Planning for the worst: Limiting travel, canceling public gatherings possible to slow the spread of coronavirus

SEATTLE -- State emergency management and public health officials are working around the clock to slow the spread of novel coronavirus in Washington state, but they're also planning for what to do next if the situation gets worse.Washington state has become the epicenter of U.S. coronavirus response as the state reported the second highest number of cases in America (13) and the first two coronavirus deaths in the United States - as of Monday morning (March 2).More than 50 people associated with LifeCare Center, a nursing home in Kirkland, have showed signs of respiratory illness, and four new cases of COVID-19 announced Sunday are all linked to LifeCare.

Two Kent School District schools closed Monday amid coronavirus concerns

A high school and an elementary school in the Kent School District will be closed Monday "out of an abundance of caution" amid novel coronavirus concerns.

COVID-19 cases continue to climb at Kirkland nursing facility: 'I am concerned she is going to feel alone'

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- The epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak continues to be a nursing facility in Kirkland.LifeCare Center is on the national radar as confirmed COVID-19 cases go up.“The biggest concern is how many people will be affected,” Kim Frey said.Frey came to the facility from eastern Washington on Sunday knowing visitors are not allowed with residents under quarantine.She brought a note that reads, “We love you.

Washington state sees 1st COVID-19 death in US, declares emergency

The governor of Washington declared a state of emergency Saturday after a man died there of COVID-19, the first such reported death in the United States. More than 50 people in a nursing facility are sick and being tested for the virus.

US increases travel restrictions as Trump says more cases ‘likely’

Seeking to reassure the American public, President Donald Trump said Saturday there was “no reason to panic” as the new coronavirus claimed its first victim inside the U.S. The White House also announced new restrictions on international travel to prevent its spread.

2 new coronavirus cases in Washington: Snohomish Co. high school student and King Co. woman

 SHORELINE, Wash. -- State health officials on Friday announced two new cases of novel coronavirus in Washington state, a King County woman who recently traveled to South Korea and a Snohomish County high school student whose school will be closed and sanitized.The new cases are labeled as "presumptive positives," meaning the patients tested positive at a state lab and the results are awaiting confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Officials say the Snohomish County case involves a Jackson High School student who is currently in home isolation.

Person whose illness prompted Bothell High School closure tests negative for coronavirus

BOTHELL, Wash. -- A family member of a Bothell High School employee who was quarantined for possible coronavirus has tested negative for the virus, the Snohomish County Health Department said Friday.The person was quarantined and monitored after becoming ill following international travel with the staff member during the recent mid-winter break.

Travel insurance purchases skyrocket amid coronavirus concerns

SEATTLE - As we head into spring break season, Seattle travel agency AA Travel said that bookings for international trips are down by 90 percent.On the flip side, insurance companies are seeing a surge in business.“This is an unprecedented moment in travel and disruption,” Stan Sandberg of Travelinsurance.com said.Sandberg is the Co-Founder of Travelinsurance.com and he says this February they are seeing a whopping 175 percent spike in people buying insurance, but it’s not the standard insurance.“It is very important to note standard travel insurance will not cover the coronavirus, the outbreak and the fear of the outbreak,” Sandberg said.If you want to have the flexibility to cancel your vacation over coronavirus concerns, search for insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason.The upgraded insurance is more costly and it usually reimburses you 75 percent of the cost of the trip.If you cannot afford travel insurance check with airlines and hotels because many are now making exceptions.For example, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines are suspending cancellation and change fees for a period of time.As companies try to accommodate travel concerns, government leaders say Americans should not be afraid because the risk is low.CDC Director Dr.

State labs to start testing for coronavirus locally ahead of potential spread

SHORELINE, Wash. – The state Department of Health will begin testing for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) locally beginning on Friday morning.State Epidemiologist Dr.

California woman with unknown origin of coronavirus is in serious condition

The California patient who tested positive for the coronavirus days after being hospitalized is in serious condition and intubated, California Rep.

Bothell High School closed again Friday amid coronavirus concerns

BOTHELL, Wash. -- Bothell High School will be closed for a second day over coronavirus concerns.Northshore School District Superintendent Dr.

Bothell High School closed for cleaning Thursday over coronavirus concerns

BOTHELL, Wash. -- Bothell High School will be closed Thursday, Feb. 27 so the school can be cleaned and disinfected because of coronavirus concerns.

US Navy orders self-quarantine for ships that have made stops in the Pacific amid coronavirus concerns

The US Navy has ordered all ships that have visited countries in the Pacific region to effectively self-quarantine and remain at sea for 14 days in order to monitor sailors for any symptoms of coronavirus."Out of an abundance of caution, Pacific Fleet is implementing additional mitigations to prevent Sailors from contracting COVID-19, and to monitor Sailors who have traveled to higher-risk areas," US Navy spokesman Lt.

How to prepare for coronavirus in the United States: 10 questions answered

Officials at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that the novel coronavirus will spread in US communities, and a case announced on Wednesday might be the country’s first instance of it.“Our aggressive containment strategy here in the United States has been working and is responsible for the low levels of cases that we have so far.

Delta reduces flights to Korea as virus outbreak spreads

Delta Air Lines said Wednesday it will reduce flights to South Korea as concern rises about the spread of the new virus beyond China.

Tokyo Olympics would likely be canceled instead of moved if coronavirus outbreak worsens

TOKYO (AP) — A senior member of the International Olympic Committee said Tuesday that if it proves too dangerous to hold the Olympics in Tokyo this summer because of the coronavirus outbreak, organizers are more likely to cancel it altogether than to postpone or move it.