“This is a time to remember the 1,400 lives tragically lost in King County and the many people who have experienced hardships during the pandemic,” Dunn said. “It’s also an opportunity to pay our respects to those who have given so much of themselves this past year—our healthcare workers, essential workers and educators—and even those who took the time to care for a neighbor in need.”
The recognition honors the sacrifices made by public health employees, healthcare workers, first responders, educators, and essential workers, since the King County Executive issued a Proclamation of Emergency on March 1, 2020. It also calls attention to the approximately 332,000 jobs lost across Washington State and the thousands of businesses that have closed during the economic shut down.