Showing posts with label king county. Show all posts
Showing posts with label king county. Show all posts

Second half of 2020 property taxes due November 2

Thursday, October 22, 2020

King County property owners who pay their property taxes themselves, rather than through a mortgage lender, have until Monday, November 2 to submit the second half of their 2020 property taxes. 

After that date, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill.

To make the process easier, King County provides several options for quick and easy payment. Tax payments can be made:
  • Online using King County's convenient, secure ePayment Storefront at payment.kingcounty.gov. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account. (Processing fees will apply.)
  • By mail if postmarked no later than November 2, 2020. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.
  • Via check or money order using the specially marked, secure dropbox at the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Do not deposit cash in the dropbox.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, in-person payments at the King County Treasury office and at Community Service Centers are still suspended until further notice.

Seniors, people with disabilities, or others with qualifying conditions who applied for a property tax exemption or deferral on or before October 19 and have still not received a determination from the King County Assessor may have until January 31, 2021 to pay the second half of their property taxes. 

Affected property taxpayers need to have opted in to the program to be eligible for an extension. For more details, visit kingcounty.gov/TaxReliefExtension, call 206-296-3920, or email exemptions.extension@kingcounty.gov.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, visit kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax, contact King County Treasury Operations by email at propertytax.customerservice@kingcounty.gov, or contact a customer service specialist at 206-263-2890.

Information on exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor's Office at kingcounty.gov/assessor, exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov, or 206-296-3920.




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COVID-19 Update – Team sports activities and Shoreline B Soccer Field

Aerial photography copyright Marc Weinberg

From the City of Shoreline

Team sports activities and COVID-19 guidance


City of Shoreline parks, athletic fields, tennis courts, and picnic shelters are currently available to the public for drop-in use under the social distancing guidelines of Phase II of Washington’s Safe Start Plan.

Over the last couple of weeks, the Governor’s Office has been updating regulations related to team sport activities. 

They have categorized different sport activities into different risk levels and are basing the level of activity that can occur in a county on specific COVID measurements of cases per 100,000 over the previous two weeks and positive case rates. 

The State Department of Health will review these metrics on the 1st and 15th of the month and, if necessary, issue new guidance based on them. This means what sports are allowed on the fields may shift regularly.

Tournaments, league games, and organized team practices / training are only allowed with a City of Shoreline permit. 
Failure of individuals, leagues, or other organizations to comply with the COVID-19 guidance issued by the State and Public Health – Seattle and King County could result in the closure of athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters, and other park areas to the public.

You can report violations of the COVID-19 guidance in Shoreline park areas to shorelineparks@shorelinewa.gov

Soccer Field B after the dismantling of the Shoreline Assessment / Recovery Center
Photo by Gidget Terpstra

 
Renovations to Shoreline Soccer Field B

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, King County health officials worked closely with City staff to place an Assessment / Recovery Center (ARC) on Shoreline B Soccer Field at Shoreline Park. The ARC has been removed.

As part of the interlocal agreement for the placement of the ARC, King County is required to restore the field to its original or better condition. To meet this requirement King County will be working with Field Turf, the City, and the Shoreline School District to coordinate the replacement of the existing field.

Renovations to the synthetic turf at Shoreline B Soccer Field at Shoreline Park is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 26. Field repair and replacement is estimated to be completed by February 2021.

If you have any questions on this project you can contact Parks, Fleet and Facilities Manager Dan Johnson at djohnson@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2321.



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King county taxpayer transparency tool for November election

Sunday, October 18, 2020

King County Assessor John Wilson released his November 2020 Taxpayer Transparency Tool, a website which provides each King County taxpayer an individualized accounting of where their property tax dollars go, and the estimated cost of any proposed property tax measure to be voted on.

“Taxpayers have a right to know where their money is going, and what each proposed property tax levy will cost them,” said Wilson. “Property taxes keep going up. We need to make sure the public understands why.”

Residents in areas with property tax measures on the ballot will be able to see how those measures will affect them. The following property tax measures are currently before voters, and listed in the tax transparency

Countywide:

Proposition 1: Harborview Medical Center Health and Safety Improvement Bonds


The tool can be found at http://localscape.spatialest.com/#kingcountyassessor/Tax. There is a link to the tool on left side menu of the Assessor’s web page

The Transparency Tool only shows the impact of property tax measures. Other ballot measures, including sales tax measures or benefit charges, are not included.

