Live Blog: King County Public Health Covid-19 Briefing about First US Death

[my own comments are in square brackets]

King County Health official opening: The death took place at Evergreen Hospital in Seattle’s eastern suburbs. It was a man [Drumpf erroneously said in his presser earlier today, that the deceased was a woman].

There are also a few confirmed cases in a long-term care facility in the suburbs, and additional suspected cases there with symptoms. The deceased was *not* a resident of the facility. Rather, he was admitted to the hospital directly from the community.

They are working with the long-term care facility. They repeat the generic warnings about hygiene and self-care, and insist there is still not widespread local transmission.

Now they remind of the precautions for risk groups: the elderly and people with existing conditions.

Mike is handed over to WA health dept. official.

State official reminds that Covid-19 situation is rapidly evolving. She acknowledges there is local spread in WA, but repeats the County’s statement that it is not yet widespread.

If you’re sick, stay home.

If transmission increases, will consider limiting public events. We are not there yet, she says.

The ability to turn around diagnostic tests has improved.

Again reminds that most have mild illness. Mike over to president of Evergreen Health in whose hospital the death took place.

Evergreen tested 2 patients with no travel/contact history, based on symptoms alone. Both tested positive. One passed away and the other is under continued care. Additional tests taking place, additional information later today.

Mike handed over to County Executive Dow Constantine.

In sharp contrast to this morning’s White House shitshow, this one started with several professional officials providing salient information, and only then handed off to a politician.

And of course, Constantine is a far cry from the White House hacks.

But still, his is a more politician-style talk now, generally in order to extend condolences, emphasize the support for regional coordination and cooperation.

Constantine instructed Metro Transit to prepare for mitigation and contingencies, so that disruption is minimized if conditions escalate. Reminds riders not to board buses and trains if they are sick.

County public health will provide 4 Covid-19 training sessions. People such as homeless shelter managers are encouraged to attend. Particular care to attend to the homeless population.

Facilities division considering opening special areas to accommodate homeless persons who might contract Covid-19 [presumably with mild symptoms not requiring hospitalization].

Mike back to County Public Health official. General praise for workers on the frontline, scientists and other local officials.

“We need to make sure that we are based in science and public health practice. At times like these we must have truth and accurate scientific information.” [I wonder what and whom she’s referring to ;) ]

Now opening for q’s. 

Q: Has the transmission occurred at the hospital?

A: No. The two were admitted for respiratory symptoms. We have no reason to think they got it at Evergreen.

Q: 3 cases, 4? What’s the number?

A: The 4 include the returnee from South Korea [btw, my own wife and son returned from there a day later]. Otherwise it’s 3 with local transmission.

Now more advice on contingency planning to reduce contact: telecommuting, etc.

Repeating that we are not yet cancelling events. “Get informed, don’t panic, get prepared.”

Q: What about proactive testing by people returning from China etc.?

A: Even though our testing capacity has increased, it is still limited. Hence returnees are only tested if they have symptoms.

Q: What about the first responders who transported the deceased to the hospital?

A: We follow up on all contacts. In particular to healthcare workers and first responders, we work to identify the contacts and provide guidance on symptom monitoring etc.

Q: Testing backlog?

A: Started testing locally at County Public Health yesterday. Hoping for commercial facilities to join. No backlog [that is surprising].

Q: Capacity?

A: ramping towards 200/day, more once commercial come on board.

Q: what about the teenager testing positive yesterday in Snohomish County?

A: Doesn’t seem related.

Q: More details about the deceased?

A: Had many comorbidities. No further details to protect family privacy. Other patient doesn’t seem related.

Q: How come from zero cases in county yesterday, to more and more now?

A: [not quite clear to me] testing now more. Good to have local testing capacity.

Q: So there might be hundreds around here? [The question everyone around here are asking themselves]

A: A bit evasive.

Q: Additional testing around Evergreen Hospital?

A: Yes, testing a few more. Later today perhaps more information.

Now repeats the well-known [yet denied/ignored in some circles] information that we don’t have community immunity to Covid-19, nor a vaccine, nor a proven therapy. Which is what sets Covid-19 apart — strongly — from the flu.

Q: Is there an up-to-date national total case count?

A: Refers to CDC [duh].

Q: Investigation regarding the long-term facility?

A: Yes, we will conduct a large investigation with CDC assistance flying in.

Currently WA has 6 cases including the very first one from January. Officially the new ones are still “presumptive” until CDC double-checks. 2 from Snohomish, 4 from King.

Q: How many total tests?

A: We’ll find out and provide the number.

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