COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
COVID-19 update
RITZVILLE — Adams County Health Department administrators have reported another death related to COVID-19, raising…
Washington state of emergency ends today
OLYMPIA — The state of emergency declared by Gov. Jay Inslee to fight the COVID–19 pandemic ends today at midnight. Inslee imposed the state of emergency in March 2020. A Washington Department of Health order mand…
Quincy mayor terminates COVID-19 emergency order
QUINCY — Quincy Mayor Paul Worley has terminated an order dating from 2020 declaring a civil emergency. Worley issued the termination proclamation May 16, and a resolution approving Worley’s action was approved by …
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. Immunizat…
Additional COVID-19 boosters recommended
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health has approved a second mRNA COVID-19 booster shot for people over 50 and some immunocompromised individuals,…
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 coun…
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 Dep…
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 School…
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. Sen…
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. Washingtonian…
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 of …
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 tr…
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 March…