King County Metro Shares Coronavirus Tips As Outbreak Grows

KING COUNTY, WA — As the Seattle region reports a growing number of deaths and confirmed infections from the novel coronavirus, King County Metro said transit riders should alert the agency about any health hazards aboard a bus.

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"If you see something that needs attention please alert your driver, a transit employee, or relay the four-digit bus number to customer service staff at 206-553-3000, or via Twitter @kcmetrobus," the agency said in a news release.

As always, Metro is cleaning its fleet of buses and water taxis daily, and removes a bus from service to be disinfected when it's found to be in an "unsanitary condition."

The public, of course, has its own responsibilities: Metro reminded riders experiencing symptoms of the virus to stay home if possible, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face and wash hands often.

A total of six deaths from coronavirus have been reported in Washington, including four in King County, health officials announced Monday. The county declared a state of emergency Monday, allowing it to take "extraordinary measures" to help mitigate the virus's spread, including waiving some bureaucratic barriers and authorizing overtime pay for many county employees.

All four patients who have died from the coronavirus were residents at a senior housing facility in Kirkland, which has been hit especially hard by the virus. Eight of the county's 14 infections have ties to the facility, officials said.

Public Health guidance on virus prevention:

• Do not go to an emergency room unless absolutely essential. Those with symptoms including a cough, fever, or other respiratory issues are advised to contact their regular doctor first.
• If you're sick, stay home.
• Commit to excellent personal hygiene, including regular handwashing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Monitor the latest information on COVID-19 in Washington and across the United States:

• Public Health Seattle-King County
• Snohomish County Health District
• Washington State Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

See also:

• 6 Washington Coronavirus Deaths; King County Declares Emergency
• Kshama Sawant Urges Free Doctor Visits For Coronavirus Symptoms
• 2 Puyallup Schools Closed For 'Deep Cleaning'