Coronavirus Death Toll in Washington Now at 6

King County is buying a motel to house patients
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2020 2:21 PM CST
Coronavirus Death Toll in Washington Now at 6
The first known death in the US due to the coronavirus occurred at EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland, Wash.   (Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times via AP)

Washington state is reporting more deaths caused by the coronavirus, putting the current count at 6. Five of the patients killed by COVID-19 were located in King County, which has declared an emergency, per Q13 FOX; the sixth was in Snohomish County. Another 12 are said to have been infected. Jeff Duchin with Seattle & King County's public health agency says the expectation is that the number of cases will jump and the situation is being taken "extremely seriously."

Indeed, the Seattle Times reports King County is buying a motel that will be used to isolate patients. KOMO News reports the deal should close within days, making the property ready for use by week's end. Modular units will also be used throughout the county. (Researchers say the coronavirus may have spread in the state for weeks.)

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