Fifth death, large increase in COVID-19 cases reported
MOSES LAKE/OTHELLO — The past week has seen a large increase in new cases of COVID-19 in both Grant and Adams counties. It also saw the fifth death in Grant County from the virus.
The latest death occurred at the Summer Wood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, in Moses Lake. The resident was a male in his 80s, according to the health district. It was initially reported June 1 that four employees and three residents of the facility in Moses Lake had tested positive for coronavirus, or COVID-19.
“Our hearts are with his family and friends. On behalf of Unified Command, our staff, Summer Wood staff, Grant County Health Officer, and Board of Health, we are so sorry for your loss,” the health district wrote in a statement. “Our most vulnerable community members — elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic conditions — are especially at risk and we must continue to take measures to protect them from this disease.”
From Monday, June 8, to Monday, June 15, 87 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Grant County, raising the number from 250 to 337 confirmed cases. Moses Lake saw the biggest increase, jumping from 63 cases on June 8 to 98 cases on June 15, making it the leader for the most number of cases. Quincy, which has been the leader since the start of the outbreak in Grant County, only added five new cases, bringing its total to 91 cases. The Mattawa area had the second highest increase this past week, adding 24 new cases, making a total of 81 confirmed cases.
Royal City increased from 12 cases to 19 cases over the past week. Warden had two new cases, bringing its total to eight confirmed cases. As of Monday evening, Ephrata had 25 total cases, up from 17 last week. Soap Lake added five new cases, bringing its total to nine cases. The rural Othello area in Grant County also added a case, bringing the total to four cases.
The Grand Coulee/Electric City area was the only area not to see an increase in the number of cases. Only two cases have been reported there.
Because of the number of new cases in Grant County, the health district doesn’t have accurate numbers for the number of tests pending, the number of negative tests or the number of probable cases. Currently five people are hospitalized. One hundred thirty people have recovered from COVID-19.
Of those that tested positive for COVID-19, 163 are male and 174 are female. Thirty-five are from ages newborn to 18 years old. In the 19- to 40-year-old age group, 123 have tested positive. Eighty-nine people in the 41- to 60-year-old range have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those 61- to 80 years old, 36 individuals have tested positive. Five people 80 years old and older have tested positive.
In Adams County, 15 new cases were reported from Monday, June 8, to Monday, June 15, bringing the county’s total to 101 confirmed cases. So far, the county has sent out 764 tests. Of those, 632 have come back negative. Seventeen tests are pending. Currently, no one is hospitalized or has died.
Othello has the highest number of cases, with 93 total cases, up from 79 last Monday. Lind and Ritzville have held steady the past two weeks with three and four cases, respectively. The first case in Washtucna was reported this past week. Of the confirmed cases in Adams County, 74 individuals have recovered.
On June 15, along with the daily COVID-19 update, the Grant County Health District asked individuals to “avoid large gatherings, including barbecues and parties,” continue to practice social distancing of six feet or more, wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer and wear masks in public.
“We must all do our part to protect those around us and limit the spread of COVID-19,” the health district wrote.
Emry Dinman contributed to this report.
Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at [email protected].