Washington state reports four more COVID-19 deaths
Officials in Washington state announced four additional deaths from COVID-19, bringing the national toll to six deaths — all in Washington.
Officials from King County declared a state of emergency and announced the purchase of a motel where patients can be isolated and treated. It is expected to be available by the end of the week.
“We have moved to a new stage in the fight to contain, mitigate and manage this outbreak,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said at a news conference.
In a statement, Constantine said the county would "direct all available resources to help cities, health care facilities, businesses, and families continue life as normally as possible. But our best strategies depend on millions of residents actively following established disease prevention guidelines."
The county reported four new cases overall, including two deaths, and said a previously identified patient had also died, raising the county death toll to five out of 14 cases. All deaths occurred in patients in their 50s or older, most with noted underlying medical conditions. Snohomish County also announced Monday that a resident had died.
In addition to purchasing the motel, King County said it will set up modular housing units on publicly owned property for patients who cannot recover at home. – by Caitlyn Stulpin