Public Health – Seattle & King County reported 44 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday afternoon, bringing the official case count in King County to 562. In addition, 10 new deaths are reported, bringing the total of confirmed deaths in King County to 56 through Tuesday, March 17.

COVID-19 is spreading in King County. Public Health expects the case count to double every 5–7 days unless these orders to stay away from others are followed diligently.

“Already, we can expect that anyone we come into contact with may be infected because there is widespread infection in our community,” according to Public Health. “It’s critical to minimize the number of people who get seriously ill at the same time. If too many people get sick all at once, this will put too much of a burden on our health care system. If that happens, people at highest risk – people over 60, and with underlying health conditions – may not be able to get the care they need if they get seriously ill.”

Follow the guidance for anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 and their contacts on how to prevent the spread to others.

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 March 17:

* 562 confirmed cases (up 44 from yesterday)

* 56 confirmed deaths (up 10 from yesterday)

These additional deaths include:

* A woman in her 90s, who died at Life Care Center on 3/6

* A woman in her 60s, who died at Life Care on 3/16

* A man in his 90s, who died at Life Care on 3/17

* A man in his 70s, who died at Life Care on 3/17

* A man in his 80s, who died at Life Care on 2/28

* A man in his 90s, who died on 3/15

* A woman in her 70s, who died at Overlake Medical Center on 3/16

* A man in his 70s, who died at University of Washington Medical Center on 3/17

* A man in his 60s, who died at Harborview Medical Center on 3/16

* A man in his 70s, who died on 3/16

Of the 56 deaths reported, 35 are confirmed to be associated with Life Care Center of Kirkland.

Isolation and quarantine facilities update

There are three King County residents needing a safe place for isolation and quarantine who have been admitted to the facility in Kent. Individuals can only be placed into these sites after a health professional with Public Health – Seattle & King County has determined that they need isolation or quarantine. The number of persons in King County’s isolation and quarantine sites will be included in regular updates provided by Public Health – Seattle & King County. No other identifying or personal information will be provided.