9:09 AM PST March 1, 2020
Updated: 12:22 PM PST March 1, 2020
SEATTLE Amid a possible 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in western Washington, the Seattle Sounders FC will be monitoring public health announcements as the season goes on.
However, the season-opener against Chicago Fire FC today will take place as planned.
“Nothing is more important than public safety and the well-being of our fans at all Sounders FC events,” the Sounders said in a statement. “Our club is maintaining real-time communication with regional health authorities and Major League Soccer, and the MLS home-opener versus Chicago is scheduled to proceed as planned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the immediate health risk to the United States public is low. Sounders FC is part of both a regional task force and Major League Soccer’s task force to monitor this developing situation. As matters evolve and more information becomes available, we will continue to provide relevant details to the public.”
RELATED: King County man is first person to die from coronavirus in the U.S.
CenturyLink Field has installed additional hand sanitizer stations and sanitary wipes will be available at all concession stand locations.
50,000 fans are expected to watch the match. The Sounders are returning to CenturyLink Field for their first home game since their MLS championship win in November.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the immediate health risk to the United States public is low.
RELATED: CDC responding to possible coronavirus outbreak at Kirkland nursing facility
The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization. Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
Common symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus
Common symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS
Author: KING 5 Staff
Published: 12:20 PM PST March 1, 2020
Updated: 12:20 PM PST March 1, 2020
SEATTLE The 2019 novel coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, and initial cases in the U.S. were primarily seen in people who had traveled internationally.
However, Washington state confirmed its first community acquired case Friday in a Mill Creek teen, and the first U.S. patient to die of coronavirus – a man in his 50s who was treated in Kirkland – also had no known international travel history. As coronavirus spreads, health officials say they expect to see more cases that aren't travel related.
Here's what you need to know about the symptoms of coronavirus, officially called COVID-19, and how it spreads.
RELATED: What to know about coronavirus in Washington after patient dies in Kirkland
The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization. Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days after being exposed.
However, health officials say the risk to the general public is low.
RELATED: Are masks effective? Is it worse than the flu? Coronavirus Q&A with UW doctorAre masks effective? Is it worse than the flu? A COVID-19 Q&A with a UW doctor - New Day NW
People are urged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and use hand sanitizer if handwashing isn't an option.
Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes and nose with unwashed hands, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
If you get sick, stay home from school or work to help keep others well, and avoid contact with someone who is sick.
Snohomish County health official on preventing spread of coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS
Author: KING 5 Staff
Published: 11:57 AM PST March 1, 2020
Updated: 12:12 PM PST March 1, 2020
EVERETT, Wash. On Sunday, two more cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were announced in King County, bringing the total of those presumed positive in Washington state to eight.
King County Public Health officials said that number is expected to rise as more people are tested.
So far, there are six cases in King County and two cases in Snohomish County.
RELATED: CDC responding to possible coronavirus outbreak at Kirkland nursing facility
What are coronavirus symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or colds. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization.
Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
RELATED: What you need to know about coronavirus in Washington state after patient dies in KirklandCDC responding to possible coronavirus outbreak at Kirkland nursing facility
CORONAVIRUS
Author: Hannah Everman (KING5)
Published: 2:33 PM PST February 29, 2020
Updated: 11:56 AM PST March 1, 2020
KIRKLAND, Wash. A possible outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, is being investigated at a Kirkland nursing facility.
Two people connected to the Life Care Center of Kirkland have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19.
Presumptively positive means their tests came back positive from the Washington state health lab, but still must be confirmed by the federal labs.
One patient is a woman in her 40s who is a health care worker at Life Care. She is in satisfactory condition at Overlake Hospital and hasn't had any travel outside of the U.S., said Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health Seattle & King County.
The other is a woman in her 70s and a resident at Life Care. She is in serious condition at EvergreenHealth Medical Center.
There are over 50 individuals associated with Life Care Center who are showing respiratory symptoms or who have been hospitalized with pneumonia and are being tested for COVID-19, according to Duchin.
