New DOH reports says coronavirus transmission increasing in Washington

WASHINGTON — A new report from the Department of Health said that coronavirus infections are increasing in Washington state, especially in some of the eastern counties.

The report released Saturday indicated a possible increase in western Washington as well, and 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.

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

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

There are also small increase in western Washington, possibly related to Memorial Day weekend.

“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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