The Tax Transparency Tool was introduced by Assessor Wilson and first used during the April special election in 2018.

The Tax Transparency Tool was developed for the King County Assessor by Spatialest Inc, a unique enterprise software company focusing on Location, Value and Technology. 

The company also created “Localscape” for the King County Assessor in 2014, a map-based visualization tool that aggregates data to present information. 



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Median property values rose slightly in West Shoreline; fell in Lake City

Thursday, October 15, 2020

The King County Assessor’s office has begun the annual process of mailing out re-valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving in the West Shoreline and Lake City areas soon. Median values rose .8% in west Shoreline, and fell 2.5% in Lake City. 

Each year, County Assessors appraise every commercial and residential parcel in the state. These values – set effective as of January 1 by state law – are then applied to the next year’s tax bill. Property values are being set on January 1, 2020, for taxes due in 2021.

Data indicates that home sale prices and overall home values have been relatively flat in the aggregate compared to last year. As always, values vary from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood – some are up, and some are down. One significant factor in residential home values in King County is the increase in values in suburbs around Seattle, especially in the south end.

The Assessor has been monitoring the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While housing values have remained relatively steady so far, some commercial sectors have had their values severely impacted. These changes in value will be reflected in the 2021 assessed value for taxes payable in 2022.


 

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Shoreline taxpayers to receive re-valuation notices soon

The King County Assessor’s office is wrapping up the annual process of mailing out re-valuation notices to taxpayers. Notices will be arriving in the West Central Shoreline area soon. Median values rose 1.8% in that area of the county.

Each year, County Assessors appraise every commercial and residential parcel in the state. These values – set effective as of January 1 by state law – are then applied to the next year’s tax bill. Property values are being set on January 1, 2020, for taxes due in 2021.

Data indicates that home sale prices and overall home values have been relatively flat in the aggregate compared to last year. As always, values vary from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood – some are up, and some are down. One significant factor in residential home values in King County is the increase in values in suburbs around Seattle, especially in the south end.

The Assessor has been monitoring the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. While housing values have remained relatively steady so far, some commercial sectors have had their values severely impacted. These changes in value will be reflected in the 2021 assessed value for taxes payable in 2022.

“While home values did not rise significantly countywide, some areas, such as Auburn and Kent are seeing a lot of demand and therefore increases in median value, as more and more buyers are being priced out of Seattle and the eastside,” said Wilson.




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Senior and disabled property owners waiting on approval of tax deferral or exemption can opt for extension

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Seniors, people with disabilities, and others with qualifying conditions who applied for property tax exemptions or deferrals but are still waiting for a determination will be able to extend payments until January 31, 2021.

Affected property owners will be contacted, and will need to notify the Assessor's Office via the web at kingcounty.gov/taxreliefextension, call 206-296-3920 or email exemptions.extension@kingcounty.gov to opt in to this program.

The statutory deadline of November 2 remains in effect for all other property taxpayers. Seniors seeking property tax payment extensions must have mailed or filed an application on or before October 19.

In 2019, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Assessor John Wilson sought legislation, ultimately passed by the state legislature, to expand the qualifying income thresholds for the property tax exemption and deferral programs for low-income senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, beginning with taxes levied for collection in 2020. It also lowered the disability rating necessary to qualify as a disabled veteran.

As a result, the King County Assessor's Office reported that applications for property tax exemptions increased by 400 percent this year.

This surge, combined with remote work requirements in the Assessor's Office due to COVID-19, staffing challenges, and computer software – managed by King County Information Technology – which proved insufficient to handle the volume of applications, created a backlog of 4,400 unprocessed applications.

Legislation sponsored by Councilmember Rod Dembowski, supported by King County Treasury and Assessor’s Office, and passed by the King County Council today, provides the Assessors Office more time to process applications. Treasury will be sending notices out this week with information.

"King County has led the way in seeking expanded property tax relief for modest income seniors and disabled veterans. But when seniors and veterans applied for this benefit, the process has been too challenging and taken far too long," said Councilmember Rod Dembowski. 
"I'm pleased that we are taking action today to extend deadlines and enhance staffing to get people the answers they deserve on their applications. Especially during this pandemic, King County must do everything we reasonably can do to ensure that seniors and veterans aren't living in fear of having to leave their homes because tax relief isn't promptly implemented."