RELATED: King County resident is first death from coronavirus in the U.S., officials say
Public Health officials are investigating this as a possible outbreak of COVID-19 at Life Care Center.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are sending a team of epidemiologists to King County to support local health experts as they work to identify and test new cases related to this possible outbreak.
“While the vast majority of cases of COVID-19 are believed to be mild, the virus can be a very serious infection that can lead to death. Protecting the health of our community and supporting the care of health care workers is our top priority," said Duchin.
25 firefighters from Fire Station 21 in Kirkland who helped ill patients at Life Care Center are now under quarantine as well as a precaution.
The city's fire chief decided to make the call out of an abundance of caution.
Signs on the door of Fire Station 21 said no one should enter on Saturday and that the building itself was also under quarantine. Stickney said the firefighters are either staying home or in an undisclosed location.
She added that the chief has already been in contact with neighboring jurisdictions about filling the staffing hole, in the event of an emergency. It’s not clear how long the quarantine will last.
Kirkland firefighters under quarantine due to coronavirus concerns
People trying to visit family members at Life Care Center on Saturday were turned away due to the outbreak.
"As a precaution, all visits to the facility from families, volunteers or vendors are not allowed,” said officials with Life Care Center.
"They just said no visitors today for the safety of the patients and the people coming in," said Leslie Lund, who was trying to visit her brother Saturday. "I know they'll do the best they can to contain it."
Sixteen students from the Lake Washington Institute of Technology visited the Life Care Center of Kirkland late last week. As a precaution, officials are disinfecting the college campus this weekend.
"Our faculty have been in contact with those students, as well as college administration. Currently, the college is awaiting guidance from King County Public Health in order to provide information and guidance to our faculty and students," said Dr. Amy Morrison, president of the college.
RELATED: 2 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Snohomish, King counties
The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization. Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
Jackie Juntti
WGEN idzrus@earthlink.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
https://www.king5.com/article/
Federal Way USPS employee tests positive for coronavirus
USPS said the employee does not have contact with packages that are sent directly to customers.Author: KING 5 Staff
Published: 7:17 AM PST March 1, 2020
Updated: 12:21 PM PST March 1, 2020
FEDERAL WAY, Wash.
A United States Postal Service employee in Federal Way has tested positive for COVID-19, or the 2019 novel coronavirus.
The latest case is a woman who works at a package sorting facility, 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.
She is recovering at home while the facility is closed for cleaning.
Public health officials are aware of this case.
RELATED: King County man is first person to die from coronavirus in the U.S.
RELATED: Are masks effective? Is it worse than the flu? A COVID-19 Q&A with a UW doctor
What are coronavirus symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or colds. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell, according to the Washington State Department of Health.The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization. Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
Washington health lab ramps up testing for coronavirus as first U.S. death is confirmed in King County
CORONAVIRUS
What you need to know about coronavirus in Washington state after patient dies in Kirkland
A local man in his 50s is the first person to die from COVID-19 in the United States. Public Health officials are also investigating a possible outbreak in Kirkland.Author: Hannah Everman (KING5)
Published: 10:01 AM PST February 29, 2020
Updated: 12:22 PM PST March 1, 2020
SEATTLE A King County resident has died from the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, health officials said Saturday.
This is the first known death from COVID-19 in the United States.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases:
There are currently eight presumptively positive cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, according to State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy.So far, there are six cases in King County and two in Snohomish County.
One student at Jackson High School in Mill Creek tested positive, and the first patient in the country to test positive for coronavirus was in Everett. The patient was treated at Seattle Children's North Clinic
The patient who died:
He was a patient at EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland. He was admitted with serious respiratory issues and tested positive for the virus. He was in his 50s and had underlying health conditions, according to Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health Seattle & King County.The man had no history of travel outside of the U.S. or known contact with anyone who had COVID-19. He is also not connected to the possible outbreak at a nursing facility in Kirkland.
“We send sincere condolences...None of us want to see this," said Duchin.
King County man is first person to die from coronavirus in the U.S.
