COVID-19 related deaths surpass 5,000 in Washington

On Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Health reported that deaths related to COVID-19 had surpassed 5,000 since the pandemic began.

To date, fatalities in the state total 5,012. Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement after the numbers were reported.

Inslee said, “As we recognize the loss of 5,000 Washingtonians to COVID-19, let us both mourn for the families who have lost loved ones and be thankful for the Washingtonians who have pitched in to prevent further passing. Each of these 5,000 lives were more than a number to us. Each represents the loss of a unique individual who has left an empty chair in the lives of family, friends and community.

“At the same time, it is fitting and proper to be thankful for the efforts of our citizens to fight COVID-19. Our residents have kept each other safe. If we had suffered the same death rate as other states, such as South Dakota, we would be mourning an 11,000 additional Washingtonians right now. Washingtonians do right by each other. We will continue to do all we can to help reduce infections, hospitalizations and deaths, so that more Washingtonians can emerge from this pandemic to enjoy healthy lives.”

Health officials said that new data appears to show that deaths, infections and hospitalizations are decreasing. Although the number of vaccines is increasing, providing optimism, officials said it is not the time to let down our guard.

For information on the number of cases, hospitalizations, deaths and vaccinations by county, click here.

Cox Media Group