King County Urges Coronavirus Precautions Over July 4 Holiday

SEATTLE, WA — Public health leaders are renewing their calls for action as new coronavirus illnesses continue to rise in King County and throughout Washington.

State health officials reported 716 new COVID-19 illnesses Thursday, the highest number of cases added in a single day, surpassing two previous records set earlier in the week.

In King County, new cases have ballooned since mid-June, due in large part to illnesses in adults ages 20-39.

"After good success with our state-at-home strategy, the average number of cases over the past week has increased from 40 a day during the first two weeks of June to over 100 a day," said Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for King County. "Most, but not all, of the increase is among younger people."

Related: Coronavirus Outbreak At UW Fraternities Grows Beyond 100 Cases

So far, public health workers are not seeing corresponding growth in hospitalizations or deaths, but the outlook can quickly change with widespread transmission.

"Because infections can spread from this predominately younger group to older community members, and persons with underlying health conditions who are at-risk for severe disease requiring hospitalization, we are closely tracking our health care system status," Duchin said.

Failure to stop the spread of COVID-19 could result in prolonged phases in many counties — or even a downgrade.

"This recent surge in cases seriously threatens both our health and the progress we've made reopening our community," Duchin said. "We need to step up our COVID prevention game big-time, right now, in every aspect of our lives, to avoid going backward."

During a news conference Thursday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced businesses would be required to turn away customers who are not wearing masks starting next week. The governor also paused phase progression in all Washington counties for at least two weeks.

King County Executive Dow Constantine reaffirmed Thursday that officials will enforce restrictions as necessary, including through action on business licenses, public health orders or citations from the state Department of Labor & Industries.

"Is there are those — businesses in particular — that are simply not willing to join the battle against this pandemic, we will enforce the rules through any channel available," Constantine said.

Fourth of July precautions

State and county leaders are particularly concerned about the upcoming holiday weekend, as many may be tempted to gather for celebrations at a highly inadvisable time.

"COVID-19 would love to meet your friends and family this Fourth of July holiday weekend — don't let it happen," Duchin said. "COVID-19 isn't taking the weekend off, and the need to protect ourselves and others can't either."

'Party Like It's 2020': Tips from the Department of Health

Public health officials ask everyone to avoid all unnecessary gatherings over the holiday and to take heightened precautions even among small groups that are permitted under state guidance.

Those preventative measures include maintaining physical distance, avoiding large groups, wearing face coverings, thoroughly washing your hands limiting visits to well-ventilated spaces and outdoor areas.