Dear Friends:

Today’s update includes information on the Governor’s new mask requirements, training on COVID-19 data dashboards, and more.

Washington Trivia

How did the following counties get their names?

1. San Juan County
2. Whatcom County
3. Asotin County

(Answers are at the bottom).



Governor Announces Face Covering Requirements to Reduce Spread of COVID-19

Gov. Jay Inslee announced that starting Tuesday, July 7th, all businesses in Washington are prohibited from serving customers who aren’t wearing face coverings. The decision comes as counties across the state, including King County, have seen COVID-19 infections on the rise in the last month as more people interact with each other.

This increase is a reminder to follow Public Health guidelines and continue to wear masks, maintain social distancing measures through avoiding crowded settings and close contact with others, and to wash our hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. It is up to each of us to do our part and help stop the spread. Additional information about Governor Inslee’s order can be found here.

Training: Exploring King County COVID-19 Data Dashboards

Public Health – Seattle & King County will hold a training via Zoom on Thursday, July 9th, from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, about COVID-19 data dashboards and how to use them to answer common questions. Participants will also have an opportunity to share feedback and insights on making the data dashboards more actionable and useful. Learn more and register here.



King County Case Update

Today, Seattle – King County Public Health reported 126 new cases, bringing the total in King County to 11,140. In addition, Public Health reported 1 new death, bringing the total in the county to 591.

Stay In. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember



Washington trivia answers:

San Juan, the name originally given by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza to the islands and later adapted by the county, was named after Juan Vincent de Guemes Padilla Horcasitas y Agreay, who at that time was the Viceroy of Mexico.

Whatcom, which means “noisy waters,” references the Whatcom Creek Falls and was also the name of a Nooksack chief.

Asotin, which means “place of eels,” was derived from the Nez Perce word Hassotin. The Nez Perce Tribe are known to catch eels on the Snake River near Asotin Creek.