4 passengers on Holland America Line cruise ship confirmed dead from COVID-19

A Dutch cruise liner announced the death of four of its passengers Friday who apparently contracted COVID-19 aboard the ship.In a blog post released by Holland America Line,  the company confirmed the death of “four older guests” on the ship, called the Zaandam.According to the cruise line, “a number of patients with respiratory symptoms were tested for COVID-19 and two individuals tested positive,” and on March 22, after several passengers reported “influenza-like” symptoms, the company said it took “immediate protective measures” including asking everyone to self-isolate in their rooms.The company confirmed the deaths of the four passengers on Friday, March 27, 2020.

People shout, cheer, and make noise in support of health care workers

SEATTLE -- Thursday night, Seattle erupted in noise, across the city, in an effort to show support to health care workers on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.At 8 p.m., cheering, clapping, pots and pans, and even music could be heard through the city.

A new angle on the COVID-19 outbreak

The COVID-19 outbreak has changed lives around the globe within a matter of weeks, and as we struggle to keep pace with all the changes, it can be easy to forget that we're living the events that will become world history.An award-winning Pacific Northwest filmmaker and producer is taking note, and now offering parents a way to keep their kids busy - while building part of the historical record.

‘It was the sickest I have ever been:’ Kent man recovering from COVID-19

SEATTLE – We’re beginning to hear stories of our friends and neighbors who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are now recovering.Ryan Hirst, 36, tells Q13 News he began experiencing serious symptoms earlier this month and is now recovering in isolation at his Kent home.He credits his faith, friends and family for tremendous support and says he is grateful to be feeling better today.Hirst has been home bound for nearly two weeks with a 7-month-old Bernedoodle, and now a positive diagnosis.“It was the sickest I have ever been, for sure,” he said.Hirst called his primary care provider and learned testing for the disease was available.

Struggling laid off local workers desperate for government relief to kick in

With record-high numbers of Americans seeking unemployment benefits after losing their jobs because of the coronavirus, Congress is set to significantly enhance the program.

Community in Kent donates medical supplies to those on the front line of COVID-19

KENT, Wash. -- Healthcare providers and first responders are putting their lives on the line to protect communities in Washington from exposure to COVID-19.

Coronavirus stimulus FAQ: Who gets stimulus money? Will paper checks be issued? When will it come?

After the Senate passed a historic $2.2 trillion economic relief package to help the devastated U.S. economy and to bring a sense of temporary financial relief to millions of Americans who lost their jobs practically overnight due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many are wondering exactly when and how they’ll receive their money. 

Every night, Vancouver residents applaud health care workers from balconies

They may not be able to say thank you face to face, but residents of Vancouver, British Columbia have found a creative way to show their gratitude to health care workers.

Virus shutdowns cause big spike in Washington jobless claims

Washington state saw an 843% week-over-week increase in claims for unemployment benefits last week as businesses started to temporarily close under state-mandated orders to slow the spread of coronavirus.

2 virus-vulnerable detainees released from immigration jail in Tacoma

Two detainees with health conditions that make them vulnerable to COVID-19 have been released from an immigration jail in Tacoma, their attorneys said Thursday.

‘We are in this together’: Neighbors offer gifts, masks for front line coronavirus workers

SEATTLE – The sheer size of the coronavirus crisis can sometimes lead to feelings of hopelessness.Many sitting on the sidelines might feel like there’s nothing they can do to help, but there are some who dive in head-first, volunteering their time to say thanks to first responders.As the crisis mounts, many of our neighbors are doing whatever they can to fulfill their promise that we are in this together.Mike and Marsha Harris, owners of Snoqualmie Falls Candy Shoppe, are part of something bigger than themselves.“We’re getting intermingled and it’s kind of like taking on a war,” said Mike.Their store is closed to the public, but they are still packing up sweets and treats as a way to say thanks to those working the front lines against Covid-19.“A lot of people are really excited about helping,” said Marsha. “It helps us and maybe get through the next could weeks and pay our rent.”Who’s paying for all these goodies?

'It bothers me to my core': Bellevue PD says COVID-19 is fueling racist threats

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Concerns of racism and attacks on people have been voiced worldwide, as disturbing videos of Asian Americans being attacked by strangers emerge on social media.

5 workers, 2 patients at psychiatric hospital have COVID-19

SEATTLE -- Five workers and two patients at Washington state’s largest psychiatric hospital have tested positive for the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday.In the last week, state health officials said that one Western State Hospital employee and two patients were positive for COVID-19, but on Wednesday, officials reported four more employees had the disease.

For local workers and businesses, virus rescue payments and financial support is needed now

SEATTLE -- When Duke's Seafood was forced to temporarily shut down its seven area locations last week, 31-year-old bartender Tim Gagne says he got a gut punch.“We are struggling," Gagne said. "We are desperately struggling.

What are essential businesses during Washington's 'stay at home' order? Check this list

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has ordered nonessential businesses to close and the state’s more than 7 million residents to stay home unless necessary in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. But which workers and businesses are considered essential? Check this list.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little issues statewide stay-at-home order

Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Wednesday issued a statewide stay-at-home order as the coronavirus continues to spread.