Five more deaths reported as coronavirus continues its spread across Washington state
The number of COVID-19 cases in Pierce County on Wednesday grew to 17 on Wednesday as the disease continued to spread across Washington state.
The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported 366 cases, up 99 from Tuesday, with five new fatalities, bringing the death toll attributed to coronavirus to 29 statewide.
The new Pierce County cases include a Tacoma man in his 30s, a Puyallup woman in her 30s and another Tacoma man in his 30s. The first case also was reported in Thurston County.
So far, King, Snohomish and Pierce counties have seen the highest numbers of cases. On Wednesday, the numbers were:
- King County: 234 confirmed cases, 26 deaths
- Snohomish County: 68 confirmed cases, two deaths
- Pierce County: 17 confirmed cases, no deaths
The state reports those 60 or older account for 59 percent of confirmed cases.
On Wednesday, new restrictions were in place for King, Snohomish and Pierce counties through March in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.
Those include a a ban on gatherings and events of more than 250 people. King County also announced a temporary ban on public gatherings smaller than 250 unless they meet public health guidelines that include measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Washington State Fair in Puyallup on Wednesday called off all events through the end of March, following Gov. Jay Inslee’s prohibition of large social gatherings in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.
The Tacoma Dome on Wednesday postponed events scheduled for the coming weeks, and said in a statement: “We are reviewing each scheduled event due to happen during the month of March and will provide an update on new dates for these events as quickly as possible. Tickets will be honored for the new dates. Purchasers unable to attend rescheduled dates should contact their point of purchase.”
It added that “All events after March 31 remain as scheduled at this time. We will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC, local and state authorities.”
Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier emphasized that the “vast majority of our community will come out the other side of this just fine.”
The new measures will potentially affect many cultural and faith centers, Dammeier noted. Many, he said have already been planning, with livestreaming services.
On Tuesday, Mayor Victoria Woodards, who was also in attendance at Wednesday’s news conference with the governor, said in a statement: “Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department issued guidance on Monday that people age 60 and older, people with underlying health conditions and pregnant women should take extra measures to distance themselves from other people and stay at home.
“I encourage those who are healthy and are not from vulnerable populations to find ways to support our community during this time, by engaging in volunteering at food banks and non-profits and investing their dollars in our local business community.”
On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it would provide $11,480,798 in funding to Washington state in support of COVID-19 response measures, the same day the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic.
This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 2:38 PM.
