State health department report shows an increase in COVID-19 activity in Washington

The Washington State Department of Health released a new report Saturday, June 13, showing an increase in COVID-19 activity across the state at the end of May.

Eastern Washington is currently of greatest concern, specifically in Benton, Franklin, Spokane and Yakima counties. According to the report, COVID-19 is estimated to increase substantially if activity levels remain the same, causing a surge of positive test results and deaths.

In terms of population, the Health Department compared the situation in each Eastern Washington county to King County when it was at its peak in March.

“The trends we’re seeing point to the critical importance of actions we can all take, like staying six feet apart and wearing cloth face coverings whenever we’re in public, as well as a need for increased response in these harder-hit areas,” said state health officer, Dr. Kathy Lofy, in a press release. “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. Every single person in our state can and must do their part to help by following public health recommendations.”

The overall count of positive COVID-19 cases in Western Washington has flattened out recently, however, the report shows small increases. Across the state, the report’s findings included activity on Memorial Day weekend, but not following recent protests.

“Washingtonians have done the hard work to flatten the curve on COVID-19 and we know this has been tremendously difficult for families, businesses and communities over the past few months,” Gov. Jay Inslee said Saturday afternoon in a press release. “But today’s report shows us there is still reason for strong concern in parts of our state. The report estimates cases and deaths will soon increase substantially if COVID-19 continues to spread at current levels.”

Inslee went on to explain the cause for concern in Eastern Washington that has developed and how Washingtonians can continue practicing social distancing to remain safe.

“The cases in Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties are of particular concern,” Inslee explained. “I joined the Institute for Disease Modeling this morning as they shared data with leaders in these three counties. This data will force us to look for some creative solutions and strengthen our strong local-state partnerships to address the disease activity.

“To continue tackling this virus, we must increase testing and mask-wearing, and maintain physical distancing and hospital capacity, as well as target interventions for high-risk populations such as long-term care facilities and indoors, including close proximity workplace operations, such as food processing and agricultural housing,” Inslee continued. “This is not the time to give up on efforts to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

“We are still in the middle of a pandemic that is continuing to infect and kill Washingtonians.”

Finally, the report Saturday included a new initiative named “Progress to Zero.” This program is designed for each county to see how cases have declined from the peak level of activity. However, the program varies considerably across the state according to the release.

This story was originally published June 13, 2020 at 12:56 PM.