Confirmed coronavirus deaths in Washington state reach 15; UW cancels in-person classes
EvergreenHealth in Kirkland has confirmed three more deaths related to coronavirus as of Friday morning, bringing the total number of Washington state fatalities attributed to COVID-19 to 15. The Seattle Times first reported the deaths.
Thirteen of the deaths have been in King County and one in Snohomish County. Pierce County does not have any confirmed cases, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
The state Department of Health announced Friday morning the number of confirmed cases has risen to 79. King, Snohomish, Grant and Jefferson all have reported cases.
Testing
The University of Washington’s lab has reportedly performed about 400 tests for the virus. There has been a “consistent positivity rate of 5-7 percent among specimens submitted to the lab,” a UW virology tweet said. The tweet also said the lab is able to meet all current testing demands with capacity for over 1,000 tests per day.
UW campus
The University of Washington announced Friday morning that as of March 9, finals and classes will not be held in-person for the remainder of the quarter, or until March 20. That includes the University of Washington Tacoma.
The university said in a statement the decision was a precautionary measure, and dining halls, dorms, hospitals and recreation and athletic facilities will remain open.
A UW staff member at Roosevelt Commons East tested positive for the virus. The employee is in “self-isolation” at home, the university announced Friday morning. The building, which is located west of UW’s Seattle campus on 4300 block of 11th Ave. NE, has been closed for cleaning until further notice.
Bellevue College
Bellevue College is moving classes online, the college said in a tweet. Offices and housing will remain open.
Western Washington
Western Washington University has canceled the March 21 winter graduation ceremony, siting coronavirus concerns. A total of ten cases have been sent for testing in Whatcom County, where the college is located. None have been confirmed for COVID-19.
Free virtual consultations
CHI Franciscan is offering free 24/7 consultations for those with mild symptoms of COVID-19, fever, cough, or other respiratory problems.
Certified healthcare providers can be reached by:
Phone: 1-855-356-8053
App store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/franciscan-virtual-care/id1455879959?ls=1
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.chifranciscan.android.chih.virtualcare
The normal $35 virtual consultation fee can be waived with a coupon code “COVID19.” A free visit is limited to one per person.
The hospital is asking patients to avoid going to the emergency room or urgent care unless symptoms are severe, such as high fever or shortness of breath. Even so, call a primary care doctor or use the virtual care option before heading in, spokesperson Sarah Ninivaggi said.
Life Care update
The Seattle-King County Health Department has announced that there are 15 new coronavirus patients being transferred out of the Life Care facility in Kirkland.
Following complaints from patients’ loved ones, Gov. Jay Inslee said the state would set up an incident command post specifically for long-term care facilities.
The state is working with Life Care to allow family members to take their loved ones home if possible. The state would help provide enough equipment for those who are not infected and need care that can be provided at home, King County Executive Dow Constantine said.
The Seattle-King County Health Department sent in a University of Washington doctor to report on the conditions of the facility. He said the facility is immaculate and the clinical support staff is working as one would expect, but there are some signs of stress. The patients appear to be well-cared for, the health department’s Patty Hayes said.
A task force of 30 physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses are expected to land in Washington to help relieve Life Care staff.
Emergency funding
State and federal lawmakers have passed emergency funding to support agencies’ response to the coronavirus.
Congress passed a $8.3 billion federal supplemental spending bill, which included $300 million to reimburse local governments for immediate response, $1 billion for medical supplies like masks and personal protection equipment and pharmaceuticals, and $3 billion for research and development of a vaccine.
Washington state will immediately receive $11.5 million for public health agencies.
Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06) said Friday there will also be a $1 billion loan made available to help small businesses, like shellfish growers and trade-dependent manufacturers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Canceled Comic Con
Organizers for Emerald City Comic Con tweeted Friday that the Seattle event has been postponed to later this year.
The event previously was scheduled for March 12-15 at Washington State Convention Center.
“After many hours of conversation internally & consultation with local government officials and the tourism bureau, we have decided to move next week’s Emerald City Comic Con to Summer 2020 with date & detail announcement forthcoming.”
In a statement on its website: “To all of our fans – you will receive a refund on your tickets, no further action is needed on your part. Due to the volume, we expect you will receive your refund in 30 days. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”
More information is available at this link.
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 9:49 AM.
