COVID-19 NEWS
Keep up with all the fast-moving novel coronavirus news, particularly as it impacts the Columbia Basin.
Sign company adjusts to meet changing needs during pandemic, and to help
MOSES LAKE — Printed stickers on floors and “masks required” signs have become common sights since the coronavir...
Wahluke School District delays return to campus
Wahluke School District has put off on-campus instruction until January.
Othello schools cope with quarantines
During an Othello School District board meeting Nov. 23, it was reported that on Nov. 20, 30 teachers and 42 classified staffers were quarantined.
GCHD announces four more COVID-19 deaths
The Grant County Health District Wednesday announced the deaths of four more residents as a result of COVID-19.
First details on new round of business grants
OLYMPIA — Small businesses seeking help to defray costs incurred because of the most recent round of COVID-19-related restrictions and closures can apply for state aid next week.
Outbreak in Moses Lake nursing home grows to 80 cases
An additional 19 staff members at a Moses Lake nursing home have tested positive for the coronavirus since an outbreak was reported Friday, a spokesperson wrote in an email Tuesday.
Care centers, shelters may be eligible for federal food aid
Qualifying child care centers, emergency shelters, and adult care centers in Washington state are encouraged to participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, which reimburses some costs associated...
Wahluke School District revises plan
MATTAWA — Wahluke School District officials have decided to delay the start of on-campus instruction at least until January.
Grant, Adams counties COVID-19 numbers rising quickly
In the past month, COVID-19 cases have almost doubled in Grant County and risen by almost 400 cases in Adams County.
Othello School District scrambles with more of staff in quarantine
In the Othello School District, the number of staffers unavailable to be at work rose last week.
Moses Lake Food Bank distributes Thanksgiving baskets
MOSES LAKE — Even in the midst of a pandemic, Thanksgiving 2020 is approaching, and some people need a little help getting a Thanksgiving dinner.
Seven COVID-19 cases linked to 300-person wedding
COLUMBIA BASIN — As of Tuesday, seven cases of the coronavirus in Adams County were linked to the Nov. 7 Ritzville-area wedding reported to have had around 300 attendees, according to health officials.
Senior project-turned-fundraiser trots into its 10th year
On a cold November morning, Kelsie Eddie stood in the parking lot of a local church wearing a splay-eyed turkey hat she bought from Amazon, jumping up to han...
Samaritan offers drive-through coronavirus testing
MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare is offering drive-through COVID-19 tests, a service that began Monday.
Local businesses uncertain as Inslee announces more aid
When COVID-19 hit, Bruce Russell said Papa’s Casino, Ten Pin Tap House and Ten Pin Inn & Suites were having a record year.
Schools keep going despite COVID-19
With Gov. Jay Inslee imposing a wave of new restrictions on social and commercial activity statewide in response to the rapid rise in new COVID-19 cases, there is one place the governor did not include in this la...