9 reported dead from coronavirus in Washington state outbreak

Health officials on Tuesday announced three more presumed coronavirus deaths in the Seattle area, bringing the Washington state death toll to nine. Eight of the deceased individuals were residents of King County and one lived in Snohomish County.

There are currently 21 confirmed coronavirus cases in King County, including seven new ones. There are six cases for Snohomish County, bringing the statewide total to 27.

King County health officials announced three more deaths from the coronavirus.

One of those people died on February 26 at Harvorview Medical Center in Seattle, according to a hospital spokesperson. That means the first presumptive U.S. coronavirus death happened earlier than previously believed.

A woman in her 80s also died on February 26 from the virus. She was in her 80s and did not go to the hospital.

Those who died range in age from their 40s to 80s. In addition to the one person who died at Harborview, and one at home, were seven who died at EvergreenHealth community hospital in Kirkland.

Many of the affected individuals have ties to the Life Care Center, a long-term care facility in Kirkland. Reported cases include residents, their family members, and employees. Health officials in North Carolina reported a presumed coronavirus case connected a resident's recent travel to Washington state and exposure to the Life Care Center.

Twenty-six firefighters and three police officers in Kirkland are in quarantine, according to a news release published on the City of Kirkland's website. Each instance is linked to first responders' contact with the Life Care Center.

A team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is aiding local public health officials in an investigation of the Life Care Center outbreak.