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…
As pandemic wanes, health officials prepare to protect health of migrant farmworkers
GRANT COUNTY — As Grant County readies itself to begin reopening its economy, health officials continue to work with businesses and industries to ensure that w…
Grant County approved for variance to enter Phase 2
OLYMPIA — Washington Department of Health officials have approved a request from Grant County to move to the second phase of the reopening plan announced by Gov. Jay Inslee May 1.
Two new COVID-19 cases reported in Adams County
OTHELLO - Two new cases of COVID-19 in Othello brought the Adams County total up to 54 confirmed cases on Friday, May 22.
Adams County to move on to Phase 2
OTHELLO - The Adams County Health Department has received word from John Wiesman, Washington State Secretary of Health, on Friday, May 22, that Adams County has approval to move to Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s reop…
Grant County variance request to be submitted Friday
EPHRATA — An application for a variance to move into the second phase of reopening businesses and removing restrictions on movement is expected to be on its wa…
Adams County applies for a Phase 2 variance
RITZVILLE - On Thursday, May 21, the Adams County Commissioners announced that they have completed the application for a variance to open to Phase 2, according to a press release from the Office of the Adams County…
GC commissioners to apply for variance to enter Phase 2
CAMP MURRAY — Grant County is eligible to apply for a Phase 2 variance, according to a late Thursday press release from the Washington Joint Information Center…
PPP loan forgiveness applications now available
MOSES LAKE — Business owners who have applied for and have received a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) can also now apply to have that loan forgiven.
USDA makes aid available to farmers hit by price drops
MOSES LAKE — Farmers who have seen their crop prices fall by at least 5 percent from January through April are now eligible to apply for federal assistance under a special program enacted as part of the Coronavirus…
Coronavirus: Three new cases reported Thursday
GRANT COUNTY — There were three new cases of the novel coronavirus reported in Grant County on Thursday, with new cases in the Quincy area and the Mattawa area…
New COVID-19 case in Adams County reported
OTHELLO — Adams County had another confirmed case of COVID-19 reported on Thursday, May 21. The new case brings the county up to 52 total confirmed cases. Of those cases, 50 patients have recovered.
Health district: Low COVID-19 numbers not the only requirement
GRANT COUNTY — Though Grant County may be near a point of satisfying the state on the number of recent positive cases of COVID-19, Grant County Health District cautions that more steps will be necessary before begi…
Millions in federal COVID-19 aid en route, but how to use it?
EPHRATA — The city of Ephrata is set to receive about $245,400 in federal money to assist in the city’s COVID-19 response as part of the giant, $2.2 trillion c…
When Grant County qualifies, commissioners want to be ready
EPHRATA — As of Wednesday, Grant County doesn’t qualify for a variance that would allow portions of the economy to restart. But county officials are working on…
Coronavirus: One new case reported Wednesday
GRANT COUNTY - There was one new case of the novel coronavirus reported in Grant County Wednesday, a Mattawa-area man between the ages of 41 and 60, according …