Two Whatcom residents die from coronavirus, 20 more test positive Thursday
Two additional Whatcom County residents who tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, have died, according to information released Thursday, March 26, by the Whatcom County Health Department.
That brings the total number of deaths in Whatcom County due to the coronavirus pandemic to four, the health department reported. The two deaths were:
▪ A woman in her 90s who was a resident at the Shuksan Healthcare Center in Bellingham. She died Wednesday, March 25, at the facility.
▪ A man in his 90s who was previously a resident at Summit Place Assisted Living in Bellingham. He died while at St. Joseph hospital while being treated for COVID-19.
Their names were not released.
“Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and loved ones of these two individuals,” Whatcom Unified Command Incident Commander John Wolpers said in the health department release. “We know this is a sad and painful time, and we mourn with them.”
Twenty more Whatcom County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, the health department reported Thursday, bringing the county’s total number diagnosed with the respiratory illness to 86.
The health department didn’t include information on the gender or age range of the new cases, saying it would no longer provide those details because the number of confirmed cases has increased.
The health department reported it also has learned of additional confirmed cases at a small number of long-term care facilities in the county and is working with each of those facilities on further testing needs and investigating contacts, the release said. Whatcom Unified Command also is assessing the resources those facilities need.
“We also extend deep gratitude and respect for the healthcare workers who are at the forefront of caring for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Wolpers said in the release. “We know that their work is absolutely vital, and they are doing everything they can to provide the best possible care.”
The health department has reported that 27 residents and 11 staff at Shuksan Healthcare Center in Bellingham have tested positive for the respiratory illness.
Whatcom’s first death from coronavirus — a man in his 60s — was reported on March 19.
On March 20, a man in his 80s died at his home, the health department reported, and test results revealed a day later that he also had COVID-19.
More than 511,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide, with more than 23,000 deaths as of Thursday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 76,500 confirmed cases, with at least 1,093 deaths.
Overall, the Washington State Department of Health reported 3,207 cases and 147 deaths as of Thursday afternoon. Eighty percent of the deaths in the state have been from people 70 and older.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 12:52 PM.
