As Coronavirus Cases Rise In King County, Experts Urge Caution

SEATTLE, WA — After recording a 60 percent increase in coronavirus cases in a single week, King County public health officials are asking residents to renew their commitment to limiting the spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Jeff Duchin, King County's health officer, hosted a digital news briefing Friday afternoon, outlining some areas of concern uncovered in recent data.

"After a decreasing trend in the number of cases since the peak in late March, there has been an increasing trend over the past 11 days or so," Duchin said.

For the week of June 14-20, public health officials recorded 156 more cases than the previous week. Duchin said the spike coincides with a doubling of testing rates since June 7 — particularly in Seattle — while the rate of hospitalizations and deaths remained stable.

"We're not seeing an increased impact on our health care system, which remains very well-resourced and able to take care of COVID-19 cases and others who might need health care," Duchin said. "There's no reason why people should avoid seeking health care for any condition at this point."

The number of hospitalizations and deaths linked to COVID-19 are among several key metrics state and local health officials monitor daily to determine when it is appropriate to move forward under Washington's Safe Start Plan or take corrective actions, including moving backward. To date, no Washington counties have reverted phases, but three — Yakima, Franklin and Benton — remain in Phase 1.

King County entered Phase 2 exactly one week ago.

"Increasing cases over the past two weeks means we are having more contact with one another but not taking more precautions," Duchin said. "There seems to be a misconception that because we are reopening, the risk of COVID-19 has receded. But the truth is that the virus is still widespread in the community and risk for infection remains serious."

Recent data revealed another departure from overall trends, with nearly half of new King County cases seen in those ages 20 to 39. Duchin said no specific venue or risk factor was apparent from contact tracing, including participation in recent demonstrations. Public health workers said less than three dozen people with confirmed illnesses, among roughly 1,000 patients in that span, said they participated in the large gatherings.

The most common source of infection in King County continues to be within households.

While the risk of transmission is lower outdoors, Duchin said, it can still occur, and taking appropriate steps to protect each other is paramount in preventing further spread.

"Close contact with others, longer duration of contact, and poorly ventilated spaces all increase risk," Duchin said. "Physical distance and staying home remain the most powerful prevention measures, along with the use of face masks in public and good hand washing."

Earlier this week, Crosscut reported one leading health official's doubts that King County will move forward to Phase 3 soon, citing the number of new infections and other limitations. Duchin said Friday that the county will act quickly if early warning signs pointed to an impending strain on the health care system.

"I am worried that if people don't behave in a way that's going to decrease transmission that we will head in that direction," Duchin said. "I hope that's not the case."