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…
Sheriff's Office: Poor social distancing may lead to Sand Dunes closure
MOSES LAKE - Following reports of visitors to the Moses Lake Sand Dunes not practicing social distancing, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office warned Monday that …
Coronavirus: 88 confirmed cases in Grant County, eight new cases
After a week of the rate of new cases decelerating, Sunday saw one of the largest single-day increases yet.
Night of lights: first responders converge to honor health care workers
MOSES LAKE — Lights flashing, over a dozen emergency vehicles from various first responder agencies converged at Samaritan Hospital at sunset Friday night, par…
State superintendent says schools may remain closed
OLYMPIA — State school superintendent Chris Reykdal said schools may remain closed for the rest of the school year in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Samaritan Healthcare projects revenue lower than projected
MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare officials expect gross patient revenue in March to be about $5 million less than budget projections. They also expect revenue to decrease even more in April and May. Gross patient …
One company’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to health care workers
MOSES LAKE — The folks at Assured Home Health wanted to show a little appreciation for nurses, physical therapists and other health care workers.
5 days later: Local family loses uncle to COVID-19
MOSES LAKE — He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a devout Christian, a member of a bowling league and a cancer survivor. He and his wife had just returned …
Three new Adams County cases, bringing total to 23
Adams County update 4/6/2020
Coronavirus: Moses Lake man dies, second Grant County death
GRANT COUNTY - A second Grant County resident sickened with the novel coronavirus has died, according to the Grant County Health District. This story is being …
Coronavirus: 77 confirmed cases, another person hospitalized
Second day in a row with only two additional cases reported
GTA reduces services due to pandemic
Grant Transit Authority will reduce services starting Monday out of concern for the health of the community, riders and employees, the organization announced Friday.
Inslee extends stay-at-home order until May 4
OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee announced late Thursday that he was extending his “stay-at-home” order until May 4.
Reactions to virus, shutdowns mix resolution, concern, frustration
MOSES LAKE — For some local people, the current restrictions on movement and business that are part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak are surreal. Other…
Samaritan COVID-19 preparation discussed
MOSES LAKE — A 24-hour hotline for people seeking information about COVID-19 symptoms, operated by Samaritan Healthcare, is getting enough traffic it had to be expanded to seven days a week. Director of Nursing Jan…
Soap Lake suspends late fees, shut-offs
SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake City Council voted on Wednesday to suspend imposing penalties or fees on late payments for water or sewer bills for the next six months.