To qualify for an exemption, property taxpayers need to meet the following criteria:

Age/Disability
  • Born in 1958 or earlier or
  • Disabled and unable to work in 2019 or earlier or
  • Retired because of disability or
  • Military veteran with a 80% service-connected disability or
  • Widow(er) or state-registered domestic partner of at least 57 years of age whose spouse or partner had an exemption at the time of death
Ownership/Occupancy
  • Own the residence as of December 31, 2019
  • Occupy the property as a primary residence at least nine months each year
Income
  • Annual household income earned in 2019 must not exceed $58,423, including Social Security and other sources

To qualify for a deferral, property taxpayers must be 60 years old or older, or retired because of physical disability. They must meet an equity requirement, live in the home at least nine months in a calendar year, and have an annual household income of $67,411 or less for the previous year. Deferred taxes plus accumulated interest become a lien on the property until the total amount is repaid.

For more information about property tax exemptions or deferrals, visit kingcounty.gov/assessor/seniors or call 206-263-2338.

For information about property taxes, contact King County Treasury at 206-263-2890, email propertytax.customerservice@kingcounty.gov, or visit kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax



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Virtual Resource Center offers easy online access to dozens of community service providers in King County

Saturday, September 26, 2020



King County District Court provides online and telephone options while in-person resource centers are closed during the COVID-19 Pandemic

To provide King County residents with ready access to dozens of community service providers during the COVID-19 Pandemic, King County District Court is making available a Virtual Resource Center (VRC).

Operated as part of the court’s community court program, the VRC is open to anyone in the community to visit via Zoom videoconference or by telephone. Services at the VRC include access to education, work training, substance abuse treatment, transportation discounts, Public Health / DSHS, and many more.

Prior to COVID-19, King County District Court operated in-person community resource centers in Redmond, Shoreline, and Burien. To help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, the in-person options have been replaced by the VRC until they are safe to re-open after the pandemic.

“Having a community resource center with so many vital services available at one time makes a significant difference for the entire community,” said Chief Presiding Judge Susan Mahoney.

Anyone in the community can access the King County District Court Virtual Resource Center at the following days and times, when service providers are available to assist and answer questions:
  • Tuesdays, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
  • Wednesdays, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Details for accessing the VRC online or by telephone can be found at: kingcounty.gov/VRC

Service providers that would like to participate in the VRC can contact Ericka Cooley, community court coordinator for King County District Court: 206-477-4990, email: Ericka.Cooley@kingcounty.gov

About King County District Court

King County District Court is the largest court of limited jurisdiction in Washington State, processing approximately 200,000 matters per year. The district court operates at 10 locations throughout King County: Auburn, Bellevue, Burien, Issaquah, King County Courthouse (Seattle), King County Jail (Seattle jail calendars only), Redmond, Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent), Shoreline, and Vashon Island (one day per month). [Note, courthouse hours and services are currently modified due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.]



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Second-half 2020 property taxes due November 2; deadline will not be extended

Sunday, September 20, 2020

King County property owners who pay their property taxes themselves, rather than through a mortgage lender, have until Monday, November 2 to pay the second half of their 2020 bill.

After that date, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. 

The Pierce and Snohomish county treasurers are also maintaining this deadline in their respective jurisdictions.

While the first half payment deadline was extended due to the then-emerging COVID-19 pandemic, an extension of the second half deadline could create substantial financial risk for many cities, counties, school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, and other special purpose districts. 

These jurisdictions rely heavily on the timely receipt of the year's second installment of property tax revenue to make December debt service payments.

To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for property owners to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently. Payments can be made:
  • Online using King County's convenient, secure online eCommerce system at kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax. Taxpayers may pay with a credit card, debit card, or an electronic check. (A service fee applies to this option.)
  • By mail if postmarked no later than November 2, 2020. Taxpayers should write their property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail. Taxpayers do not need to include a tax statement with the payment as long as the property tax account number is on the check or money order and payment is for the exact amount due.
  • Because of the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, customer service counters at King County facilities remain closed to in-person payments. However, taxpayers can use the specially-marked, secure dropbox located at the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in downtown Seattle, to make payments by check or money order. Cash should not be left in the dropbox.

Payment plan

To help taxpayers impacted by COVID-19, King County initiated a payment plan program earlier this year. This program continues to be available for real property homes, commercial businesses, land, and mobile homes in King County. To participate, property owners must sign an agreement with King County Treasury. If participating owners also have a mortgage, they should notify their lender about the payment plan program. The program is administered through a third-party vendor and monthly payments are credited to the property tax account once the terms of the payment plan are met.

