COVID-19 updates testing and case count jump, Seattle Public Schools TV, Metro and light rail reductions, and a distillery pumping out craft hand sanitizer

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to escalate in Seattle, with King County reporting a record 131 new cases in one day, a trend linked to enhanced testing capabilities at the University of Washington. Governor Jay Inslee has taken early action by closing non-essential businesses and limiting large gatherings, but Seattle has not yet adopted more stringent "shelter in place" measures seen in other states. Amid these changes, public transit services such as Metro and Sound Transit are adjusting operations due to a dramatic decrease in ridership, with Metro moving to a reduced schedule starting March 23. Notably, Metro is halting fare collection and encouraging rear-door boarding to minimize contact. Meanwhile, Sound Transit maintains its service frequency while ensuring social distancing for its remaining passengers.

In response to school closures, Seattle Public Schools is launching educational programming on multiple platforms to support families. Experts like University of Washington virologist Trevor Bedford are advocating for at-home testing and the use of mobile data to help manage the outbreak. These updates reflect a rapidly changing landscape as the Seattle community navigates the challenges posed by COVID-19.