Tacoma-area COVID-19 cases now include a child under 10 and another youth
Pierce County’s cases of COVID-19 doubled in one day to 14, according to new numbers released by the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, and includes the first presumed positive cases of a child and youth in the county.
Two cases were reported from Joint Base Lewis-McChord that tested positive, a service member and spouse. The two are in quarantine off-base, the Washington military base confirmed Tuesday.
The new cases listed on the county website Tuesday include a Tacoma woman in her 30s, a University Place woman in her 50s and another UP woman in her 60s, a Tacoma woman in her 20s, a University Place man in his 40s, a Tacoma boy under age 10 and a Tacoma youth.
The county’s first case was reported Friday. The state on Monday reported 24 deaths and 267 cases across nine counties.
King County Health Department on Tuesday reported it had 190 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 22 deaths.
Life Care Center in Kirkland, which saw the start of the virus outbreak at its site in February, has reported 55 positive cases among its residents, according to The Seattle Times.
Snohomish County is reporting 54 confirmed cases and 60 suspected cases and one death. Three have tested positive from Josephine Caring Community in Stanwood.
Grant County has had one death.
While about 80 percent of people who get the virus will have mild symptoms and can easily recover at home, those with more serious health issues or the elderly can be hit harder.
Monday evening, Pierce County offered additional public health guidance on its blog, including:
Recommendation for those over age 60 to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people. People at high risk (chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, people with weakened immune systems and those who are pregnant) should avoid attending events with large crowds such as concerts, church and fairs or festivals.
For employers and businesses: “We encourage agencies that serve the elderly, immune compromised or pregnant woman to consider postponing special events and meetings. Now is the time to explore telework options and other flexible work situations to help those who are most vulnerable protect their health.”
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 2:21 PM.
