Whatcom Health Department reports 4 new cases in Monday’s coronavirus count
The number of Whatcom County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 has increased by four to 120, the Whatcom County Health Department reported Monday afternoon, March 30.
No new deaths were reported, leaving the number of deaths related to COVID-19 at seven for Whatcom County.
The information was released at 4:45 p.m. on Monday after the Whatcom County Health Department reported a delay earlier in the day because results from the Washington State Disease Reporting System had not fully updated.
The health department reported 14 new positive tests and three deaths on Sunday. Details about the three most recent deaths have not been released.
More than 782,300 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide, with more than 37,500 deaths as of Monday evening, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 163,420 confirmed cases — the most reported cases of any nation — with at least 3,000 deaths.
Overall, the Washington State Department of Health reported 4,896 cases and 195 deaths as of midnight Sunday.
The state agency said it would not post new statewide totals Monday because a high volume of data was causing technical difficulties.
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 30, 2020 at 12:22 PM.
