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…
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 school…
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 t…
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 wo…
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.
Wahluke School District students back in class Aug. 30
MATTAWA — After 18 months of remote instruction or part-time classes, Wahluke School District students return to the classroom full-time Aug. 30.
Grant County Health District, board issue plea to residents
The Grant County Health District and Grant County Board of Health on Thursday issued an impassioned plea to residents about the delta variant and “recent COVID-19 surge.”
Health officers urge wearing of masks
SEATTLE (AP) — Health officers throughout Washington have issued a joint statement recommending all residents wear facial coverings in indoor public settings where the vaccination status of other people is unknown.
Inslee orders state, health care workers to get vaccine
SEATTLE — Gov. Jay Inslee is ordering all state government employees and health care workers across Washington to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18 or risk losing their jobs.
Health district defers on masking guidance
Grant County Health District Officer Alexander Brzezney announced on Thursday the end of most mask mandates, after analyzing county data on COVID-19 incidence rates, according to a press release from the GCHD.