For those taxpayers participating in a 2020 payment plan, King County is currently waiving the program's $75 setup fee for qualified taxpayers, but participants will need to pay a monthly processing fee charged by the vendor. 

Those taking advantage of this program will also need to pay interest of 1% each month on the outstanding amount of their tax bill, as required by Washington state law. However, the statutory 8% penalty applied annually on December 1 for outstanding property taxes is waived for those enrolled in a payment plan. 

A payment plan for 2020 taxes may be for a term of up to 18 months. For more information on the payment plan program, please visit kingcounty.gov/PaymentPlans or email paymentplans@kingcounty.gov.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, visit kingcounty.gov/PropertyTax, contact King County Treasury Operations at propertytax.customerservice@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-2890.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor's Office at kingcounty.gov/assessor/seniors, by emailing exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov, or calling 206-296-3920.




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King County dedicates $41 million to COVID-19-related rental assistance and eviction prevention

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Photo by Morning Brew on unsplash


Almost half the recent calls to King County’s 2-1-1- hotline were for assistance with housing. 

While eviction moratoriums are still in place, many people worry about how they will catch up on payments when those moratoriums expire. 

Individuals and families throughout King County economically impacted by COVID-19 due to illness, lost wages, and unemployment may apply for assistance through the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program 

The new program dedicates $41.4 million for emergency housing aid and is expected to assist 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region. 

King County will use several approaches to serve as many households as possible, as quickly as possible. Funding is prioritized for the highest-need areas and individuals in King County. 

To be eligible for assistance, all tenants must have an income that is at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income over the past 60 days, and must be partially or fully behind at least one month of rent since March 1, 2020. 

Tenants must also meet one of several secondary criteria, such as having high rent burden, a history of homelessness or eviction, or a disability. Details are available HERE 



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Executive Constantine announces regional strategy to confront climate change

Friday, August 28, 2020

County Executive 
Dow Constantine
King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced his proposal for the 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, which includes cutting greenhouse gas emissions countywide in half by the end of the decade, a stronger focus on climate justice, and preparing the region for climate impacts.

“Climate change is impacting King County today, deepening inequities and intensifying natural hazards – flooding, wildfires, extreme heat – that put people, our economy, and our environment at risk,” said Executive Constantine. 
“We surpassed many of our goals from the current Strategic Climate Action Plan by listening to experts, basing decisions on science, embracing innovation, and forging strong partnerships. 
"This next plan builds on our momentum, operating at a region-wide scale with a stronger commitment to climate justice.”


The 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan is a five-year blueprint for county climate action, integrating climate change into all areas of county operations and its work with all 39 cities, partners, communities, and residents.

More information HERE




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King County dedicates $41 million to COVID-19 related rental assistance and eviction prevention

Monday, August 24, 2020

Individuals and families throughout King County economically impacted by COVID-19 due to illness, lost wages and unemployment may apply for assistance through the King County Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program announced by King County Executive Dow Constantine. 

The new program dedicates $41.4 million for emergency housing aid and is expected to assist 7,700 to 10,000 households across the region.

“Many people are facing serious challenges due to COVID-19 and the loss of health or income, leaving them extremely vulnerable to eviction,” said Executive Constantine. “This emergency program will forestall the loss of housing and prevent homelessness for thousands of residents in need across King County."


King County will use several approaches to serve as many households as possible, as quickly as possible. 

Funding is prioritized for the highest-need areas and individuals in King County. To be eligible for assistance, all tenants must have an income that is at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income over the past 60 days, and must be partially or fully behind at least one month of rent since March 1, 2020. Tenants must also meet one of several secondary criteria, such as having high rent burden, a history of homelessness or eviction, or a disability.

More information HERE




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King County and partners surpass goal of planting one million trees

Friday, July 31, 2020

County Executive Dow Constantine celebrates trees


King County Executive Dow Constantine thanked the partners, volunteers, and employees who surpassed the goal to plant one million trees throughout the region nearly a year ahead of schedule, achieving a major milestone for the county’s Strategic Climate Action Plan.

Executive Constantine in August will send the King County Council his proposal for the 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan, which will include a 3 Million Trees initiative that will maintain the accelerated pace for tree planting, protect forests and natural areas before they are lost forever, and prepare native forests for the impacts of climate change.

“In King County, we don’t just set ambitious goals to confront climate change – we create strong partnerships and mobilize volunteers to surpass them ahead of schedule,” said Executive Constantine. 
“We will build on this successful model to promote healthy, resilient forests for cleaner air and water, healthier habitat, and more tree cover in underserved communities.”


