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…
Some construction activities allowed to resume
OLYMPIA — Some construction activities will be allowed to restart under conditions of a revised order issued by Gov. Jay Inslee on April 24. Inslee said during…
With small businesses hurt by pandemic closures, Columbia Basin Herald offers grant program
It isn’t easy for a small business to serve customers and pay the bills even in a strong economy. But now small businesses across the Columbia Basin are hammer…
Around a hundred gather in Moses Lake to protest ban
MOSES LAKE — Around 100 people from across the region gathered under overcast skies at Blue Heron Park Saturday morning to protest Washington state’s ban on fi…
One new case of COVID-19 in Grant County
MOSES LAKE - Another Quincy resident has tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total of confirmed cases in the county to 158. So far, 60 individuals with confirmed cases have recovered. Eight individuals are h…
Two new COVID-19 cases in Grant County
MOSES LAKE/OTHELLO — Two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in Grant County on Saturday, bringing the county’s total to 157 cases. The new cases wer…
Coronavirus: Mattawa man sickened with coronavirus dies
A Mattawa man in his 50s died in his home today due to complications from COVID-19, according to the Grant County Health District.
Grant County elected leaders urge governor to begin opening small businesses
In a letter sent Thursday, the Grant County Commissioners, Sheriff and Prosecutor implored the governor to reconsider his moratorium on the construction of sin…
Washington economy could shrink drastically in coming months
MOSES LAKE — Washington state’s economy could be poised to shrink by around 25 percent in the second quarter of 2020, according to a presentation by the Washington State Economic Revenue Forecast Council.
High school graduation requirements can be waived on individual basis
MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board on Thursday approved the district’s request to be able to waive high school graduation requirements on a student-by-st…
Pharmacy to offer additional COVID-19 testing
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake pharmacy offered its first tests for the COVID-19 antibody April 23.
State health official says contact tracing will be key
OLYMPIA — The ability to track whom newly symptomatic coronavirus patients may have infected will be a key part of allowing the state to reopen, according to Gov. Jay Inslee and top public health officials.
Coronavirus: Four new cases reported Thursday
There were 155 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Grant County as of Thursday evening, with two new cases in Royal City and one new case each in Moses…
Coronavirus: Four new cases in Grant County reported Wednesday
GRANT COUNTY - There were 151 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Grant County as of Wednesday evening, with one new case reported each in Ephrata, Mos…
State frees hundreds of prisoners, including some from Grant, Adams counties
Hundreds of inmates have been released from state prisons in recent days in response to a state Supreme Court order to protect the health of the incarcerated during the coronavirus outbreak.
Businesses need to keep tight control of expenses
MOSES LAKE — Small-business people need to keep careful track of their money and communicate regularly with their creditors if they’re going to survive the economic disaster caused by COVID-19-related shutdowns.