New DOH report: Coronavirus transmission increasing in Washington

The Washington State Department of Health reports that coronavirus infections are increasing in the state, especially in some eastern counties.

The report, released Saturday, indicated a possible increase in western Washington following Memorial Day, and noted that transmission rates vary widely from county to county.

The DOH said the situation in eastern Washington is “of greatest concern,” especially in Benton, Franklin, Spokane and Yakima counties.

“By population, these counties are in a comparable position to King County at its peak in March,” the report found.

The report said that cases and deaths will increase substantially if coronavirus continues to spread at its current levels.

“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 Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer at DOH.

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