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COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations in ASL for D/HOH & DB

COVID-19 resources in ASL for D/HOH & DB

American Sign Language for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain spreading from person-to-person. It is currently in the United States and many other countries, after originating in China. Health experts are concerned because this new virus has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people — especially people over age 60 or who have weakened immune systems.

People at high risk for complications from COVID-19 are:

  • People older than 60 years
  • People with chronic medical conditions
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Pregnant people

Health experts are still learning more about the spread. Currently it is thought to spread:

  • through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
  • between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
  • by touching a surface or object with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. They may also have COVID-19 if they have at least two of these symptoms: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or a new loss of taste or smell.

If you are ill with fever and a cough or shortness of breath, stay home. If you are unsure of how to care for yourself or are concerned about your condition, call your health care provider for advice. If you feel you need to visit your doctor, call them first. Keep yourself separated from other people and animals in your home. Cover your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands often.

Misinformation about coronavirus can create fear and hostility that hurts people and makes it harder to keep everyone healthy. We're stronger as a community when we stand together against discrimination. Take advantage of these resources to prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma.

This video in American Sign Language shares what to expect when an individual gets vaccinated for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine for Ages 5 to 11 COVID-19 Vaccine for Ages 5 to 11

COVID-19 Vaccine for Ages 12 to 17

Dial 711 to be automatically connected to a TRS operator. It's fast, functional and free. Dialing 711, both voice and TRS users can initiate a call from any telephone, anywhere in the United States, without having to remember and dial a ten-digit access number.

COVID-19 Information for Community Members
who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing


A conversation between Michelle Sarju and Meredith Li-Vollmer from Public Health - Seattle & King County discussing topics such as COVID-19 vaccine safety, historical medical racism and trauma and what gives them hope as two BIPOC women.



A conversation between Becky Reitzes from Public Health - Seattle & King County and Elizabeth Ralston, Accessibility Consultant and Founder of the Seattle Cultural Accessibility Consortium. Learn what COVID-19 information is most important as of early 2021 with information tailored to community members who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.



A conversation between Patty Liang, Executive Director of Deaf Spotlight and Elizabeth Ralston, Accessibility Consultant and Founder of the Seattle Cultural Accessibility Consortium. Hosted by Public Health- Seattle & King County, we learn about unique challenges that mask wearing poses for community members who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. We also learn tips for communicating when someone signs or reads lips while everyone wears masks to slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn to be a self-advocate for your communication needs in healthcare settings, business settings and personal interactions!

King County COVID-19 Call Centers

  • COVID-19 information
    For COVID-19 information and resources visit kingcounty.gov/covid.

    For general questions about COVID-19 in Washington State call the Washington State COVID-19 Information Hotline at 1-800-525-0127. Say your preferred language when connected.

    Request an accommodation
    If you have a disability and need accommodation, email publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov.

    Isolation and quarantine requests
    For isolation and quarantine requests contact the King County COVID-19 Mobile Isolation and Quarantine Program at 206-848-0710. Staff are available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

  • Non-medical questions about COVID-19, including compliance and business-related issues?
    Contact King County COVID-19 Business and Community Information by submitting a written inquiry or report online.

  • For questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Department of Health at 1‑800‑525‑0127.

  • Send us an email using our online form.

ASL Now COVID-19 Hotline

Got questions? Call the hotline using ASL Now or VP 833-682-7630.

  • This hotline does not give medical advice. The agents taking your call have no medical training. If you're calling because you're sick, call 911 or your primary care physician.

  • Can't use ASL Now? See what's combinable.
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