Kristin Kinsey and Annabelle Larner are University of Washington Libraries Special Collections staff members.
The first confirmed case of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States was announced by the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 21, 2020. The patient had recently returned from Wuhan, China, on January 15, 2020, where a pneumonia outbreak caused by the coronavirus started in December 2019. This case marks the beginning of the coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak in Washington State and the beginning of a radical change in the lives of the citizens of Washington and the rest of the United States. The virus rapidly spread through the population so that within a month, businesses were closed and boarded up, unemployment soared to record highs as people lost their jobs overnight, schools and public events were canceled. People began stocking up on toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other products leaving grocery store shelves bare of some products. By March 23rd, Governor Jay Inslee directed Washington residents to stay home by executive order with exceptions for essential critical infrastructure workers. Until mid-March, Washington State had the highest number of confirmed cases and the highest number per capita of any state in the country, when it was surpassed by New York State as the virus spread throughout the country.
A brief timeline of the coronavirus in Washington through
March:
Photographs relating to the effect of the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak on the Seattle area community.
Entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries’ Digital Collections website. Permission of Visual Materials Curator is required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.
Creator's copyrights transferred to the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.
Donor: Kris Kinsey, April 2020; Annabelle Larner, April 2020.
Sign affixed to shelf reads: Due to high demand, national shortage, and to support all customers we will be limited the number of: Cold & Flu, Liquid Hand Soap, Vitamins, Hand Sanitizers, Household Cleaning, Water, Bath Tissue, Paper Towels, and Facial Tissue to 3 each per customer.
Sign reads: Dear Valued Customers: Please join us in following the CDC’s current social distancing guidelines, maintaining a distance of 6” from others whenever possible. If you’re in line, please stand on the “Please Wait Here” to help ensure proper distance between yourself and other shoppers.
Sign in window reads: We are open. Take out only. Uber. Grubhub. Doordash. BiteSquad
Sign in window reads: Top Pot is open for TO-GO ONLY. Please help us say safe and healthy by: Keeping 6+ feet between you and the guest ahead of you. Do not linger after you have received your order. Queue outside if needed to maintain a safe distance. Please maintain a safe distance from your fellows patrons while you are waiting for your drink and do not approach the counter until your drink is ready.
Sign reads in part: We’re keeping the door locked to help us control the number of customers in the shop at once… To help flatten the curve, please keep your visits to those that are 100% necessary… If you are not feeling well or have been around anyone who has been sick, PLEASE DON’T COME IN!...Please be cool and use the hand sanitizer at the front counter upon entering and leaving the store…We want to shake your hands and give you high fives but right now we are keeping it to necessary elbow bumps…Please understand that normally we don’t mind standing close to you, but right now we all need to practice good and safe social distancing so please stand at least six feet away from us while in the shop…We are regularly cleaning and disinfecting all surface and washing our hands as per CDC/health department guidelines (including your bike’s contact points.. it’s not personal, we just want to do what we can to mitigate the spread of this crappy ass virus). We’re wearing gloves at all times.
Mural created by Design by Parker, a graphic and interior design studio. Poem by Brittany Paige.
Sign reads: We love being Ballard's local shop for cooking and baking essentials, but in accordance with Governor Inslee's "stay at home" orders, we will be closed until at least April 7. Stay home, stay safe. We'll see you when we reopen.
Majestic Bay Theater marquee reads: We got this Seattle. Reel magic will return. Be kind.
Notice: If you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing, do not touch the door handle or ring the doorbell. If you have these symptoms and this not an emergency, contact Washington State Department of Health’s Hotline for instruction on next steps…This is response to the spread of COVID-19. All visitors must follow these steps: If you have a cough or fever, believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are diagnosed with COVID-19, do not enter the premises. Wash your hands with soap and water for min. 20 seconds upon entering. Check in with the duty crew to present identification and reason for visit. Sign in the logbook to help us track possible exposures. Clean all surfaces with which you have had contact with appropriate wipes as you go. Cover coughs and sneezes and wipe down surfaces that may have been contaminated.
Sign reads: Notice: City of Seattle playgrounds/Play areas are closed. Because these are high-touch areas, playgrounds and play areas are closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Sign reads: Notice: City of Seattle play areas are closed. Because these are high-touch areas, play areas are closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Sign reads: Dear Friends, We want to inform you that day by day we are making difficult decisions on what is best for our small business and for our community. We have offered delivery and take-out to you for the past two weeks since our local officials wisely decided to limit restaurant service to help curb the COVID-19 spread. During that time, we put a lot of smiles on peoples faces by staying open. But today (after reaching the 14 day mark) we have decided that closing for a few weeks is the best way to contribute to helping "flatten the curve." We are hoping for only a 2 week closure. It may be longer but we will re-open again when our community is healthier. We thank you all for your patronage and general kindness through these try times. We wish you all good health and happiness. We will see you again soon. Sincerely, The 8oz. crew 3/30/2020
Mural signed by artist Josie Rice (@josephinerice.flower)
Mural signed by artist Josie Rice (@josephinerice.flower). Sign reads: Venue will re-open as soon as possible! In the meantime... Be kind. Stay healthy. And enjoy the flowers!
