Spokane County adds 13 new cases of COVID-19
Spokane County added 13 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the total number of cases to 615. Health officials confirmed another death Tuesday, bringing the total to 33.
Eight residents are receiving treatment in local hospitals for the respiratory virus.
In Spokane County, the virus is affecting residents of all ages, with people under the age of 40 accounting for 42% of the confirmed cases.
Statewide case counts have remained fairly steady, but other trends appear to be trending downward, which is encouraging, health officials said.
“Our hospitalizations have decreased and reached a plateau,” State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy told reporters Tuesday, noting that about 20 people statewide are still hospitalized every day with the virus.
“Our deaths have decreased as well and are hopefully flattening out,” she said.
So far, 1,129 Washington residents have died from COVID-19.
Twenty-six counties have been approved to move into Phase 2 of the governor’s reopening plan. On Wednesday, some counties will be eligible to apply for Phase 3.
As protests continued statewide and nationwide regarding police brutality against Black Americans, health officials encouraged people to keep their distance and not go to demonstrations if they are sick.
“We certainly encourage people to avoid crowds, and if for some reason they are making the choice to attend these protests, we encourage people to keep their distance,” State Secretary of Health John Wiesman said on Tuesday.
“Absolutely do not go to a protest if you are not feeling well. Please do stay home,” he continued. “And if they are going, participate wearing a face covering and being diligent about that and keeping hands clean with alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid touching nose, mouth and eyes.”
Wiesman said it’s risky for people older than 65 or with underlying health conditions to be in crowds. State health officials have not heard from local health districts of spikes in case counts due to large gatherings.