A new report from the state shows that Yakima County has yet to rein in the spread of coronavirus.
“Current transmission levels will likely lead to increasingly explosive growth in cases and deaths if not contained, and local prevalence will likely soon exceed the peak reached in King County in late March,” according to the report, which called for additional interventions.
The report, released by the governor’s office Saturday. Yakima County reported an additional 133 cases Saturday and seven new deaths from the disease. No new deaths were reported Thursday or Friday.
Researchers highlighted Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties, where coronavirus infection rates showed little, if any, signs of decreasing. And projections show that, unless measures are implemented to slow the disease’s spread, infections and deaths will go up significantly, the report said.
The state Department of Health said efforts may be needed to expand hospital capacity and testing, protect the people at highest risk and increase physical distancing.
“We’re working closely with the Governor’s Office, local officials and partners to identify additional ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in these regions," state health officer Dr. Kathy Lofy said in a statement. "Every single person in our state can and must do their part to help by following public health recommendations.”
The report noted that the data in the report reflected possible increases in transmission on Memorial Day weekend, but not from recent anti-racism and police brutality protests.
Gov. Jay Inslee, a former Selah resident, said the data from Eastern Washington was a “particular concern” for him and public health officials.
“This is not a time to give up on efforts to protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” Inslee said in a statement. “We are still in the middle of a pandemic that is continuing to infect and kill Washingtonians.”
He renewed calls for using masks when going out in public and maintaining social distancing to slow the spread of the disease.
The report said six counties — Yakima, Klickitat, Benton, Franklin, Spokane and Stevens — have not yet reached a peak level of cases.
The number of people hospitalized remains at 45, eight are intubated and 2,213 people are considered to have recovered from the disease. The health district has been tracking cases since mid-March.
The rate of new infections in the past two weeks is about 638 per 100,000 in Yakima County, well above the 25 per 100,000 required for Yakima County to loosen social distancing rules under state guidelines, according to the state Department of Health.
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June 14, 2020 at 08:12AM
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Not at peak yet: Report says Yakima County facing increase in coronavirus cases; public's help needed - Yakima Herald-Republic
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