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
Sign reads: Anchored Ship will be closed temporarily for the safety and well being of our community, staff and family. Thank you for your understanding and we are going to miss you so so much! Sheila".
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
Mural created by artist Stevie Shao.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
Mural created by artist Stevie Shao.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
Signed: Fantasy A, Seattle's Legendary Rapper Undisputed King of Hustle.
Mural created by artist Tori Shao.
In an effort to support local farmers and to return to normal life, the Ballard Farmers Market, which had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reopened on April 18th. To ensure everyone's health and safety during COVID-19, the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA) requested that shoppers and vendors follow strict rules and practice social distancing, refrain from sampling food, and use hand sanitizer and hand washing stations positioned on the premises.
Mural painted by artist Stevie Shao.
Mural painted by artist Stevie Shao.
Viruses don’t discriminate and neither should we. Wearing a mask does not mean a person is ill…You can interrupt stigma. Start by sharing accurate information…Speak up if you hear, see or read misinformation or harassing comments…Show compassion and support for those most closely impacted…
Mural created by artist Tori Shao.
Mural created by artist Andrew Miller.
Mural created by artist Andrew Miller.
Mural created by artist Patrick Nguyen.
Mural created by artist Katie Kulseth.
Mural created by artist Stevie Shao.
Mural created by artist Katie Kulseth.
Mural created by artist Stevie Shao.
Mural created by artist Katie Kulseth.
Mural created by artist Patrick Nguyen.
Mural created by artist Patrick Nguyen.
Mural created by artist Tori Shao.
Mural painted by artist Andrew Miller.
Mural created by artist Taylor Reed.
Mural created by artist Taylor Reed.
Mural created by artist Taylor Reed.
Murals created by artist Tori Shao and Ryan Henry Ward.
Mural created by artist Tori Shao.
Mural created by artist Marit Helena Mork.
Mural created by artist Ryan Henry Ward.
Mural created by Ryan Henry Ward.
Mural created by Ryan Henry Ward.
Mural created by Ryan Henry Ward.
Mural painted by artist Andrew Miller.
Sign reads: “Sorry folks. The moose out front should have told you! The Mean Team thanks everyone of our guests for the love and support you’ve shown while our community fights the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Due to this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by Gov. Inslee and the CDC, we have decided that it is our shared responsibly to close Mean Sandwich temporarily while we, as a community, surmount our common hardship. Mean Sandwich will remain closed until the “Stay at Home” order is lifted by our officials. It has been our great pleasure to serve our sandwiches, burgers and sides to you and we look forward to seeing you ALL at the shop again soon! Stay at Home. Wash Your Hands.
Mural created by @thetipseyartist (probably artist Patrick Nguyen).
Mural created by @thetipseyartist (probably artist Patrick Nguyen).
Mural created by @thetipseyartist (probably artist Patrick Nguyen).
Mural by artist Burgandy Viscosi (@burgandyviscosi)
Message on mural: I believe in you
"Stay Strong" mural by artist Patrick Nguyen.
Artist mural by @yetigraffiti
Mural (far right) by artist @havepaintwillpaint
Mural (far right) by artist @yetigraffiti
Mural by artist Burgandy Viscosi, "Stay Strong" mural by artist Patrick Nguyen.
Mural by artist @paint.to.change
Mural by artist Patrick Nguyen.
Sign reads: Thank you: Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Police officers, Firefighters, Farmers, Grocery Store Workers, Mail Carriers, Food Service Workers, Transit Operators, Utility Workers, Custodial Staff, Delivery Drivers & Everyone Else who helps keep things running.
Sign reads: Attention shoppers. Please help us with ensuring the 6 foot rule and limit contact with workers and fellow customers.
Mural by artist Patrick Nguyen.
Signed RPE.
Mural by artist Mason Montgomery.
Mural by artists @vk.signs and @leo.shallat
Mural reads: "Plywood Square"
Words of encouragement and positivity painted on the walls of the Seattle I-90 bike tunnel by Annabelle Larner.
Words of encouragement and positivity painted on the walls of the Seattle I-90 bike tunnel by Annabelle Larner.
Words of encouragement and positivity painted on the walls of the Seattle I-90 bike tunnel by Annabelle Larner.
Words of encouragement and positivity painted on the walls of the Seattle I-90 bike tunnel by Annabelle Larner.
Mural by artist Tara Velan.
Mural by artist Tara Velan. Message on mural: "We can be heroes just for one day"; image of woman with protective mask and lightning bolt with words "Hero. Distance = Resistance = Coexistence"; image of wild rose with word "Strength."
Mural by artist Tara Velan.
Mural by artist Rich M Stevens (@richmstevens) and @overallcreative
Mural by artist kalee bly choiniere (@barelyawakekalee).
Murals by artists Jillian Chong and Morgan Zion.
Mural by artist Morgan Zion (@morgan_smile).
Murals by artist Morgan Zion. Message on mural: "Now that you have the time, take as much as you need. Learn something new, create a masterpiece, sleep, laugh, enjoy your life! Love Morgan Zion"
Mural by artist Jillian Chong (@thechongsta).
Mural by artists Morgan Zion (@morgan_smile).
Mural by artist Morgan Zion (@morgan_smile).
Mural by artist Elisa Law (@elisa.maelen).
Murals by artist Elisa Law (@elisa.maelen). Text on mural reads: "Grub-Hub, Uber-Eats and Call-in orders. No slices, whole pies only please. No cash".
Mural by artist Elisa Law (@elisa.maelen).
Mural by artist Kalee Bly Choiniere (@barelyawakekalee).
Mural by artist Kevin Knutson (signed Kreau). Messages read: "Take care Seattle" and "8pm make a joyful noise."
Mural by artist Jillian Chong (@thechongsta).
Mural by artist Kevin Knutson (signed Kreau).
Mural by artist Morgan Zion @morgan_smile. Adjoining mural reads: "Press to reset society" with image of woman pressing large red button.
Mural by artist Sean David Williams (@sean_evergreen)
Artist mural by Cady Bogart (@thequeencity).
Artist "Stay home eat snax" mural by Cady Bogart (@thequeencity).
Lines by Hellafragile. Words by Laura Sullivan Cassidy (If you don't have a name for it, the name for it is free. If you don't have time for it, the time for it is now. If you can't hold on, let go)
From website: Creativity That Connects strives to share that hope with all. Whether your support is a donation, good vibes or sharing this with others, all are welcome. We exist to unite creatives and small businesses who’ve been impacted by Covid-19, with YOU, the stellar individuals who have the desire and ability to help.
Artist mural by The Chaotic Aquatic
Artist mural by Goldsuit.
Mural by artist Bella Pham.
Wait Again message by Benjamin Hubbard (@ben_busy)
"Stand Six Steps" mural by Stacy Milrany.
Artist mural by Josephine Rice.
Mural by artists @mari.shibuya and @vk.signs
Mural by artists @mari.shibuya and @vk.signs
Mural "New systems will grow if we tend to them" by @mari.shibuya and @vk.signs
Artist mural "New systems will grow if we tend to them" by @mari.shibuya and @vk.signs
Mural by artist Morgan Zion (@morgan.smile).
Mural by artist Morgan Zion (@morgan.smile).
Mural by artist Morgan Zion (@morgan.smile).
Notice reads: We love you. We know how hard this is. We are gonna try so hard to stay here in the gayborhood, where we have had the honor of serving you for such a long and wonderful time, and we appreciate every single one of you who has come in over the years, and especially in the past few weeks. We will get through this together. It is hard to require a lot of patience and hard practice at maintaining balance and calm and kindness and hope. We can, and must, do this. We are here for you, and working on other ways to support you as this insanity churns on. Be well. Stay calm. XOXO Sugerpill
Mural by artist @rainbow_tay_tay_tay Text on mural: Will happen, happening, happened & we'll happen again & again cuz you & i will always be back then.
Mural by artist @rainbow_tay_tay_tay Text on mural: Will happen, happening, happened & we'll happen again & again cuz you & i will always be back then.
Artist mural by Goldsuit.
Mural by artist Ronnie Art (@ronnietaylorart).
Mural by artist @saint.jermain. Also written on mural @covid19mutualaid
Mural by artist Sebastian Loo.
Mural by artist Bailee Hiatt (@baileehiatt).
Signed "Sandy 2020" and @Paint_2_Change (an organization that facilitates public art projects that make a positive impact and support artists.)
Mural by artist Glynn Rosenberg (@glynnrosenberg).
Murals by artists @enchanting_stranger (Jon Garaizar) and @artbyhaka. Also signed #facedowncratsup
Mural by artist Momo Nikaido.
Mural by artist Carlos Giovanni (@theydrift) and @ksra_ksra.
Mural by artist Carlos Giovanni (@theydrift) and @ksra_ksra.
Mural signed by artist Josie Rice (@josephinerice.flower)
Mural signed by artist Josie Rice (@josephinerice.flower)
Mural signed by artist Josie Rice (@josephinerice.flower)
Mural signed by artist Josie Rice (@josephinerice.flower)
Mural by artist Jillian Chong (@thechongsta)
Mural signed by artist Josie Rice (@josephinerice.flower)
Mural by artist Kevin Knutson (signed Kreau).
Mural by artist Katlyn Hubner (@katlynart)
Mural by artist Jillian Chong (@thechongsta)
Mural by artist Crystal Barbre (@CrystalBarbre) and Casey Weldon (@caseyweldon)
Mural by artist Crystal Barbre (@CrystalBarbre) and Casey Weldon (@caseyweldon)
Signed TCU.
Mural by artist by Rob Z (@zaeos)
Messages on stickers read: "Food soon. Suspend rent. Fear causes racism!! Toe Jam. Keep your distance"