As coronavirus concern grows in the Arlington area, school districts, local governments and first responders are taking extra precautions to be prepared in case of a potential outbreak.
The reality of the virulent flu-like illness hit close to home when a Marysville resident tested positive for the coronavirus, causing the school district to close Grove Elementary School and the Early Learning Center Tuesday for a thorough sanitizing of the buildings.
In Washington state, Snohomish County has reported 8 coronavirus cases and 1 death, and King County 31 cases and 9 deaths, while statewide figures show 39 confirmed cases and 231 people under public health monitoring, according to the latest state Department of Health update.
Arlington Mayor Barb Tolbert signed a state of emergency declaration Thursday in lockstep with the county and several of its cities supporting requests for state and federal funding tied to costs for keeping the public safe.