COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
Governor asks feds for medical staffing help; Samaritan sees severe challenges
Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake hadn’t heard of any help on Monday.
COVID-19 still looms large for Samaritan
Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, like those throughout the country, continues to provide care for patients with COVID-19.
Hospitals, health district deal with COVID-19 surge
MOSES LAKE — Regional hospitals are dealing with an influx of patients with COVID-19, according to information from Samaritan Healthcare of Moses Lake and Co...
Hospital deals with COVID-19 surge
Samaritan’s chief medical officer, Dr. Andrea Carter, will have a free Zoom discussion at 10 a.m. Friday for anyone.
Counts for COVID-19 continue
MOSES LAKE — The count of COVID-19 cases in the area continues, although the figures can differ depending where and when one looks.
State mandate extends to 4-H volunteers, drawing objections
OLYMPIA — The requirement that all 4-H volunteers be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18 has some legislators concerned about the future of the program.
DOH watches capacity as hospitalizations rise
The Washington State Department of Health said Wednesday it is watching hospital capacity across the state and addressing the need to stretch health care resources
Sip & Stroll rescheduled over safety concerns
MOSES LAKE — COVID-19 concerns have led to a decision to cancel this year’s Sip & Stroll event scheduled for Saturday.
Counting COVID-19 cases continues, can be tricky to tally
The count of the number of people in Grant and Adams counties who have COVID-19 continues even though reporting COVID-19 deaths can be difficult.
Employees in some organizations may face insurance surcharges
MOSES LAKE — An announcement Wednesday by Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines that it will charge a monthly surcharge for employees who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 may be a harbinger of things to come.
Protest in Othello opposes mandates
OTHELLO — About 75 people gathered in front of the Othello School District office Monday evening to protest an order from Gov. Jay Inslee requiring most scho...
Othello schools seek control over masks, vaccinations
OTHELLO — The Othello School Board voted Monday to send a letter to Gov. Jay Inslee asking him to restore local control to school districts and allow them to decide if masks and vaccinations should be required in...
COVID-19: Transmission rates ‘high’; Samaritan still has room, contingency plan
The COVID-19 transmission rate recently has prompted health officials to require people to take precautions, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, even if they’re vaccinated.
Vaccinations ordered: Protesters gather to challenge mask, vaccine mandates
MOSES LAKE — At a Wednesday mid-afternoon press conference, Gov. Jay Inslee announced all K-12 teachers, university instructors, and early learning teachers ...
Health district links more COVID-19 cases to festival
The Grant County Health District announced Tuesday there were 112 more cases of COVID-19 linked to the Watershed Musical Festival July 30-Aug. 1 in George, bringing the total to more than 230.