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County Council sends seven charter amendments to November ballot for voter approval

Thursday, July 30, 2020

With the approval of three more measures on Tuesday, the King County will now send seven county charter amendments to the November ballot for a public vote to approve or reject them.

The Charter Review Commission recommended 11 amendments in its final report last year, though it wasn’t expected that all the amendments would be considered by voters in the same year.

The following amendments will now appear on the November ballot:
  1. Specify that inquests should be performed for deaths in the county’s jails and provide the family of the deceased with legal representation during the inquest process.
  2. Include subpoena power for the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight to aid in its investigations.
  3. Make the King County Sheriff an appointed rather than elected position.
  4. Remove the Charter impediment to the sale of county-owned property below market value for affordable housing purposes, in accordance with recent amendments to state law.
  5. Update the Charter to change references to “citizen” to “resident” or “public” depending on the circumstances. This change would address several references in the Charter to the concept of citizenship being necessary to access certain aspects of county government.
  6. Prohibit discrimination in county employment and contracting based on someone’s status as a family caregiver, military status, or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or discharged solely as a result of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I am pleased to give the voters the opportunity to decide on these amendments to the way our county is governed,” said Council Chair Claudia Balducci.

7. The seventh amendment set for a vote in the fall was not a recommendation of the Charter Review Commission, but instead was a council-proposed amendment. This amendment would allow the Council to establish the duties of the Sheriff’s Office. Those duties are currently set by the charter.



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Shoreline mask giveaway goes smoothly

Wednesday, July 29, 2020


On Tuesday, July 28, 2020, King county, partnered with Amazon, held a free mask giveaway at the Shoreline District Court parking lot on Meridian.


People were able to ask for as many as 12 masks per vehicle.



The Amazon treasure trove truck is in the background.


Photos by Steven H. Robinson






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Executive Constantine on the State of the County

Monday, July 27, 2020

Dow Constantine, King County Executive


“We have to seize the opportunity of this crisis to create real, lasting, positive change.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine has released his annual State of the County address, recorded at his West Seattle home to comply with social distancing requirements. In his tenth State of the County, Executive Constantine outlined the region’s historic challenges and changes, and announced new actions in human services, the criminal legal system, and the environment.

Working together with the King County Council, King County continues to fight the coronavirus and implement a response to the public health crisis of racism. In his address, Executive Constantine highlighted key successes and community strengths, and laid out a vision for the year ahead, including:

Re-imagining the criminal legal system
“As we prepare the budget later this year, I intend to propose a phased closing of the King County Correctional Center after the pandemic...And, I will propose additional investments to help create safe and community-based solutions for the increasingly difficult youth cases that remain, and seek to fully convert the remaining youth detention capacity to other uses as quickly as possible, and no later than 2025.”

Ensuring every resident has a safe and secure place to call home
“We now set before us the task of ensuring that every person should have the dignity of a place to call home, that wherever possible we will not return people to stay long term in crowded, congregate spaces and that we will seek space to make permanent the amazing transformation that has taken place for those who once stayed at the Morrison (shelter on Third Ave.) and other shelters.”

Transforming King County operations
“We can pilot remote work for this one department (Natural Resources and Parks), and determine whether and how to expand across the County …to clean the air, ease gridlock, get more work done, and lead by example.”

Renewing the Best Starts for Kids levy
“Next year I will ask voters to renew Best Starts for Kids, and we should build on our successful work helping young people with childcare, staying in school, and navigating with the difficult transition to young adulthood.”

Restoring and protecting our environment
“If we do nothing about this uncontrolled runoff, regardless of our other investments, the orcas and salmon will go extinct before our eyes. I won’t have it, and I look forward to equipping decision-makers with the latest science to help make the best investments.”

Read the full version HERE




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Case updates July 26, 2020; County to distribute masks on Tuesday at Courthouse for King county residents


North King County Mask Distribution Event.
Shoreline District Court Facility 
18050 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline 98133

Tuesday, July 28 from 1-5pm

You must be a King County resident to be eligible to receive masks at this event.

This is a drive-through pick up event. Interested King County residents can enter at the parking lot entrance on Meridian Avenue North, drive up to the Amazon Treasure Truck, tell the staff person the number of individuals in their family, and receive 2 cloth reusable masks per family member, up to 6 family members. The maximum number of masks a vehicle can receive is 12.

