Increasing cases of King County coronavirus

Seattle, WA — Coronavirus activity continues to increase in King County, and public health officials are worried about the path to the colder months as cases and levels of infection increase.

Dr. Jeff Duchin, a health officer in King County, hosted a press conference on Tuesday, giving a brief overview of markers recorded throughout the county since September 21st.

“We expected it to be more difficult to manage COVID-19 during the fall and winter, as we spend more time indoors and environmental conditions favor the spread of the infection,” Duchin said. It was. “The trend we are seeing today should be a call for awakening for everyone. The longer we wait, the harder it is to change the trajectory of the increasing outbreaks. If we run away from us now, We will be in a very dark time in the coming months. “

Washington’s most populous county has seen the most positive cases in the state since the outbreak of the pandemic. After two months of progress, that number is heading in the wrong direction again.

“Since September 21, infections and cases have increased in King County and the region, and in many states across the country,” Duchin said. “Last week, more than 1,000 cases were reported in King County, and more than 140 cases were reported daily in the past week.”

The latest figures are more than double the trend seen in September. While record testing has contributed to the increase, county positive rates and virus reproductions have also increased, indicating an increase in infections, Duchin said.

The 14-day case rate in King County has grown to 89 illnesses per 100,000 inhabitants. Key indicator This returns the county to the bracket with the highest risk of infection. In late September, the number dropped to 50, landing the county at the lower end of the moderate range.

Hospitalizations are “relatively stable,” but have increased by a third, according to Duchin. Increases have been recorded for all age groups, especially for young and middle-aged adults. Last week, people between the ages of 18 and 24 currently have the highest infection rates, followed by those between the ages of 25 and 34.

According to county data, about 10% of cases last week were associated with outbreaks associated with the University of Washington’s Greek system. As of Tuesday, at least 242 students out of 17 sororities and fraternities have been positive since early September.

“As it tells us, this outbreak is big, but it’s not the cause of all the increases we see in the county,” Duchin said.

In the last two weeks, suspicious exposures have been “widely distributed”, with 40% of cases occurring at home, 30% from social events and other activities, and 16% among key workers, Duchin said. It was.

The county’s mortality rate remains stable, with 6-9 cases reported per week last month, mostly limited to patients over the age of 80. As the infection spreads to the community, people in long-term care facilities who have serious health concerns could be at increased risk again, Duchin said.

The solution is to reintroduce proven public health precautions, such as limiting contact with others, avoiding congestion, and wearing masks even when maintaining a distance of 6 feet in public spaces, especially indoors. Dedication.

“COVID malaise and alleviation of necessary precautions are the secrets of failure,” said Duchin. “Remember that we need to change the way we live and interact in the long run to overcome this outbreak.”

As another flu season approaches, health professionals continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated against the flu.

“Vaccination not only helps prevent influenza illness, but also helps avoid false COVID-19 diagnoses and protect our medical resources for everyone who needs them. “I will,” said Duchin.

When asked if a stricter order could be enacted, as seen in the spring months, Duchin said he hoped it wasn’t necessary.

“If people are serious about stopping the COVID-19 epidemic, we could manage it without drastic measures,” Duchin said. “I don’t like them. I don’t want to see them imposed again, so I hope I don’t have to. If you use common sense and remember what works here, I think you have the ability to avoid it. “”

Although King County is currently located in the highest-risk area by current figures, public health officials currently do not recommend that the district change its plans to gradually return young students to classrooms.

“At current levels of COVID-19 infection, DOH guidance recommends distance learning for the majority of students. Direct instruction is most needed by students with disabilities, homeless students, etc. Consider only students. People farthest from educational justice and young learners.

For schools that have already brought back some students directly, Public Health – Seattle and King County do not recommend rolling back these measures at this time. Child and educator continuity is one of the key factors that a school district needs to consider before making a rapid transition to all distance learning, especially in the early grades. “

For more information on public health guidance for schools in King County, Public Health Insider Blog..