Coronavirus updates: State reaches 87,522 cases; DOH to deploy new rapid tests
Updated at 8:50 a.m.
The Washington state Department of Health reported Wednesday 480 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two deaths
Pierce County reported 64 cases Wednesday and two new deaths. Pierce County has a total of 176 deaths likely caused by COVID-19 as of Wednesday, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Statewide totals from the illness caused by the coronavirus are at 87,522 cases and 2,126 deaths, up from 87,042 cases and 2,124 deaths Tuesday. Washington’s population is estimated at about 7.6 million, according to U.S. Census figures from July 2019.
Thirty people with confirmed COVID-19 cases were admitted to Washington state hospitals on Sept. 11, the most recent date with complete data. Late March had two days with 88 people admitted, the highest numbers to date during the pandemic.
On Sept. 19, the most recent date with complete data, 9,417 specimens were collected statewide, with 3.3% testing positive. The average positive test rate for the seven days prior was 3.2%. More than 1.8 million tests have been conducted in Washington.
The test numbers reflect only polymerase chain reaction tests, which are administered while the virus is presumably still active in the body.
King County continues to have the highest numbers in Washington, with 22,367 cases and 761 deaths. Yakima County is second, with 11,431 cases and 262 deaths. Pierce is third with cases at 8,064.
All counties in Washington have cases. Ten counties have case counts of fewer than 100.
On Wednesday, Washington had a 1,155-per-100,000-people case rate. The national rate is 2,166, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Louisiana has the highest rate in the United States at 3,580. Vermont is lowest at 279.
There had been more than 7.2 million confirmed coronavirus cases and 206,825 deaths from the virus in the United States as of Wednesday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The United States has the highest number of reported cases and deaths of any nation. More than 1 million people have died from the disease worldwide. Global cases exceed 33 million.
Washington state sees plateau, possible uptick in COVID activity, officials say at weekly briefing
Updated at 8:50 a.m.
Things are no longer going in the right direction, health officials said Wednesday during their weekly briefing about the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“In summary, after six weeks of decline, COVID-19 activity plateaued and now is starting to increase statewide,” State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy said at the virtual briefing, after showing various graphs about case counts and other data.
Statewide totals were 87,522 cases and 2,126 deaths Wednesday, up from 87,042 cases and 2,124 deaths.
The health officials said social distancing, masks, hand washing, limiting contact with others, and keeping activities outdoors whenever possible remains crucial as the weather gets cooler.
And when indoors, keep thinking about ventilation, they cautioned.
“We really just simply can’t let our guard down anywhere in the state,” Secretary of Health John Wiesman said.
Wiesman called out ads from groups in Yakima that he said are “creating a false and dangerous impression,” that things can go back to normal.
“More work is definitely needed,” he said.
Washington State Department of Health prepares to deploy new rapid COVID-19 tests
Updated at 8:50 a.m.
Within the next five to ten days the Washington State Department of Health will receive and distribute the first batch of Abbott BinaxNOW antigen test kits for COVID-19 from the federal government.
These are rapid tests that can return results in as little as 15 minutes. The first batch will include 149,000 kits, and the state anticipates receiving nearly 2.3 million total tests between now and December.
These rapid tests work best for and are approved for people with symptoms. This first batch will be distributed to community health centers, tribal clinics and critical access hospitals to increase access to COVID-19 testing in the communities they serve across the state. A plan for distribution of future shipments is in development.
“Interpreting the results of antigen tests can be complex,” said Dr. Charissa Fotinos, the state’s testing leader and deputy director of HCA. “Based on what we know now, the state is deploying the first shipment of BinaxNOW tests for use in symptomatic people and possibly those exposed to confirmed cases.”
At least 25 COVID-19 cases connected to Salish Lodge & Spa
Updated at 8:50 a.m.
At least 25 COVID-19 cases have been reported at the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, public health officials said Wednesday.
The outbreak involves 23 staff and two guests, according to a news release sent by Public Health - Seattle & King County spokeswoman Sharon Bogan.
Anyone who visited the popular lodge east of Seattle next to Snoqualmie Falls overnight or during the day from Sept. 16-30 should get tested for COVID-19 and monitor for symptoms, the news release said.
Salish Lodge & Spa is fully cooperating with Public Health to implement recommendations, is facilitating testing for staff and is currently closed, according to health officials. The Salish Lodge & Spa restaurants will be closed the week of Sept. 28, says a message on its website.
“We have done everything possible to protect our guests and team members since the beginning of the pandemic, including elevating our health, hygiene, safety and sanitation protocols and following health agency guidance,” Alan Stephens, General Manager of Salish Lodge & Spa said in the news release.
Stephens also said the entire facility will be sanitized.
This story was originally published October 1, 2020 at 8:52 AM.