Washington state - confirmed cases by sex and age
Washington state - deaths by sex and age

Case updates July 26, 2020

United States
  • cases 4,163,892 including 64,582 new cases
  • deaths 145,982 including 969 new deaths
Washington state
  • cases 52,635 - 786 new cases - rolling case average is over 600 per day and rising
  • hospitalizations 5,374 41 - 33 new
  • deaths 1,501 - 7 new (data adjustment)
King county
  • cases 14,433 - 178 new (goal: less than 25 new)
  • hospitalizations 1,891 - 14 new
  • deaths 640 - 2 new
Shoreline
  • cases 461 - 5 new
  • hospitalizations 95 - 0 new
  • deaths 59 - 0 new
Lake Forest Park
  • cases 50 - 1 new
  • hospitalizations 5 - 0 new
  • deaths 1 - 0 new




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King county thanks Shoreline for hosting the isolation center

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Buildings have been dismantled and removed
Photo courtesy King county


At the Shoreline City Council meeting on Monday, July 13, 2020, the following visitors from King County expressed their gratitude to the City of Shoreline for its support of the Assessment and Recovery Center (isolation site) that stood as a model for the nation:

  • Councilmember Rod Dembowski, 
  • Leo Flor Director of Community and Human Services, and 
  • Patty Hayes, Director of Public Health.

The two temporary structures have been dismantled
and the soccer field will be restored
Photo courtesy King county



During the July 13, Shoreline City Council meeting, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, the Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County Patty Hayes, and the Director of King County Department of Community and Human Services Leo Flor expressed their deep gratitude to the City of Shoreline and the Shoreline community for hosting the Assessment Center/Recovery Center (AC/RC) that had been located on Shoreline B Soccer Field. 

The AC/RC, constructed in March, provided space for individuals to safely isolate and recover from COVID-19 if they were unable to do so at home or if they did not have a home. The AC/RC in Shoreline was just one of several locations established by the County to safely quarantine and isolate individuals.

The AC/RC in Shoreline provided space for a total of 49 individuals to isolate safely and to not be located in a shelter. Providing space for these individuals helped to limit the spread of COVID-19 in shelters and helped save lives.

The AC/RC and the partnership between the City, the County, and other organizations is serving as an example for projects across the country looking to safely quarantine and isolate individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While King County has seen cases of COVID-19 increase over the past few weeks, the County believes it has the resources available through other assets to accommodate individuals unable to isolate safely on their own. The AC/RC in Shoreline is in the process of being deconstructed. Once the structure is completely removed, the County will begin work to repair any damage to the turf soccer field and restore it to its original condition.


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Executive Constantine: King County enters Phase 2 of Safe Start recovery plan

Friday, June 19, 2020

King County Executive
Dow Constantine

Following approval by state Secretary of Health John Wiesman, King County has officially entered Phase 2 of the state’s Safe Start recovery plan to allow limited business re-opening.

Phase 2 allows for twice the capacity in retail, restaurants, and other businesses previously allowed in King County’s modified Phase 1 and goes into effect immediately.

“Moving to Phase 2 is another step toward economic recovery for our region, but it must go hand-in-hand with even more careful adherence to precautions from our public health experts,” said Executive Constantine. 
“Wearing face coverings, washing hands, and avoiding crowds and unnecessary contact can help make ours a one-way trip back to prosperity, and prevent the need to go back to stay-at-home orders.”

While there are no additional categories of businesses included in moving from modified Phase 1 to Phase 2, the operating capacity has doubled for those able to reopen. For example, restaurants can now operate with 50% of indoor capacity, and retail with 30% capacity. Businesses with questions on how to safely reopen under the state’s guidance are encouraged to call Public Health's Business Compliance Line at 206-296-1608.

“We evaluated a number of factors to apply to move to phase two of reopening. Our healthcare system, perhaps the single most important factor, is currently well-prepared to care for COVID-19 cases as well as the other health needs of our community,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle and King County.

Public Health officials recommend that people keep 6 feet apart from one another whenever possible. Outdoors exposures are less risky than indoors, and improving indoor ventilation is recommended. In addition, people need to wear face coverings in public, wash hands frequently, and get tested at the first sign of symptoms.

“Our cases have declined significantly since the peak of the outbreak in late March, and are now hovering around our target goal,” said Duchin. 
“Over the past seven days, however, we have seen an uptick in the number of cases compared to the previous week. With re-opening, we anticipated more cases in the community. 
"That is why it is now more important than ever keep 6 feet apart from one another whenever possible and minimize unnecessary activity, especially people at increased risk for COVID-19.”
“As we move into phase 2 and for the foreseeable future, our risk will be increasing, not decreasing,” said Duchin. “COVID-19 has not gone away and we must take the ongoing risk very seriously. 
"If we are going to be successful continuing to reopen, it's essential that we do everything we can to prevent COVID-19 spread as we have more contact in social, recreational and work-related settings.”

Phase 2 activities permitted by the state include the following:

Card Rooms

Activities allowed: All card rooms or similar activities.

Limitations: All card rooms are subject to Phase 2 guidance which generally restricts the card room designated area to the lesser of 25% capacity or 50 individuals. The restaurants or taverns area of the facility is required to follow the Phase 2 guidance, which restricts capacity to 50% and prohibits bar service. Games are also limited to 25% occupancy per table. Limitations on capacity does not include staff.

Construction

Activities allowed: All construction, including new work and where social distancing may not be maintained.

Limitations: All construction activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Domestic Services

Activities allowed: Any worker (hourly, salaried, independent contractor, full-time, part-time, or temporary) who is paid by one or more employer and provides domestic services to an individual or household in/about a private home as a nanny, house cleaner, cook, private chef, or household manager.

Limitations: All domestic services are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Drive-in theaters

Activities allowed: All drive-in theaters.

Limitations: All drive-in theaters are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Fitness

Activities allowed: Staffed indoor fitness studios and facilities, including but not limited to gymnastics, weight and resistance training, martial arts, yoga, and similar instructor-led fitness services, as well as staffed indoor tennis facilities.

Limitations: All fitness activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which generally limits to groups of five participants or less.

Higher Education

Activities allowed: All non-lecture based higher education and workforce training, including where social distancing may not be maintained.

Limitations: All higher education activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

In-store retail

Limitations: All retail activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts customer occupancy to 30% of a building’s occupancy or lower as determined by the fire code.

Library services

Activities allowed: All public libraries, public library systems, institutional and governmental libraries, and libraries at institutions of higher education.

Limitations: All library activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which limits services to mail or curbside pick-up and libraries remain otherwise closed to the public.

Manufacturing operations

Limitations: All manufacturing activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance.

Outdoor recreation

Activities allowed: Staffed outdoor tennis facilities; guided ATV, paddle sports, and horseback riding; go-kart tracks, ORV/motocross facilities, and participant only motorsports; gondolas; zoos and aquariums; guided fishing, and all other similar activities.

Limitations: All outdoor recreation activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance and are generally limited to groups of five participants or less, in some instances up to 12 individuals or three households are permitted.

Personal services

Activities allowed: All personal services including Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Master Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Salon Workers, Electrologists, Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Cosmetology Schools and Esthetics Schools.

Limitations: All personal services are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts customer occupancy to 50% with the exception of one to one services in an enclosed room.

Pet grooming

Activities allowed: All pet grooming services including any location provided by an individual, or at a retail, veterinary, or other facility.

Limitations: All pet grooming services are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts client occupancy to 50%.

Professional photography

Limitations: All professional photography services are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts services to appointment only and for one client (and family member, if client is a minor) at any given time. Group sessions are not allowed unless the group consists of immediate family only.

Professional services

Activities allowed: Accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, financial advisors, information technologists, insurance agents, tax preparers, and other office-based occupations that are typically serving a client base.

Limitations: All professional services are subject to Phase 2 guidance which restricts guest occupancy to 50% of a building’s occupancy with the exception of one to one service in a fully enclosed room.

Real estate (residential and commercial)

Activities allowed: All real estate brokers, firms, independent contractors and industry partners.

Limitations: All real estate activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which generally restricts out of office activities to appointment only and with no more than three people; office activities require reservations for in-person customer services and guest occupancy is limited to 50% of a building’s occupancy.

Religious and faith organizations

Activities allowed: All religious and faith-based organizations may operate services including worship services; religious study classes; religious ceremonies; religious holiday celebrations, weddings, and funerals.

Limitations: All religious and faith based activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance which generally restricts indoor services to the lesser of 25% capacity or 50 individuals and in-home services/counseling is restricted to no more than five individuals. Outdoor services are permitted for up to 100 individuals. Limitations on capacity does not include an organization’s staff, but does include volunteers.

Restaurants and taverns

Limitations: All restaurant and tavern operations are subject to Phase 2 guidance which prohibits any bar seating and restricts indoor customer occupancy to 50% of a building’s occupancy or lower as determined by the fire code. Outdoor dining is allowed at 50% of capacity and does not count toward the building occupancy limit; additional outdoor seating will be allowed provided it follows Public Health – Seattle and King County’s best practices and a restaurant secures any municipal permit that may be required.

Social and recreational gatherings

Limitations: Individuals may gather with five or fewer people from outside their household per week.

Sporting activities

Activities allowed: Golf; professional sporting activities indoor and outdoor; outdoor youth team sports and outdoor adult recreational team sports, excluding school-connected or administered team sports and junior hockey.

Limitations: All sporting activities are subject to Phase 2 guidance (golf and other sporting activities). Non-professional sporting activities are generally limited to groups of five participants or less; for team sports that can mean limiting to groups of five in separate parts of the field if separated by a buffer zone. Professional sporting activities may generally operate, including up to 50 people for back office operations, for full team practices and spectator-less games and competitions.




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King County to allow limited openings of businesses

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Dow Constantine
King County Executive

A plan drafted by King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott and approved by state Department of Health Secretary John Wiesman immediately allows limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses, recreation, and personal activities in King County.

Restaurants and retailers will be allowed to serve customers in their establishments, in addition to other modified openings across the economy. Public Health – Seattle and King County will monitor transmission trends, medical capacity and other key indicators to help inform further reopening decisions.

Here is an overview of what’s happening in key sectors across King County:

Restaurants
  • Outdoor dining activities is allowed at 50 percent of capacity with all tables and chairs maintaining 6 feet of distance, though additional seating will be allowed provided it follows Public Health – Seattle and King County’s best practices. Restaurants will also need to go through the normal process within their city - or King County if the establishment is located within unincorporated King County - to seek approval to expand outdoor seating.
  • Indoor dining services may operate at 25 percent of capacity, provided such tables and chairs are more than 6 feet away from each other.
In-store retail
  • All non-essential retail activities may operate but an establishment's occupancy may not be not be higher than 15 percent of capacity.
  • Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to less than 30 minutes, with face-to-face interactions limited to 30 minutes.
  • Essential retail activities may continue to operate according to the existing state regulations. 
Personal services: Cosmetologists, Hairstylists, Barbers, Estheticians, Master Estheticians, Manicurists, Nail Salon Workers, Electrologists, Permanent Makeup Artists, Tattoo Artists, Cosmetology Schools and Esthetics Schools
  • All activities may operate but the number of clients served will be limited to no more than 25 percent of capacity or one person if it is a single bed/chair studio.
Professional services: Accountants, architects, attorneys, engineers, financial advisors, information technologists, insurance agents, tax preparers, and other office-based occupations that are typically serving a client base
  • All activities allowed but an establishment's occupancy should not be higher than 25 percent of capacity.
  • Businesses are directed to provide signage encouraging indoor visits to be less than 30 minutes, with face to face interactions limited to 30 minutes.
Construction
  • All construction, including those activities for which social distancing may not be maintained and the start of new construction projects, is authorized to resume.

“This important step in our COVID-19 response reflects all the sacrifice and hard work that our community has put into fighting this disease. The success of this guidance depends on business owners and community members embracing public health best practices, and understanding that one size doesn’t fit all,” said Executive Constantine.
 
“By opening our economy carefully and deliberately, we make sure to stay healthy and continue down the path to full recovery.”

For more information, call Public Health's Business Compliance Line at 206-296-1608. Details can also be found at Safe Start King County



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King County submits plan to re-open limited business activity in COVID-19 recovery

Thursday, June 4, 2020

King County Executive
Dow Constantine

King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci, and King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott today submitted a plan to the state Department of Health that would allow limited and modified openings for a wide range of businesses and personal activities.

The county’s application includes recommendations from King County local health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin that would:
  • allow all outdoor recreation permitted in Phase 2 in Gov. Inslee's Safe Start plan
  • expand opening indoor fitness studios for one-on-one activities
  • allow restaurants to begin opening indoor seating at 25% of normal capacity
  • allow hair stylists and other personal services at 25% capacity

“Our plan to safely reopen our region’s economy is based on the latest data, recommendations by Public Health experts, and insight from communities and businesses,” said Executive Constantine. 
“We are ready to take the next careful step toward an equitable recovery that benefits everyone who calls King County home.”

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