Patients at Life Care Center:
The other two new patients are connected to Life Care Center, a nursing facility in Kirkland.One is a woman in her 40s who is a health care worker at Life Care. She is in satisfactory condition at Overlake Hospital and hasn't had any travel outside of the U.S., Duchin said.
The other is a woman in her 70s and a resident at Life Care. She is in serious condition at EvergreenHealth Medical Center.
There are over 50 individuals associated with Life Care Center who have respiratory symptoms or who are hospitalized with pneumonia and undergoing testing for COVID-19, according to Duchin.
“Current residents and associates are being monitored closely, and any with symptoms or who are potentially exposed are quarantined. As a precaution, all visits to the facility from families, volunteers or vendors are not allowed,” said officials with Life Care Center of Kirkland.
Public Health officials are investigating this as a possible outbreak at Life Care Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are sending a team to support local health experts.
“While the vast majority of cases of COVID-19 are believed to be mild, the virus can be a very serious infection that can lead to death. Protecting the health of our community and supporting the care of health care workers is our top priority," said Duchin.
State of Emergency:
Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency on Saturday in response to the new cases of COVID-19 and directed state agencies to use all resources necessary to prepare and respond to the outbreak."It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19. Our hearts go out to their family and friends. We will continue to work toward a day where no one dies from this virus,” said Gov. Inslee. "I am committed to keeping Washingtonians healthy, safe and informed."
King County Executive Dow Constantine has activated the King County Emergency Operations Center to help handle COVID-19 cases and coordinate with cities across the region.
King County Metro also set up an Incident Management Team to develop policy recommendations, operational strategies, and protocols for sustaining Metro operations in all contingencies.
"Currently, if there are reports of unsanitary conditions on any of our buses, Metro Transit will immediately pull that bus from operations and sanitize that bus before it returns to operations. Metro cleans, vacuums each vehicle every day and that will continue," said Constantine.
King County Metro working to keep buses clean amid coronavirus concerns
Greater outlook:
There are currently 62 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 22 of which were contracted in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The investigation into the spread in Washington state, Oregon and California is in its early stages.Most people in the country have little risk of contracting coronavirus, according to Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. However, some have increased risk depending on their exposure and people with weakened immune systems, conditions, or illnesses are at a greater risk.
What you can do:
As COVID-19 cases continue to be identified in the state and globally, health officials said it's important to maintain proper health hygiene.This means washing hands with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding large crowded areas if possible, and most importantly staying home from work or school if you're sick.
What are coronavirus symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or colds. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell, according to the Washington State Department of Health.The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization.
Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to the Department of Health.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
Common symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus
RELATED: 2 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Snohomish, King counties
RELATED: Trump to discuss coronavirus threat Saturday at White HouseSeattle Sounders monitoring coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS
Sounders take extra precautions amid coronavirus concerns
The Sounders FC will continue to watch public health announcements for COVID-19. Their season opener will go on as scheduled on Sunday.Author: KING 5 Staff
Published: 9:09 AM PST March 1, 2020
Updated: 12:22 PM PST March 1, 2020
SEATTLE Amid a possible 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in western Washington, the Seattle Sounders FC will be monitoring public health announcements as the season goes on.
However, the season-opener against Chicago Fire FC today will take place as planned.
“Nothing is more important than public safety and the well-being of our fans at all Sounders FC events,” the Sounders said in a statement. “Our club is maintaining real-time communication with regional health authorities and Major League Soccer, and the MLS home-opener versus Chicago is scheduled to proceed as planned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the immediate health risk to the United States public is low. Sounders FC is part of both a regional task force and Major League Soccer’s task force to monitor this developing situation. As matters evolve and more information becomes available, we will continue to provide relevant details to the public.”
RELATED: King County man is first person to die from coronavirus in the U.S.
CenturyLink Field has installed additional hand sanitizer stations and sanitary wipes will be available at all concession stand locations.
50,000 fans are expected to watch the match. The Sounders are returning to CenturyLink Field for their first home game since their MLS championship win in November.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the immediate health risk to the United States public is low.
