Coronavirus death toll reaches 22 statewide after three more Life Care residents die



KING COUNTY -- Three more people diagnosed with novel coronavirus have died in King County, bringing the countywide death toll to 20 and the statewide death toll to 22.

According to Seattle & King County Public Health, 33 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported through 11:59 p.m. Sunday (March 8). There are 116 cases of novel coronavirus in King County as of March 9.

Of the 33 new cases, two of those people died. A third person who was previously reported as a positive coronavirus case also has died.

The three deaths being reported Monday include:


    Of the 20 deaths reported in King County, 19 are associated with Life Care Center. There is one death in Snohomish County and another death in Grant County.

    In a news conference Monday evening, a Life Care Center official said they had received new coronavirus test results for 35 residents:


      They are still awaiting test results for the remaining 20 Life Care residents.

      Statewide, there are at least 162 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to a count by the Washington Department of Health.

      What's the latest at Life Care Center in Kirkland? 



      Public Health is working with the University of Washington to coordinate testing of all Life Care Center employees. Priority will go to employees who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.  Testing is recommended only for people who are symptomatic for the disease.

      Life Care Center reports that it has completed testing all of its remaining residents and is awaiting test results.

      Who should get tested?

      If you are sick with fever, cough or shortness of breath and are in a high risk group, call your healthcare provider to discuss whether you should be tested for COVID-19.


        What has changed about testing availability? 

        While testing is becoming more available, there are still limitations. If you have symptoms and are high risk, call your health care provider and have a conversation with them about whether it makes sense for you to get tested for COVID-19. Public Health does not do testing. You'll have to get tested through your health care provider.

        What those at higher risk should know and do:


          If you develop symptoms: