News

The Washington State Department of Health, alongside partners at Bloodworks Northwest, is encouraging eligible donors to continue to give blood.

Today, Governor Jay Inslee ordered the prohibition of gatherings of more than 250 people in King County and other western Washington counties. In addition, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, issued a parallel local Health Officer Order for King County to prohibit gatherings of fewer than 250 people unless measures are taken by event organizers to minimize risk.

Health information and other COVID-19 related resources

Based on Governor Inslee’s press conference today, and after consultation with, Pierce County District Court, Tacoma Municipal Court and the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County Superior Court will implement the following changes in response to the COVID-19 risk.  Beginning March 16, 2020, the number of jurors who are called will be reduced, and two jury orientation rooms will be provided to increase social distancing between jurors. 

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the expansion of state policies today to support workers and businesses financially impacted by COVID-19.

Tomorrow the Washington State Department of Health will begin reporting COVID-19 case numbers at a new time with new metrics. 

As governor, the safety and well-being of Washingtonians is my top priority, and I want to update you on the work the state and its federal and local partners are doing to mitigate the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 coronavirus. Our heart goes out to those families who have lost loved ones, and our primary mission is to slow the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate further impacts. Your continued leadership and support on all fronts is critical to these efforts.

In response to new federal measures around controlling the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus, the Washington State Department of Health has been working to identify several suitable locations for a quarantine site, should the need arise.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is working closely with partners, including federal and state agencies and local health departments, to implement new federal measures announced on January 31, 2020 to control the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order to Washington state health insurers for 30 days, requiring them to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Insurers also must continue: