Washington state reports 260 new cases, 4 deaths

The Washington State Department of Health on Monday reported 260 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and four deaths.

Pierce County reported 31 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no deaths on Monday. Pierce County had a total of 132 deaths likely caused by COVID-19 as of Monday, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

Statewide totals from the illness caused by the coronavirus are at 67,721 cases and 1,785 deaths, up from 67,461 cases and 1,781 Sunday.

Twenty-nine people with confirmed COVID-19 cases were admitted to Washington state hospitals on Aug. 9, the most recent date with complete data. Late March had two days with 88 people admitted, the highest numbers to date during the pandemic.

The total number of tests conducted is temporarily unavailable, according to the DOH. On Aug. 9, 271 specimens were collected statewide, with 73.8% testing positive. The average positive test rate for the seven days prior was 42.9%.

The test numbers reflect only polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which are given to patients while the virus is presumably still active in the body.

King County continues to have the highest numbers in Washington, with 17,745 cases and 694 deaths. Yakima County is second, with 10,645 cases and 221 deaths. Pierce is third with cases at 6,177.

All counties in Washington have cases. Garfield and Wahkiakum have case counts of fewer than 10.