COVID-19 updates: King County cases reach over 1,000, campgrounds close statewide

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As more and more tests were made available and completed, the number of cases of COVID-19 in Washington steadily grew. By Sunday, the number of confirmed cases statewide jumped up to 1,996, including 95 deaths, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

There were 1,040 reported cases in King County alone, with 75 deaths.

The outbreak had reached 28 of Washington's counties by Wednesday, the majority of which were still in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.

To read the latest updates about the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington state and the U.S. at large, scroll down.

March 23

Ex-Seahawk Cliff Avril donates to Seattle-area organizations:

Ex-Seattle Seahawks star Cliff Avril is stepping up to help the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former NFL defensive end is donating $25,000 through his foundation, The Cliff Avril Family Foundation, and another $25,000 with his wife to support four Seattle-based organizations during the novel coronavirus pandemic: The Boys and Girls Clubs of King County, Communities In Schools (CIS)- Renton-Tacoma, Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic and HealthPoint.

“We have never experienced a crisis of this magnitude, and it’s times like this, organizations such as ours, are expected to answer the call,” Avril said Monday in an Instagram post. “I encourage everyone to stay safe, take care of themselves and help those in need.”

To read the full story from reporter Ben Arthur, click here.

Snoqualmie mayor tests positive for COVID-19:

Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the city.

Larson had a fever and a cough, and was tested for the novel coronavirus on March 16 at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital. He received the positive test results on Sunday, the city said. Larson has been self-isolating for 10 days and plans to continue to do so until all of his symptoms have gone away. His family has also been self isolating, according to the city.

“I do not know anyone with COVID-19 and do not know where I contracted the illness,” Larson said in a statement. “My positive test results underscore that this is an invisible threat. I cannot stress enough the importance of our community sheltering at home at this time.”

To read the full story from reporter Becca Savransky, click here.

Boeing halts production after employee dies:

Boeing announced on Monday that it will be suspending operations at all its Puget Sound factories for at least two weeks effective Wednesday due to the novel coronavirus outbreak; a factory in Moses Lake was included as well.

The announcement came a day after the company announced a worker at its factory in Everett died from COVID-19. On Sunday, the company said 29 employees had contracted the virus.

"These actions are being taken to ensure the well-being of employees, their families and the local community, and will include an orderly shutdown consistent with the requirements of its customers," Boeing said in a statement.

To read the full story from editor Alex Halverson, click here.

March 22

Washington state campgrounds close:

To help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources announced on Sunday they were closing all state campgrounds until at least April 30.

The announcement wasn't limited to just camping sites, but "includes roofed accommodations like cabins, yurts and vacation houses," a news release from Washington Parks said.

Starting Monday, no new campers will be allowed into Washington campgrounds, and those currently staying will be phased out.

Though they've faced heavy scrutiny over the weekends with pictures on social media filled with people, trails, beaches and day-use areas will remain open pending further notice.

In King County, parks were still open, however on Friday, the county and city of Seattle announced it was closing playgrounds and sports courts.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, is first senator to test positive:

From the Associated Press:

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said Sunday that he had tested positive for the disease caused by the new coronavirus, becoming the first member of the Senate to report a case of COVID-19. He said in a tweet that he was feeling fine and was in quarantine.

Paul, an eye surgeon, said he has not had symptoms and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He said he was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.

Paul, a deficit hawk, was among eight Senate Republicans who voted against a House-passed bill last week that provided more than $100 billion to boost testing for the coronavirus and guarantee paid sick leave for millions of workers. He also was only Republican senator who opposed an earlier bill authorizing $8.3 billion for initial response to the coronavirus.

This story will be updated regularly as more information and news becomes available about the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington. To read more coverage, click here.

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