Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on the reopening of state parks, new measures on King County Metro, the transmission rate in King County, and more.

Washington State Parks Reopening

Over 100 Washington State parks are set to reopen today. You can find a full list and information on how to safely visit and prepare for a trip here. Please beware that bathrooms will not be open in many parks. Parks is also asking visitors to respect closures and only visit parks that are open for day use. Camping is not yet reopened. Beaches and camping have been identified in Phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s reopening plan.



COVID-19 Transmission Rate has Slowed, Most People Still Susceptible

Two new reports provide further confirmation that social distancing measures have reduced transmission of COVID-19 in King County. The number of COVID-19 infections in King County has been on the decline since the end of March, according to two new reports. The reports were completed by the Bellevue-based Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) and the Greater Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network (SCAN). These reports suggest increased confidence that physical distancing measures are leading to a decline in active infections.

Auburn COVID Business Resource Update

On Thursday, May 7th at 1:30 p.m. the City of Auburn’s Office of Economic Development will be holding an update on resources for businesses related to COVID-19. The virtual meeting will be co-hosted by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, Green River College Small Business Center, King County Library System, and other community partners. You can click here to join the Zoom Meeting (Meeting ID: 915 5912 2754; Password: 613948). You can also call the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce at 253-833-0700 for more information.

King County Metro Updates

King County Metro has added trips, seat signs, and extended their no fare policy through May 31st. You can learn more at the Metro Matters blog. The post features information on how Metro is increasing trips on selected routes where social distancing has proved challenging, how passengers will begin to see seat signs that provide a visual cue to stay apart from other passengers and Metro’s extension of fare suspension through at least the end of May.

King County Parks Update

King County Parks will begin to reopen parks and trails, including regional and backcountry trails, on Friday, May 8th. Parks will open parking lots, trailheads, fields, docks, boat launches and the off-leash dog area at Marymoor Park. Active use and high touch facilities such as restrooms, play areas, sports courts, picnic shelters, the Aquatic Center, and the campground at Tolt will remain closed, and organized events and programs will remain suspended. You can see a detailed list of the status of park facilities that will continue to be updated here.

King County Case Update

As of today, Seattle – King County Public Health was reporting 71 new cases in King County, bringing the total number of cases in the County to 6,653. Additionally, they reported 4 new deaths, bringing the total number of deaths in the County to 467.

“Murder” Hornets in Pacific Northwest

Late in 2019, Asian giant hornets were sighted in Washington near Blaine. The insect, native to Japan, poses a threat to native bee populations, and on some occasions a sting from one can be fatal. You can read more about this development in the Seattle Times.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember