COVID-19 relief efforts in Seattle & King County would not be possible without the CARES Act 2020

Abstract

Introduction: The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) known as COVID-19 caused a global pandemic that resulted in millions of cases of respiratory illness, physical discomfort, and death. Washington state reported the first death on February 29, 2022, as a result of COVID-19 in one patient from a long-term care facility in Kirkland, WA (CDC, 2020). The Washington State Department of Health, Public Health – Seattle & King County, and the statewide hospital systems immediately implemented strategic plans to bring awareness of the severity of COVID-19, in an effort to stop the spread of the virus, all while planning relief efforts in case the spread took a turn for the worst. Focusing on the time period of March 2020 through January 2021, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 2020 passed by the U.S. Congress on March 25, 2020, was implemented to keep structures such as the Isolation and Quarantine Centers and the Assessment/Recovery Centers staffed and clinically operational within Seattle and King County. This report analyzed the relief actions of Public Health Seattle & King County and how their strategic planning included the use of the CARES Act funds. Methods: Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Using a structured interview questionnaire, interviews were conducted with two key stakeholders. Due to the nature of this study, a descriptive analysis was appropriate to ensure responses from interviews were captured and summarized effectively. Findings: Using the Isolation and Quarantine Centers, King County was able to provide safe havens for members of King County who were homeless or unsheltered to isolate and quarantine after acquiring COVID-19 or being exposed to the virus. The Isolation and Quarantine Centers were vital resources to reduce the burden on emergency department as a means for clinical care. In addition, the Isolation and Quarantine Centers helped decrease the spread of the virus in congregate settings within Seattle and King County. According to King County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial report, “the County’s governmental activities earned $244 million in payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund, a new source of non-grant Federal support authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).” Of those funds, $40 million aided the efforts through the Isolation and Quarantine Centers. Conclusions: Although the Isolation and Quarantine Centers were not the sole reason why hospitals did not reach max capacity, they did play an essential role in keeping patients with mild COVID-like illnesses out of the emergency department but with access to clinical assistance and observation.