RELATED: CDC responding to possible coronavirus outbreak at Kirkland nursing facility
What are coronavirus symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or colds. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell, according to the Washington State Department of Health.The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization. Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
Common symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus
Common symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS
What are coronavirus symptoms?
The symptoms for coronavirus are similar to the flu or a cold. Symptoms can range in severity with some cases appearing to be like severe pneumonia.Author: KING 5 Staff
Published: 12:20 PM PST March 1, 2020
Updated: 12:20 PM PST March 1, 2020
SEATTLE The 2019 novel coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, and initial cases in the U.S. were primarily seen in people who had traveled internationally.
However, Washington state confirmed its first community acquired case Friday in a Mill Creek teen, and the first U.S. patient to die of coronavirus – a man in his 50s who was treated in Kirkland – also had no known international travel history. As coronavirus spreads, health officials say they expect to see more cases that aren't travel related.
Here's what you need to know about the symptoms of coronavirus, officially called COVID-19, and how it spreads.
RELATED: What to know about coronavirus in Washington after patient dies in Kirkland
Coronavirus symptoms
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a cold. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell, according to the Washington State Department of Health.The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization. Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days after being exposed.
How coronavirus spreads
Coronavirus is most commonly spread through the air by sneezing and coughing. It can also be spread by close personal contact (within about 6 feet), such as touching or shaking hands, or touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.However, health officials say the risk to the general public is low.
RELATED: Are masks effective? Is it worse than the flu? Coronavirus Q&A with UW doctorAre masks effective? Is it worse than the flu? A COVID-19 Q&A with a UW doctor - New Day NW
How to prevent the spread of coronavirus
Health officials say stopping the spread of coronavirus comes down to good hand hygiene and health practices.People are urged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and use hand sanitizer if handwashing isn't an option.
Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes and nose with unwashed hands, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
If you get sick, stay home from school or work to help keep others well, and avoid contact with someone who is sick.
Snohomish County health official on preventing spread of coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS
8 people in Washington test positive for coronavirus
As of March 1, eight people in King and Snohomish Counties are presumed positive for the coronavirus, or COVID-19.Author: KING 5 Staff
Published: 11:57 AM PST March 1, 2020
Updated: 12:12 PM PST March 1, 2020
EVERETT, Wash. On Sunday, two more cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were announced in King County, bringing the total of those presumed positive in Washington state to eight.
King County Public Health officials said that number is expected to rise as more people are tested.
So far, there are six cases in King County and two cases in Snohomish County.
King County cases:
- A man in his 60s is hospitalized at Valley Medical Center in Renton. This man has underlying health conditions. He is in critical but stable condition, according to King County Public Health officials.
- A man in his 60s is hospitalized at Virginia Mason Medical Center. This man has underlying health conditions and is in critical condition.
- A woman in her 50s who was infected after visiting South Korea between Feb. 7-23. She works at a Federal Way United States Postal Office but did not come in contact with the public, according to Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer of Public Health Seattle & King County. The woman's husband, who did not travel to South Korea but has been in the same house as her, is under quarantine.
- A woman in her 70s who was a resident of Life Care Center in Kirkland. She is in serious condition at EvergreenHealth Medical Center.
- A woman in her 40s who is employed by Life Care Center in Kirkland. The CDC is responding to a possible outbreak at the nursing facility. There are over 50 individuals associated with Life Care Center who are showing respiratory symptoms or who have been hospitalized with pneumonia and are being tested for COVID-19, according to Duchin.
- A man in his 50s was a patient at EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland and was the first in the country to die of coronavirus. He had underlying health conditions, Dunchin said. The man had no history of travel outside of the U.S. or known contact with anyone who had COVID-19. He is also not connected to the possible outbreak at a nursing facility in Kirkland.
RELATED: CDC responding to possible coronavirus outbreak at Kirkland nursing facility
Snohomish County cases:
- A student at Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek has tested positive for coronavirus. The school was closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for deep cleaning. District superintendent Dr. Ian Saltzman said no other students have shown symptoms so far.
