SEATTLE _ Four new cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, were confirmed in Washington state's King County on Monday. Two of those have died. One previously reported coronavirus patient in King County also has died.
This brings the totals in King County to 14 cases of COVID-19, including five deaths, according to Public Health _ Seattle & King County. In addition, a patient from Snohomish County has died, bringing the total deaths in the state to six.
"We expect the number of cases to increase in the coming days and weeks," said Jeff Duchin, health officer for the public health agency, who stressed that most cases will be mild. "We are taking this situation extremely seriously."
King County is purchasing a motel to house patients in isolation and setting up modular units to do the same, County Executive Dow Constantine said in a news conference Monday.
People should have essentials in the house similar to what one might keep around in case of an earthquake, state health officer Dr. Kathy Lofy said.
"We now know that the virus is actively spreading in communities here in Washington," Lofy said.
Public Health Director Patty Hayes asked the public to stop buying masks and leave them for health care workers on the front line of the crisis.
