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 rolls out tool to determine eligibility for coronavirus vaccine
A broader rollout of a web tool that Washington residents can use to determine whether they are eligible for coronavirus vaccination under state guidelines will begin Wednesday after an initial pilot phase.
Dent, Warnick express concerns over Inslee plan; Dano, other locals comment in video
The governor’s proposed statewide reopening plan fails to effectively distinguish between rural and urban areas and still keeps too many businesses needlessly …
Vaccine rollout in Grant County sees delays
Only two-thirds of the expected shipment of coronavirus vaccine doses have arrived at Samaritan Healthcare since the rollout began in mid-December.
Mexico approves AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use Monday, hoping to spur a halting vaccination effort that has only given about 44,000 shots since the third week of Dec…
Coroner: Sheriff's deputy's death caused by COVID-19
A Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputy died from COVID-19, the GCSO said Monday in a statement.
Priest Rapids workers released from sequestration
Negative coronavirus tests meant employees at Priest Rapids Dam were released from sequestration after 15 days.
Fauci: Vaccinations are ramping up in a `glimmer of hope'
The U.S. ramped up COVID-19 vaccinations in the past few days after a slower-than-expected start, bringing the number of shots dispensed to about 4 million, government health officials said Sunday.
Taking a risk in the time of COVID-19
Light in the darkness. That’s how Jenna Hildebrand describes her little boutique, Love and Lumber, located deep inside the first floor of the Smith Martin Buil…
New Year's events limited as we say goodbye to 2020
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events are limited this year due to restrictions from COVID-19.
Inslee extends restaurant closure by one week
Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday extended to Jan. 11 his order closing restaurants and bars to indoor dining and limiting the size of indoor and outdoor social gat…
First details of COVID-19 relief for businesses, unemployed
For businesses in the Columbia Basin, struggling with the continuing effects of COVID-19 related restrictions and closures, help is on the way.
Grant will allow Boys & Girls Club to expand services
A $142,685 grant will give the Boys & Girls Clubs of The Columbia Basin the opportunity to help kids and their families working through some of the challenges …
Wahluke students scheduled to start returning to campus Jan. 5
If everything goes according to plan, Wahluke School District students in the primary grades will return for some in-person instruction beginning Jan. 5.
Grant County expenses lower than expected through November
Reductions in expenses, and some help from federal coronavirus relief funds, meant Grant County reached the end of November with more cash in its current expense fund than in the same period in 2019.
Ten more Grant County COVID-19 deaths announced
Grant County Health District officials announced Tuesday the deaths of 10 more people due coronavirus infection, bringing the total in the county to 83.