News from and about King County… from COVID-19 updates to community news affecting our daily lives.

Dear Friends:

Today’s e-news includes information on the reopening of several libraries in King County, King County’s dashboard with the state’s metrics for recovery, Federal Way Link Extension’s construction progress, resources on finding a ride to COVID-19 vaccine appointments, Federal Way Symphony performances, a Link light rail closure, health updates, and more.


Washington Trivia

A Federal Way High School graduate was the number 28 pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft and is now playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Who is he?

(Answer is at the bottom).




King County Library System reopens several locations

The King County Library System (KCLS) reopened several locations to the public at reduced capacity with modified in-library services this week. Snoqualmie Library reopened on Tuesday, April 6th, and Federal Way 320th, Enumclaw and Woodinville libraries reopened yesterday, April 7th. In-building services allow visitors to socially-distance from staff inside the facilities, browse various collections, access Wi-Fi, and use printers, computers, copiers, or scanners. The libraries will open for an hour and close for another hour for cleaning before it opens for the next hour. Read more here.

For tax help, forms and information, click here.


King County COVID-19 dashboard features state metrics for recovery

The Key Indicators of COVID-19 dashboard now reflects the state’s new metrics as applied to King County and highlights key considerations for reviewing current recommendations, precautions and restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Three weeks after all counties in the state entered Phase 3 of the recovery plan, the state will conduct its first evaluation on Monday, April 12th, based on the case and hospitalization rates in each county. These two metrics will help determine whether counties would revert to Phase 2, remain in Phase 3, or advance to Phase 4 of the recovery plan.




Federal Way Link Extension Update

The first elevated light rail structures for the Federal Way Link Extension are now in place. Workers began installing the girders this week to support the elevated station platform of the future Kent/Des Moines station. Girders supporting the elevated rail line will be installed throughout the alignment in the coming months. The current work includes placing six girders at a time, with each girder weighing up to 130,000 pounds, spanning between 100 to 115 feet. Crews have also drilled 36 of 121 shafts and placed 25 of 121 columns that will support future elevated tracks and station facilities. To view a gallery of construction photos click here.



Photo from Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension Photo Gallery


Finding a ride to your COVID-19 vaccine appointment

King County is making good progress toward the state’s goal of vaccinating at least 70% of its eligible population. County efforts are focused on making it easier to schedule a vaccine appointment and help people travel to the vaccine clinics. King County recognizes that some residents may need transportation support to and from their COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Here are some information and resources on COVID-19 and transportation support for your vaccination appointment:

Sound Transit Free round-trip Link light rail service on the day of your COVID-19 vaccination appointment at Lumen Field Event Center or Rainier Beach site.

King County Metro For customized trip planning, call 206-553-3000, Relay 711

Via to Transit SE Seattle and Tukwila | Call 206-258-7739

Crossroads Connect app Bellevue/ Juanita-Bothell/Sammamish | Call 1-855-233-6043

Community Van | Call 206-625-4500

Access paratransit For older adults and people with disabilities | Call 206-553-3000.

Taxi Scrip Program Discounted taxi scrip for low-income King County residents age 18 to 64 who have a disability or are age 65 and over | Call 206-553-3000

FindARide.org/COVID Comprehensive resource for homeless and low-income families, individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities | Call 425-943-6760, ext. 2


Federal Way Symphony: Swing into Spring

The Federal Way Symphony is featuring the music of Duke Ellington in various virtual performances that are available for view on their YouTube page.




Link light rail to close this weekend between SODO and UW stations

Link light rail stations from SODO to UW will close tomorrow, April 9th, at 10 PM through Monday, April 12th, at 4 AM. This will be the second of five consecutive weekends Link will be closed to connect the overhead catenary power and train signal systems for East Link to the existing line.

During this time, Link light rail will run from Angle Lake Station to SODO Station. Link Shuttle buses will run every 10-15 minutes and make surface stops at the closed stations between SODO and UW stations. Fares will be required for Link but will not be required for the Link Shuttle buses. Read more here.




Weekly King County Health Update: Why regular health exams are important

Many people seek medical care only when they feel sick, but healthcare providers stress the importance of preventive health care – seeking medical care on a regular basis. Routine wellness check-ups, especially if they begin during pregnancy and continue throughout life, help improve your health outcomes and potentially maximize your lifespan. Factors such as your family history or age cannot be changed, but your personal lifestyle choices (i.e., smoking, physical activity, diet) make a big impact on your health. As you age, your healthcare providers can recommend meaningful ways to be healthier and can monitor your health through appropriate tests and screenings.

Regular health check-ups begin with annual well-visits and their benefits include:

• Prevention of potential conditions or diseases
• Lowering your risk or severity of illness
• Early detection of serious physical and mental conditions when the chance for successful treatment is better
• Referral for the resources you need for your best health (i.e., vision, dental, mental)
• Reduction of your healthcare costs

Especially now, people are encouraged to schedule a wellness health exam because of the health challenges caused by the pandemic. King County has resources to help any resident get started. Find a public health clinic, community health clinic, or call 206-296-4600 (voice) / TTY Relay: 711. Health insurance enrollment information is available here or call 1-800-756-5437. Translators and medical interpreters are available for limited and non-English speaking residents.


King County COVID Vaccination Update

As of today, there are 825,643 residents who received at least one vaccine dose and 490,639 fully vaccinated residents in King County, bringing the total of all administered doses to 1,281,611. For more information, visit the King County COVID Vaccination Dashboard here.



Vaccine Locator: To find COVID-19 vaccine appointments, visit Vaccine Locator.

For eligible South King County residents: Public Health – Seattle and King County has high-volume vaccinations sites in Auburn and Kent. Register here.

Register by phone: Call King County Public Health Call Center at 206-477-3977 or Washington COVID-19 Assistance Hotline at 1-800-525-0127, then press #.

For veterans: Call 1-800-698-2411 and press 8 for COVID information or visit www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine.

For more information, visit Getting vaccinated in King County.


King County Case Update
Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 336 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 90,362. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 1,481.









Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember




Washington trivia answer:

Jaden McDaniels is a professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Prior to his NBA career, Jaden attended Federal Way High School, where he was named a McDonald’s All-American and Washington Gatorade Player of the Year. He also played for the University of Washington Huskies.

Jaden is the son of Angela Jackson and Will McDaniels, and the brother of Jalen McDaniels of the Charlotte Hornets.



With Jaden McDaniels at the 2019 SKC Scholar Athlete Breakfast



Compiled by Cyndee Navarro of my office.


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