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…
Inslee sketches outlook for reopening
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee said that state officials are looking at ways to begin loosening restrictions imposed by the state as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, but he warned that the process could be slow and ma…
Some may be avoiding COVID-19 tests
ADAMS COUNTY — Not everyone who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus is allowing themselves to be tested, according to information received anecdotally by a health official in Adams County.
Stimulus checks bring mixed reactions among residents
MOSES LAKE — The U.S. government began sending out economic impact checks electronically last week to assist families and individuals dealing with financial st…
Coronavirus: Four new cases reported in Grant County Tuesday
Four new cases reported Tuesday, including three in Royal City and one in the Mattawa area.
Book ’em: Grant County deputies offering book readings for kids stuck at home
MOSES LAKE — It’s not every day children get to hear “Goodnight, Moon” being read by a sheriff’s deputy with a trained K-9 named Chewbacca on the table beside …
No new COVID-19 cases in Grant County
GRANT COUNTY — There were 143 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Grant County as of Monday evening, with the Grant County Health District reporting no new cases of COVID-19 in Grant County since Sunday.
Ephrata to open BOLD day programs early
EPHRATA — With the closure of schools for the rest of the school year, the Ephrata Parks and Recreation Department is going to open the city’s summer children’s program in May instead of June.
Grant County Jail less crowded, though for different reasons than state prisons
GRANT COUNTY — While the public turns its attention to state prisons, where over 1,000 inmates are being released to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the often overcrowded Grant County Jail has also become a lot less…
Coronavirus: Zero new cases reported for first time since mid-March
Zero new cases reported for the first time since March 18
Hundreds urge governor to let them go back to work, school and church
OLYMPIA — Hundreds of protesters assembled at the capitol in Olympia on Saturday to protest Gov. Jay Inslee’s “stay home, stay healthy” order.
Adams County seeks donations for business grants program
RITZVILLE — Adams County aims to raise at least $75,000 to help small businesses across the county that are closed or forced to reduce operations because of the statewide closures ordered as a result of the COVID-1…
Lawmakers push Inslee to allow private construction
EPHRATA — A number of local political leaders and owners of construction companies are asking Gov. Jay Inslee to alter his “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” closure or…
Fairchild Cinemas distribute more than 1,700 bags of popcorn in Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Cars snaked through the movie theater parking lot and out down the street as local folks were treated to a buttery gift on Saturday afternoon. Fai…
Newhouse: Congress seeks more money for small-business loans
YAKIMA — Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Yakima, said Congress is working on authorizing more money for a program aimed at helping shuttered small businesses stay afloat …
Confluence Health announces pay cuts in wake of pandemic
WENATCHEE — Confluence Health’s chief executive officer, Peter Rutherford, took a 25 percent temporary reduction in pay, effective March 23 — one of a series of temporary cuts for the organization’s senior manageme…