The Bellevue (WA) Police Department has closed two substations to limit contact with the public amid the outbreak of COVID-19—also known as the coronavirus—in the Seattle area.
According to KOMO-TV, the decision was made to close the substations and terminate operations at several public lobbies in order to prevent further spread of the disease, which has claimed the lives of 25 people in the Evergreen State.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee said Tuesday that up to 64,000 people could be infected within two months if actions aren't taken now to stop its spread.
A spokesperson with Bellevue Police said this decision was important for the people who volunteer at the department.
"Our volunteers—there are 16 of them that rotate through the substations—are considered to be at high risk if they were to contract this virus."