KING COUNTY, Wash. — Public Health - Seattle & King County is warning residents to protect themselves after a 40% jump in coronavirus infections over last week.
Dr. Jeff Duchin, public health officer, said about 119 cases are being diagnosed each day, following a decline in late July.
“The trends we’re seeing today should be a wake-up call for all of us,” Duchin said.
An outbreak on University of Washington’s Greek Row added to the case count. So far, 104 students are sick, and the health department expects more positive cases will be found. Surge testing is back within walking distance of Greek Row, and Duchin said all students there will be tested.
Living in a congregate setting makes it hard to stop the spread, he said. Behavior is also to blame, he said, adding that students are socializing without wearing masks.
The Salish Lodge and Spa in Snoqualmie is closed for a week after 23 employees and two guests tested positive.
Smoke from recent wildfires sent more people indoors, as did the rain, which likely contributed to the increase, Duchin said.
Test results still show a disproportionate number of cases in communities of color in South King County. On Tuesday, a free testing site will open in Tukwila at the Church by the Side of the Road. The following Tuesday, Oct. 13, testing begins at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way. Reservations can be made online at: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/testing.aspx
Duchin encourages everyone to get a flu shot. “The possibility of even an average influenza season, compounded with a COVID-19 outbreak, is potentially a huge threat to our health care system and our community,” he said.
He also is reminding residents to wear masks, even when standing six feet or farther apart. He said the risk of transmission is higher indoors with poor ventilation. He added that new research shows the particles can linger in the air.
The health department is urging everyone to renew efforts to protect themselves and others.
“The potential for a significantly larger outbreak than we have seen yet is real, but it is not inevitable,” he said. “Much is in our control and our actions can control the course of the outbreak.”