4 new Whatcom County coronavirus deaths reported Sunday, positive cases reach 224
Four more Whatcom County residents who tested positive for COVID-19, the new coronavirus, have died according to information released, Sunday, April 5, by the Whatcom County Health Department.
The newest numbers increase the total confirmed cases in Whatcom County to 224 from 199 on Saturday. A total of 13 people who tested positive have died, according to numbers reported by the county.
The health department didn’t include information on the gender or age range of the new fatalities or cases.
Saturday evening, April 4, the Lummi Public Health Department confirmed another Lummi community member had tested positive for COVID-19.
More than 1,237,420 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide, with more than 67,260 deaths as of Sunday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 304,826 confirmed cases — the most reported cases of any nation — with at least 7,616 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sunday.
Overall, the Washington State Department of Health reported 7,591 cases and 310 deaths as of Saturday afternoon.
Whatcom County cases detailed by the community include:
▪ Shuksan Healthcare Center: 54 positive tests (31 residents, 23 employees) and six resident deaths, as of April 2. A former resident who was discharged March 10 died March 20, and a test confirmed he was positive for COVID-19 a day after his death, for the seventh death linked to the facility. A COVID-19 outbreak at the Bellingham nursing home was reported by the health department March 22.
▪ Stafholt: The Good Samaritan Society confirmed that two medical professionals and 11 residents at the Blaine nursing facility have tested positive, as of April 1.
▪ Lynden Manor: The assisted living facility reported March 31 that it has had five residents test positive. Two of those residents tested positive after they were placed in hospice care.
▪ Lummi Nation: The Lummi Public Health Department has reported 19 community members tested positive for COVID-19 through April 4.
▪ Western Washington University: According to Western’s coronavirus information page, the Student Health Center has had two positive test results for COVID-19 as of March 30. The center also has had 60 negative test results.
▪ Whatcom Community College: Three employees at the Health Professions Education Center had tested positive for COVID-19 by April 3.
▪ Summit Place Assisted Living: A man in his 90s who was previously a resident at the assisted living facility in Bellingham died at St. Joseph hospital after testing positive. His death was reported March 26.
▪ Spring Creek by Bonaventure: On Friday, March 27, the Bellingham senior living facility, confirmed that a resident tested positive.
▪ Intalco: The Alcoa aluminum smelter in Ferndale reported on March 25 that it had one employee test positive.
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 April 5, 2020 at 12:06 PM.