COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
Additional COVID-19 boosters recommended
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health has approved a second mRNA COVID-19 booster shot for people ...
State immunization rates decline
OLYMPIA — Immunization rates - for vaccines other than COVID-19 - for children and teens in Washington declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from the Washington Department of Health. Immuniz...
Samaritan Healthcare ends 2021 in the black
MOSES LAKE — The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to make themselves felt, including financially.
Emergency COVID-19 insurance orders extended into April
OLYMPIA– Two emergency orders issued relating to COVID-19 have been extended until April 28, according to a press release from the Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s Office.
Grant County revamps processes in wake of audit findings
EPHRATA — Grant County officials will introduce new procedures when awarding federal funding following a finding from the Washington Auditor’s Office that co...
WA Dept. of Health announces pandemic recovery plan
OLYMPIA - The pandemic is easing up and with it, the state is transitioning its focus onto other areas while entering a new phase of recovery, according to D...
USDA looks to issue food aid grants to school districts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for school districts to buy locally produced food under the Local Food for Scho...
Outdoor school could bridge COVID-19 learning gaps
OLYMPIA — Middle school-age students may have more learning opportunities outside of the classroom under legislation considered by the Senate on Monday. S...
Inslee to end mask mandate on March 12
Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Monday that Washington’s indoor mask mandate would end on March 12 rather than March 21, as previously announced. Washingtoni...
Students, supporters protest mask requirement at MLSD meeting
MOSES LAKE — Several students and their supporters were asked to leave after they refused to wear masks at last Thursday’s Moses Lake School District Board o...
Taking their lead from Canada
MOSES LAKE — Around 200 truck drivers, farmers, family members and others came from across Grant County — many in vehicles flying U.S. flags, Gadsden “Don’t ...
Inslee: Masks off on March 21
OLYMPIA — As COVID-19 infection rates continue to fall, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the state’s mask mandate for schools and public places will end on Mar...
Cancellations continue for ML school bus routes due to COVID-19
The Moses Lake School District canceled eight bus routes Monday morning in response to bus drivers and bus driver assistants who had COVID-19 or reported clo...
Off the road: MLSD forced to cancel bus routes due to COVID-19, seeks substitute drivers
The Moses Lake School District was forced to cancel 13 bus routes on Wednesday, 15 Thursday and another dozen on Friday after bus drivers and bus driver assi...
Inslee activates Washington National Guard due to omicron
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced during a Thursday afternoon press conference he is activating 100 Washington National Guard troops to help in hospitals ...