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Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan: Extension of Stay at Home Order is the Right Public Health Decision to Save Lives and Prevent a Exponential Resurgence of the Virus

Seattle (May 1, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan released the following statement today after Governor Inslee extended the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. While the Stay home, Stay Healthy order is in effect until May 31st, the City of Seattle will continue to operate under its state of civil emergency.  

“Governor Inslee has led our state in COVID-19 crisis by relying on science and data – extending the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order and creating a phased approach to reopening is critical to saving lives and preventing an exponential resurgence of the virus. While we have flattened the curve, saved lives and prevented our health care systems from being overwhelmed, Seattle and King County has seen at least 630 cases and 44 deaths in the last five days. We have to remember that there are significantly more cases in our community now than early March when we began restrictions. We know it is still far too early to take our foot off the brake on our response to this disease or we risk an exponential resurgence of the virus. Every one of us must continue physical distancing until our infection rates have dropped significantly,” said Mayor Durkan. “King County was the initial epicenter nationwide of the virus and continues to have the largest number of cases and deaths in the state. Both the County Executive and I will continue to work closely with public health officials to evaluate our data and ensure we can reopen our businesses safely in Seattle and our region.”