Summary

King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott is releasing the following statement in response to President Trump’s reckless assertion telling the public “Don’t be afraid of Covid.”

Story

King County Board of Health Chair Joe McDermott is releasing the following statement in response to President Trump’s reckless assertion telling the public “Don’t be afraid of Covid.”

“The residents of King County deserve to know that COVID-19 is a real, dangerous, deadly disease that is still spreading in our community. We must remain vigilant and smart if we’re going to prevent more deaths from this global pandemic here in King County. 

“Confirmed COVID-19 infections are back on the rise in King County. We had 40% more diagnosed cases in our county last week over the week before. This is alarming and should reinforce our commitment as a community to take active steps, informed by science, to slow the transmission of this deadly virus.

“For any leader to say, ‘Don’t be afraid of COVID’ is irresponsible and puts lives at risk if we take that statement seriously.

“This is not a partisan issue. This is dire public health issue. And a deeply personal issue to the families of over 760 people in King County who have lost their lives to this terrible virus. 

“Please, wear a mask. Keep your physical distance from people if you are out of your home. Wash and sanitize your hands. Keep those who might be more at risk of serious complications than you in mind as you go about your life in the coming months.”

When reporting on this irresponsible statement from President Trump, McDermott encourages all media to fully communicate the current impact of COVID-19 in King County and Washington State and provide clear context when reporting on the irresponsible tweets by the President. This includes utilizing resources directly from Public Health – Seattle & King County, working with our local world-renowned scientific experts, and continuing to center and share the stories of people and families who have experienced the devastating impacts of contracting COVID-19.

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