Dean Hilary Godwin has been named to a panel advising Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan on strategies for short and long-term community-wide infection mitigation efforts.

The experts are meeting weekly with Mayor Durkan to provide advisory support as the City of Seattle works to achieve the rapid scaling of public health infrastructure required to meet its goal of sustainably mitigating the impacts of COVID-19.

"Because of the country's best modelers, public health officials and researchers, Seattle and Washington led the nation to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of our residents and health care workers," Mayor Durkan said. "As we reopen, we're in uncharted territory with no playbook or leadership from the federal government, but we can lead in how our residents, community and businesses prepare for a new normal."

The mayor added: "To help us navigate our new reality, I've enlisted the help of some to the country’s most brilliant minds on infectious diseases and public health. As we reopen, science and thoughtful action will guide our City. Ensuring businesses and community stakeholders have the tools they need to make smart decisions will help protect workers, the community, and continue to keep our health care system from being overwhelmed."

The advisory panel includes public health officials and leaders from across the world. Using their expertise and models from across the country, experts will provide advice and resources regarding:

• Recommendations for a phased plan and indicators of progress for scaling up public health interventions, as states and localities consider relaxing physical distancing measures;
• A roadmap of public health measures  – such as the infrastructure and technology for scaling testing, tracing, quarantine, isolation, and public health workforce – that are critical suppressing COVID-19 as city, county, and state authorities make decisions for promoting the sustainable suppression over the next 12-18 months;
• Guidance for continued community wide mitigation strategies and industry specific strategies;
• Assistance with a data framework that the City of Seattle would manage to monitor how incremental actions could affect disease transmission; and
• Innovative solutions pursued by other localities, states, and international settings.