COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
Health officials slightly optimistic about progress
OLYMPIA — Washington state health officials are guardedly optimistic about the progress being made against the C...
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.
Othello mayor rescinds emergency power proclamation
OTHELLO — Othello Mayor Shawn Logan rescinded on Monday a declaration of civil emergency signed in March 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, as it was no longer needed, and he never used the power it gave ...
Othello site for medical student research into pandemic impact
Kirsten Myers said the early coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t really cover what was going on outside large cities.
Amazon launches employee vaccinations in Washington state
SEATTLE (AP) — Amazon has started to vaccinate thousands of its warehouse and delivery workers, contractors and their families in Washington state and plans to host more vaccination clinics to inoculate its emplo...
Start out small when you’re ready to return to exercise
The weather is warming up, and it’s tempting to get out there and get a little exercise.
Washington state judge blocks some virus rules on farms
RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) — A Washington state judge has blocked some coronavirus-related restrictions on farms and orchards meant to protect farmworkers.
In fight against virus, Biden looks for path back to normal
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden spent his first 100 days in office encouraging Americans to mask up and stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. His task for the next 100 days will be to lay out the path b...
Johnson & Johnson vaccines will resume in Washington state
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee said Saturday inoculations with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can begin in Washington state following a review by scientific experts in a western states work group.
Help Wanted: In pandemic, worry about finding summer workers
BOSTON (AP) — The owner of seafood restaurants on Cape Cod has eliminated lunch service and delayed the opening of some locations because his summertime influx of foreign workers hasn't arrived yet.
Harris to tell UN body it's time to prep for next pandemic
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris will make the case before United Nations members on Monday that now is the time for global leaders to begin putting the serious work into how they will respond to th...
Gov. Inslee: WA has entered 4th surge of COVID-19
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday that Washington state has entered its fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 hospitalizations tumble among US senior citizens
WASHINGTON (AP) — COVID-19 hospitalizations among older Americans have plunged more than 70% since the start of the year, and deaths among them appear to have tumbled as well, dramatic evidence the vaccination ca...