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…
Biden aims to vaccinate 70% of American adults by July 4
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden set a new vaccination goal to deliver at least one shot to 70% of adult Americans by July Fourth as he tackles the vexing problem of winning over the "doubters" and those unmot…
Montana tribe gifts vaccines to neighbors across the border
BABB, Mont. (AP) — On a cloudy spring day, hundreds lined up in their cars on the Canadian side of the border crossing that separates Alberta and Montana.
Inslee decides on a two-week pause on phase changes for counties
Grant County will not move down to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 recovery plan this week.
Grant County awaits decision on possible rollback
EPHRATA — While increasing numbers statewide sign petitions to recall Gov. Jay Inslee, it appeared likely on Monday that Grant County will be moved back to Phase 2 of the state’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
FDA expected to OK Pfizer vaccine for teens within week
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for youngsters ages 12 to 15 by next week, according to a federal official and a person familiar with the p…
Attention travelers! EU proposes reopening external borders
BRUSSELS (AP) — In an announcement sure to be welcomed by travelers worldwide, EU officials on Monday proposed easing restrictions on visiting the 27-nation bloc as vaccination campaigns across the continent gather…
Indoor events bring virus outbreak in Republic
REPUBLIC, Wash. (AP) — About 10% of the population of Republic, a small city in north-central Washington, has tested positive for COVID-19 in an outbreak traced to large indoor events last month at the local Frater…
Free rides and beer: Incentives are added to vaccine drive
Free beer, pot and doughnuts. Savings bonds. A chance to win an all-terrain vehicle. Places around the U.S. are offering incentives to try to energize the nati…
US to launch trade talks on COVID-19 vaccine distribution
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The U.S. top trade negotiator will begin talks with the World Trade Organization on ways to overcome intellectual property issues that are keeping critically needed COVID-19 vaccines from be…
State eyes guidelines for vaccinated people
OLYMPIA — Saying the state is facing a possible fourth wave in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Jay Inslee said his office is working on new guidelines that would allow people who have received the COVID-19 vacc…
Washington changes COVID-19 vaccine allocations
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington has seen a slowdown in demand for COVID-19 vaccines, leading the state on Thursday to adjust the way it is allocating supply to ensure more doses are being sent to areas where deman…
Disneyland opening highlights California's COVID turnaround
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Four months ago, America's most populous state was struggling to combat a surge in coronavirus hospitalizations that packed patients into outdoor tents and killed hundreds of people each day.
Counties face possible rollback to Phase 2
OLYMPIA — Concern over rising COVID-19 cases in Washington could mean a number of counties — including Grant County — could find themselves set back to Phase 2 in an attempt to limit the spread of the disease.
Despite odds, city of Moses Lake’s finances improved through COVID-19
“We should do a little dance, a little nice jig, because when COVID hit, we didn’t know what 2020 would end up looking like,” said Cindy Jensen, Moses Lake’s finance director.
India adds another 375K virus cases, tries to vaccinate more
NEW DELHI (AP) — India set another global record in new virus cases Thursday, with another 375,000 people infected, as the country gears up to open its vaccination rollout to all adults Saturday.