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…
In-person graduation to return to Royal, Othello and Wahluke high schools
ROYAL CITY — It won’t be exactly according to tradition, but the class of 2021 at Royal High School, Othello High School and Wahluke High School will get an in-person graduation ceremony.
Some ag groups upset with Inslee over farm worker rules
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Some top agriculture groups are upset with Washington Gov. Inslee because farm workers were not covered in last week's announcement that fully vaccinated employees do not have to wear a mask o…
Moderna says its COVID-19 shot works in kids as young as 12
Moderna said Tuesday its COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects kids as young as 12, a step that could put the shot on track to become the second option for that age group in the U.S. With global vaccine supplies stil…
Federal vaccine doses not included in Washington state count
SEATTLE (AP) — Thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations from two federal health care providers have not been counted in official Washington state vaccination statistics, complicating the state's pandemic response, offici…
Amtrak restores service on routes following COVID cutbacks
SEATTLE (AP) — In another hopeful sign that the travel industry is bouncing back in Washington state after pandemic-induced lows last year, Amtrak says it will restore daily service on 12 long distance routes acros…
US warns against all travel to Japan as Olympics loom
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials and the State Department on Monday warned Americans against travel to Japan because of a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, which is preparing to host the Olympics in…
State sends relief to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Commerce said Thursday it has awarded $234 million in the fourth round of Working Washington relief and recovery grants.
State accepting COVID-19 recovery grant applications from veterans organizations
OLYMPIA — The state Department of Commerce and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs are accepting applications for a total of $1.75 in COVID-19 recovery grants for local non-profit veterans service o…
CDC ramps up research on variant from India
Federal Health officials are ramping up their surveillance of the highly transmissible COVID-19 variant first identified in India as experts warn that under-vaccinated areas in the U.S. could become hot spots for t…
Broadband benefit program aids households
Households struggling to afford internet service during the coronavirus pandemic may be eligible for a $50 discount on internet service through the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a program of the Federal Communicatio…
State replacing some mass vaccination sites with mobile clinics
OLYMPIA — Two of the four state-run mass vaccination sites will close at the end of the month, as the Washington Department of Health shifts its focus to mobile vaccine clinics.
Washington state's largest county says keep the masks on
SEATTLE (AP) — Despite recent guidance from federal and state officials, the top health official in Washington's most populous county urged people Thursday to keep wearing face masks in public, indoor settings.
GCHD aims to educate on vaccines: Locals’ hesistancy runs relatively high
In March, the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found 21% of Washingtonians are hesitant toward getting the vaccine.
State to release new masking guidelines for businesses, workplaces
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Health will issue additional guidance by the end of the week for businesses and workplaces on wearing masks.
Housing money to filter down to Grant County
The Housing Authority of Grant County will get a boost through federal funding and the American Rescue plan, an economic stimulus bill signed by President Joe Biden on May 11.