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Local blood supply in danger of collapse

Growing COVID-19 concerns and closures have led to canceled blood drives and 2500 lost donations, putting our local blood supply in danger of collapse. While inventories are now holding steady as faithful donors and first-time donors respond to the urgent need, donations will continue to drop in the days and weeks to come.

New donors are needed now to step-up and save a life, and for donors to make this a generous and consistent habit. All types of blood are needed for cancer treatment, trauma cases, and many other situations. The process only takes an hour and actual donation time is about 10 minutes.

Donating blood is a safe activity, and there is no risk of contracting coronavirus from the blood donation process.

Bloodworks Northwest has more information on coronavirus, who is eligible to donate blood, and donation locations. You can make an appointment for donating at a center or drive to minimize wait time.

King County Vital Statistics Office suspending in-person counter service

To reduce person-to-person contact, effective Monday, March 16, the King County Vital Statistics in-person counter service at 908 Jefferson Street in Seattle will be suspended through the end of March. Birth and death certificates may continue to be ordered online, by mail, fax or over the phone. Specialists are available to answer questions over the phone (206-897-5100) during business hours.

King County Environmental Health Services Division suspending in-person counter service

To reduce person-to-person contact, effective Monday, March 16, the Environmental Health Services Division's in-person counter services at 401 Fifth Avenue in Seattle, WA (Chinook Building) and 14350 SE Eastgate Way in Bellevue, WA (Eastgate Public Health Center) will be suspended through the end of March. Permits and plan reviews may continue to be processed online, by mail, fax or over the phone. Specialists are available to answer questions over the phone (206-263-9566) during business hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday).

See other King County government-related service and event changes.

Other information

COVID-19 is spreading in King County. Unless we collectively follow social distancing recommendations aimed at slowing down the spread of the virus, we expect the case count to double every 5-7 days. Anyone who is sick should stay home and everyone should limit their exposure to others. Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19, as well as their close contacts, should follow Public Health guidance addressing what to do if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 or are worried that you do.

Public Health has many COVID-19 resources for the general public, the business community, workplaces and employers, travelers, healthcare professionals and links to information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Washington state Department of Health. See our website with additional information available on the Public Health Insider.

Case updates

Public Health – Seattle & King County is reporting the following confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 through 11:59 p.m. on 3/14/20

420 confirmed cases (up 32 from yesterday)

37 confirmed deaths (up 2 from yesterday)

Deaths being reported today include:

A woman in her 60s, a Life Care Center resident, who died at Franciscan Medical on 3/14

A woman in her 70s, a Life Care Center resident, who died on 3/12

Of the 37 deaths reported in King County, 29 are associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.