Public Health Information
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms have been reported between two and 14 days from the date of exposure. There is currently no vaccine or approved treatment. As such, social distancing is the strongest tool in our collective toolbox to fight this pandemic. On May 4, Governor Inslee extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order to the end of May. The order requires every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity, and bans all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes. At the same time, the Governor announced a Safe Start plan that amends the original order. The modification allows for the state to begin reopening. On May 18, the Governor announced the restart of all medical services in Washington, including dental procedures. For updates on these orders and further information on the state’s response, visit Washington State’s COVID-19 Response Page.
Online Public Health Resources
- Phase 2 reopening guidelines for restaurants.
- Specific instructions to employers from Seattle and King counties: Planning for a Coronavirus Pandemic – A guide of businesses and organizations from Public Health
- Recommendations for Retail Food Establishments from King County
- Additional instructions to employers for mitigating outbreak impact from the Washington State Department of Health: Specific information for employers
- FAQs, fact sheets and updates from Public Health – Seattle and King counties: Coronavirus updates
- Up-to-date information and fact sheets and specific instruction for different organizations: General updates from the Washington State Department of Health
- Brief FAQs on the virus from the World Health Organization
- Information on HR 6074 – Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020
What We’re Doing
DSA is following recommendations issued by the King County Department of Public Health and direction from the Washington state governor’s office, including:
- Postponing member meetings and events as well as outdoor park events. Please check our events calendar.
- Asking employees who can work from home to do so.
- Advising high-risk employees to stay home.
- Performing essential cleaning services within downtown on a limited schedule, subject to change based on the guidance of public health officials.
To stay up-to-date, and for more information, visit King County’s website.
For more information, please email info@downtownseattle.org.