- A Snohomish County man was the first person in the country to test positive for the virus back in January. He has since fully recovered and is back out in the public.
What are coronavirus symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or colds. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell, according to the Washington State Department of Health.The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization.
Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
RELATED: What you need to know about coronavirus in Washington state after patient dies in KirklandCDC responding to possible coronavirus outbreak at Kirkland nursing facility
CORONAVIRUS
CDC responding to possible coronavirus outbreak at Kirkland nursing facility
Two people have tested positive for COVID-19 at Life Care Center of Kirkland and others are undergoing testing. Firefighters have been quarantined as a precaution.Author: Hannah Everman (KING5)
Published: 2:33 PM PST February 29, 2020
Updated: 11:56 AM PST March 1, 2020
KIRKLAND, Wash. A possible outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, is being investigated at a Kirkland nursing facility.
Two people connected to the Life Care Center of Kirkland have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19.
Presumptively positive means their tests came back positive from the Washington state health lab, but still must be confirmed by the federal labs.
One patient is a woman in her 40s who is a health care worker at Life Care. She is in satisfactory condition at Overlake Hospital and hasn't had any travel outside of the U.S., said Dr. Jeff Duchin with Public Health Seattle & King County.
The other is a woman in her 70s and a resident at Life Care. She is in serious condition at EvergreenHealth Medical Center.
There are over 50 individuals associated with Life Care Center who are showing respiratory symptoms or who have been hospitalized with pneumonia and are being tested for COVID-19, according to Duchin.
RELATED: King County resident is first death from coronavirus in the U.S., officials say
Public Health officials are investigating this as a possible outbreak of COVID-19 at Life Care Center.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are sending a team of epidemiologists to King County to support local health experts as they work to identify and test new cases related to this possible outbreak.
“While the vast majority of cases of COVID-19 are believed to be mild, the virus can be a very serious infection that can lead to death. Protecting the health of our community and supporting the care of health care workers is our top priority," said Duchin.
25 firefighters from Fire Station 21 in Kirkland who helped ill patients at Life Care Center are now under quarantine as well as a precaution.
The city's fire chief decided to make the call out of an abundance of caution.
Signs on the door of Fire Station 21 said no one should enter on Saturday and that the building itself was also under quarantine. Stickney said the firefighters are either staying home or in an undisclosed location.
She added that the chief has already been in contact with neighboring jurisdictions about filling the staffing hole, in the event of an emergency. It’s not clear how long the quarantine will last.
Kirkland firefighters under quarantine due to coronavirus concerns
People trying to visit family members at Life Care Center on Saturday were turned away due to the outbreak.
"As a precaution, all visits to the facility from families, volunteers or vendors are not allowed,” said officials with Life Care Center.
"They just said no visitors today for the safety of the patients and the people coming in," said Leslie Lund, who was trying to visit her brother Saturday. "I know they'll do the best they can to contain it."
- Ted Land
- @TedLandK5
- Leslie Lund just tried to visit her brother at Life Care Center of Kirkland, but was turned away. Staff gave her this info sheet on #coronavirus #COVID19
- 366
- 1:10 PM - Feb 29, 2020
- Twitter Ads info and privacy
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Sixteen students from the Lake Washington Institute of Technology visited the Life Care Center of Kirkland late last week. As a precaution, officials are disinfecting the college campus this weekend.
"Our faculty have been in contact with those students, as well as college administration. Currently, the college is awaiting guidance from King County Public Health in order to provide information and guidance to our faculty and students," said Dr. Amy Morrison, president of the college.
RELATED: 2 new coronavirus cases confirmed in Snohomish, King counties
What are coronavirus symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or colds. Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being unwell, according to the Washington State Department of Health.The severity of symptoms ranges significantly. Some cases are very mild with symptoms similar to the common cold, and some cases are more like severe pneumonia that require hospitalization. Most deaths have been reported in older adults who had other health conditions, according to DOH.
Symptoms may appear as soon as two days after being exposed to the coronavirus or as long as 14 days.
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